The Range Rover Evoque has been updated with a fresh design, enhanced technologies, and a refined hybrid powertrain with more electric driving range.
Additionally, the Evoque can now be had in Autobiography trim alongside the standard S, Dynamic SE, and Dynamic HSE specifications, bringing “the pinnacle of Range Rover luxury in a compact SUV,” the automaker said.
The Range Rover is now available to spec and order through the company’s configurator and it’s available from a starting price of R1,258,100.
What’s new
Visual tweaks on the facelifted Evoque consist of a new grille, a choice of eight alloy wheel designs in five finishes ranging up to 21 inches in diameter, and redesigned Pixel LED headlights on the Dynamic HSE and Autobiography with three times as many LEDs as before.
These clusters provide Dynamic Bend Lighting that illuminates dark corners and verges at night using speed and steering data, as well as an Adaptive Driving Beam that casts a wide beam at low speeds and a more intense, longer beam above 70km/h.
Furthermore, a bigger selection of exterior paint and accent colours are offered with Arroios Grey, Corinthian Bronze, and Tribeca Blue added to the palette, and the contrasting roof can now be had in Corinthian Bronze or Narvik Black.
Moving into the cabin, updates encompass a simplified centre console design underscoring a new 11.4-inch, curved-glass infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air software updates, Amazon Alexa support, and a revised interface that puts frequently-used applications such as climate, seating, and audio volume in closer reach of the driver.
It is also Wi-Fi enabled and comes with a data plan allowing occupants full access to a range of online apps such as Spotify and Deezer, as well as Remote App support which lets owners check vehicle status, remotely lock/unlock the doors, condition the cabin, and schedule charging for plug-in-hybrid models via a smartphone.
Leather-free textile options are now available, too, and elements including the steering wheel, centre console, and aircon vents are finished in Moonlight Chrome and paired either with Technical Light Anodised or Dark Anodised Aluminium highlights, whereas the flagship Autobiography gets Shadow Grey Ash veneers.
Under the skin, the Range Rover’s powertrain line-up remained largely untouched except for the top-of-the-line P300e plug-in hybrid.
This setup now benefits from an 80kW electric motor hooked up to a 14.9kWh battery with new chemistry which increases the electric-only driving range to 62km, up from 55km. When depleted, the battery can be charged up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes on a 50kW rapid DC charger and in two hours on a 7kW AC home plug.
In total, the electrified Evoque produces 227kW and rockets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds while combined fuel consumption remains a low 2.0l/100km.
There is also a range of four-wheel drive, mild-hybrid powertrains available that all feature a 48-volt belt-integrated stater generator which is deployed during acceleration for a smoother response as well as for fuel savings in start-stop traffic.
The Terrain Response 2 drive mode system is then accessible through the central display and brings settings for Automatic, Comfort, Dynamic, Eco, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud/Ruts, and Sand, which each alters the calibration of the engine, transmission, all-wheel-drive system, suspension, and stability control for optimum traction and composure.
Buyers can further get the Adaptive Dynamics active dampers that ensure suspension stiffness is optimised for the current driving conditions, thereby improving ride comfort and handling.
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