The Range Rover Evoque certainly turns heads wherever it goes, and it seems to be doing so for a whole new reason now. In the three months since we first saw the Evoque on our roads, it has been the shining example of the new generation of 4x4s. Now this trend-setting new release continues to be a talking point as it is set to become the first ever convertible Range Rover, workhorse game-viewing Land Rover vehicles on safari aside.
Whilst rumours abound as whether the car will go into production, the well-developed car seen recently on London’s roads adds credence to the murmurs that the Halewood plant in Merseyside is ready to start production of what parent company Jaguar Land Rover is already calling ‘the world’s first premium convertible sports utility vehicle’.
The amount of noise around the cabriolet is not just emanating from unofficial sources either. Land Rover design director, Gerry McGovern said: ‘The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. We have worked with the balance of the Evoque’s lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable’. It would seem that this is more than just a concept at this stage.
We can expect the soft-top Evoque to be powered by a 2.2 litre diesel engine, and be standard with a technological package including ‘terrain response’, adapting to different surfaces from sand to snow, surround cameras, park assist, and an 8-inch dual view touch screen and sound system from audio experts Meridian. Its stellar looks will be complemented with twenty-one inch Titan silver alloy wheels and metallic ‘Causeway Grey’ paint outside and a ‘lunar and ivory’ interior. Leather seats show off sportily-punched panels with contrast stitching in ivory. The retractable roof with roll-over protection is courtesy of the Jaguar XK and is stowed electrically with push-button simplicity.
Quoted whilst describing the new release as a cabriolet which ‘cleverly combines capability and versatility with a drop down tailgate and a comfortable four seat package’ a Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson added that ‘with Land Rover DNA at its heart…it retains key characteristics including a command driving position and all-terrain capability.’ With so much official comment it does seem likely that driving an Evoque with the top down will be a reality in Britain this summer.
Can’t wait for the convertible Evoque, then you can opt for the original Range Rover Evoque Coupe or Range Rover Evoque 5 Door.