What's all this about?
Range Rover is whipping the top off its Evoque to create the fifth model in the brand's portfolio: the Convertible.
Is there a need for an open-top Rangie?
Clearly, because otherwise Land Rover wouldn't make it. Based on the three-door version, the Evoque Convertible has a fabric hood that lowers in 18 seconds and raises in 21 seconds at speeds of up to 30mph. There's a layer of acoustic insulation incorporated in that soft-top, to try and make the vehicle civilised when not in full poseur mode. Two otherwise hidden roll-bars pop up in just 90 milliseconds in the event of a rollover accident, to protect the occupants.
Are we liking the way it looks?
Well, with the longest and widest fabric roof currently in production in place, the Evoque's not too convincing; although with it down the designers have done a good job ensuring that the hood folds flush to the car's body, leaving a flat shoulder-line in profile. Otherwise, it's basically just a three-door Evoque, so unless you're massively predisposed against it, there's little to fault. Although painting it lurid orange might invoke unfavourable comparisons with a skip...
I take it that the Evoque's practicality is affected as a result?
A little bit. There are two shaped chairs in the rear row, making the car a strict four-seater, and boot space stands at 251 litres. But it's supposed to be just as good off-road as it is wafting around on it.
Really?
Yup. It's fitted with the Terrain Response system, Wade Sensing and the new All-Terrain Progress Control, as well as four-wheel drive as standard on both launch models. It can also tow up to 1,500kg of braked trailer too.
Tell me more of the engine choices, then.
Whether you go for the TD4-badged Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel or the turbocharged 2.0 petrol in the Si4, you'll get the nine-speed automatic gearbox - this is a cruiser, after all, so no manual option is forthcoming. The TD4 has 180hp at 4,000rpm, 430Nm from just 1,750rpm and weighs in at a hefty 1,967kg. Thus, 0-62mph takes 10.3 seconds and top speed is 121mph, while combined economy is 49.6mpg and CO2 emissions are 149g/km. That's Band F for VED, equating to a flat £145 per annum.
And the petrol?
It's quicker and a tiny touch lighter too, but worse on the eco-stats nonetheless. The 1,936kg Si4 has 240hp at 5,800rpm and 340Nm, also coming on tap from 1,750rpm, propelling the Range Rover Evoque Convertible from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds and on to a 130mph top speed. Economy is 32.9mpg and 201g/km of CO2 emissions lands it way up in Band K for VED - so, £640 in year one and £290 annually thereafter. Ouch.
What sort of equipment do I get for my money?
Hold your breath, here: even a 'basic' Range Rover Evoque Convertible will cost you the best part of £50,000 before options. Each engine variant has two trim levels, leading to a four-model line-up. Entry point is the TD4 HSE Dynamic for £47,500, while for another £700 you can have the Si4 in the same spec (£48,200). Stepping up to HSE Dynamic Lux adds £4,200 to either model, so the TD4 is £51,700 and the Si4 is £52,400. Yikes.
Are they well-specified?
Yes, all Evoque Convertibles get the new 10.2-inch hi-res touchscreen InControl Touch Pro infotainment software, including a Land Rover premium sound system, and the HSE Dynamics come with leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, 20-inch wheels, a rear-view camera, a heated windscreen and Xenon headlamps, among more. The Lux adds in park assist, 360-degree Park Distance Control with a full surround camera, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry, a Meridian Surround Sound set-up, lane keeping assist with emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, a ski hatch in the rear, a wind deflector and auto headlights with high beam assist. Phew.
And when will I see these on the road?
Following its world debut at the LA Auto Show this month, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible will go on sale from spring 2016 in 170 global markets. It will be built here in the UK at Land Rover's Halewood plant near Liverpool.
Matt Robinson - 9 Nov 2015