Test Car Specifications
Model tested: Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE DynamicLUX
Price: £51,700 as tested; range starts at £47,500
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: all-wheel drive, nine-speed automatic transmission
Body style: two-door, four-seat convertible
CO2 emissions: 149g/km (Band F, £145 per year)
Combined economy: 49.6mpg
Top speed: 121mph
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Power: 180hp at 4,000rpm
Torque 430Nm at 1,750rpm
What's this?
The Evoque Convertible is the third body style to be introduced to the smaller Range Rover line-up, but with prices starting at £47,500 it is very much the halo model the company claims it to be. It will be offered in the generous HSE Dynamic specification and if you're willing to increase your spend to £51,700 you can have the HSE Dynamic Lux version. Buyers will be able to choose from either petrol or diesel engines, though it is the latter that is likely to account for almost all sales. Four-wheel drive is standard across the range.
How does it drive?
Any concerns as to a potential loss of chassis rigidity are dashed thanks to the generous amounts of extra bracing added by Land Rover's engineers. In fact, around 250kg has been added to the overall weight, consisting of boron steel strengthened A-pillar bases and cross members. Pulling all that along is the latest 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine that produces 180hp. Drive is sent via the familiar nine-speed automatic to all four wheels ensuring plenty of traction in a variety of conditions.
In a bid to further improve efficiency there is an optional Active Driveline transmission system for the TD4 diesel models, which, at speeds above 22mph, is capable of switching from four- to two-wheel drive, thus reducing both driveline friction and fuel consumption. Even without that the Ingenium diesel engine is not too shabby when it comes to fuel economy, Land Rover quoting a combined figure of 49.6mpg, though the CO2 output of 149g/km makes it less tax-friendly than many other diesel-powered SUVs.
All that translated onto the road results in a car that is well composed if a bit too firmly sprung, which becomes more evident on poorer surfaces. It's fine on the motorway. At higher speeds, with the roof down, the wind buffeting is low enough to still be able to easily hold a conversation inside. There is an optional wind defector that clips in over the rear seats, but even without this and just the four windows up you won't be blown about that much. Speaking of windows, one minor detail that is sure to annoy owners is the fact that the front window glass does not fully retract into the door, leaving a few millimetres exposed to bug your inner pedant. Nonetheless, you can raise the roof on the move at speeds up to 30mph and doing so takes just 21 seconds - three seconds longer than it takes to lower it. Impressively, with the roof in either position, there isn't much of a pronounced diesel engine sound from under the bonnet. The 251-litre boot isn't affected by the roof's position either, as it folds neatly away into its own storage area.
Many buyers will drive slowly in order to be seen in this car, but should you decide to hustle it along the Evoque Convertible performs admirably well. The nine-speed automatic does become hesitant with more vigorous throttle inputs if left in Drive, but Sport mode (or choosing to manually change gears via the wheel-mounted paddles) delivers a more rewarding drive. Thanks to that additional chassis support the soft-top Evoque remains flat and composed through corners. Its steering doesn't have the most connected sensation but it does allow you to accurately place the car right where you want it in a bend and facilitates minor adjustments. In summary, it's not as good to drive as the hard-top Evoques, but it's perfectly competent.
Verdict
Adding a convertible body style to the Evoque model range may seem ludicrous to Land Rover purists, but given the brand's burgeoning desirability it could wind up being a genius move. Dynamically it is a car that is far more capable than its exterior image would suggest. Knowing that it is unlikely to ever get stuck in everyday driving conditions will further bolster its appeal, especially in winter.
Exterior Design
Interior Ambience
Passenger Space
Luggage Space
Safety
Comfort
Driving Dynamics
Powertrain
