2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover hasn't exactly been eager to update the look of its entry-level Range Rover Evoque model, but we'd argue there's no need: now in its seventh model year, this sleek, upscale crossover still casts one of the most interesting shadows of any utility vehicle at any price point.

And this British brand is leaving well enough alone for 2018, choosing instead to update what's under the Evoque's hood. This year brings a new Ingenium 2.0L turbocharged engine that looks similar on paper to the Ford-sourced motor it replaces, but Land Rover says the one is one of the most advanced powerplants in its history.

Notably, it comes in two states of tune to expand the Evoque's performance envelope. In base form, the engine makes 237 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, while higher trims get a version good for 286 hp and 295 lb-ft, output that allows Land Rover to claim a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6.3 seconds.

Land Rover says the new engine also promises lower fuel consumption, estimated at 10.7/8.1 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 237-hp version and 11.2/8.1 for the uprated motor. The outgoing engine's ratings were 11.3/8.0.

Both engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and, because a Land Rover wouldn't be a Land Rover without it, AWD.

As before, Evoque comes as a five-door hardtop and a two-door convertible body style that lets Land Rover dealers offer shoppers a rare combination of mild off-road ability and open-air motoring.

Either way, this baby Range Rover is more interesting to look at than competitors like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, though its rakish roofline sacrifices some interior utility.

Five-door trim levels are SE, HSE and Autobiography, and the convertible comes in SE and HSE variants.

Base kit includes 18-inch wheels, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking aids, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and a 380-watt sound system.

Five-door models with the stronger engine get an exterior styling package that includes different bumpers front and rear, black grille finish and 20-inch wheels. Inside, all Evoque models get front seats with four-way lumbar adjustment, and there's a new 12-way powered front seat option.

Adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring are new stand-alone extras, and HSE and HSE Luxury trims come with auto-dimming side mirrors.