2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Features & Specs ...

The 2014 Range Rover Evoque may not be as burly as its bigger brand-mates, but it’s every bit as sophisticated and stylish.

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Interior/Exterior

The Range Rover Evoque is the first of the coupe-like crossovers or SUVs to put those disparate design elements together in a way that works. Sexily fusing the sporty, elegant side of its design with a still-rugged aesthetic in the undertones, the Evoque is a stylish home run for Land Rover.
Even outside the world of the coupe-like crossover, the Evoque is perhaps the most enticing of all SUVs. It’s one of the only we’ve felt a connection with, and it’s certainly a pleasing mix of heritage Land Rover cues and modern, 21st-century technology. The nose hosts a bull-bar-style treatment that adds power to the Land Rover grille, even on the smaller frame. The silhouette looks almost like the chopped-and-channeled style popular with mid-century hot-rodders, giving a sense of motion and sport. Cutline details curve over the wheel arches for a powerful stance, and the sloping, angular roofline matches the glazing’s reverse-wedge profile for a new instant classic set of proportions, set off by the available contrasting roof colors.
The Evoque’s cabin is sleek, if not quite simple, with a range of cool metallic or warm wood trims available. Hints of the ultra-luxurious trappings of the full-sized Range Rover line can be found in the shapes and themes, with large, rounded gauges ahead of the driver and cut-corner rectangles framing the controls. In Dynamic models, bright colors liven up the trim options; Prestige versions find a mellower, earthier medium.
Beneath the layer of style and pop, there’s a sense of quality and care, a depth that says there’s substance as well as sizzle. Ambient LEDs turn up the details a notch, especially in Dynamic models, which flare to red lighting when sport mode is engaged.

2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Engine Performance

Under the hood lies a 240-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is a notable upgrade from the previous six-speed automatic, doing much to smooth out some of the coarseness in the turbo engine’s nature and improve gas mileage in the process. While never overwhelmingly powerful like the 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 in the full-sized Range Rover, the Evoque’s turbo four is peppy and punchy as soon as the turbo is spooled up.
Words like “car-like” tend to get used too often when talking about well-mannered crossovers, but in the Evoque’s case, it’s truly apt. Electric power steering makes for light and crisp maneuvers; independent suspension brings nimbleness and balance. With the Dynamic trim package, magnetic dampers offer even more ride quality and body control. Drive the new Evoque and you’ll realize it’s not just a new kind of Land Rover, but an entirely new kind of crossover.
Other new features for the 2014 model year include a new four-wheel drive system that disengages at speeds above 22 mph, reducing the load on the drivetrain for improved gas mileage. Should four-wheel-drive grip become needed, however, it can re-engage in just 300 milliseconds. A new torque-vectoring system is also fitted as standard, helping to reduce understeer in hard maneuvers.
But what happens when the pavement runs out? Does the Evoque truly deserve its Land Rover, let alone its Range Rover, appellations? It does, though perhaps not to the same degree. A reinforced, high-strength steel body wraps around the capable turbo four-cylinder powertrain and Land Rover’s four-mode Terrain Response system, with Haldex all-wheel-drive providing grip in Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, and Sand modes–all selected by a press of a button.
Short overhangs and a touch more ground clearance than found in the more rugged-looking Land Rover LR2 give the Evoque the geometric requirements for basic off-roading. In our time off-road with the three-door model, the overall system acquitted itself as well as any other compact crossover we’ve driven, whether using Hill Descent Control to creep down inclines or using the Terrain Response package to ease back up them, the Evoque can manage things you wouldn’t expect of such a civilized vehicle–just don’t expect it to be an expedition-capable adventure vehicle like the full-sized models from the brand.

See more 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque photos

That turbo-four engine rates 240 horsepower, and is well-suited to the Evoque’s size and nature. The turbocharged nature means plenty of torque, giving the Evoque a peppy, punchy feel. Since the Evoque is relatively small and light, it even manages to come off as nimble, too. The combination makes for a more car-like driving experience than you’ll find in the rest of the crossover-coupe world.
Also new for the 2014 model year is the Active Driveline system, with active differentials and torque vectoring, which is equipped standard in all models. The new system aims to reduce drag on the drivetrain by de-coupling the four-wheel-drive system automatically at speeds above 22 mph, then re-enabling it within 300 milliseconds whenever it’s needed. Active Torque Biasing and Torque Vectoring also aim to improve traction and distribution of torque to the optimal wheel in low-grip conditions or in performance driving scenarios.
Inside the Evoque, the cabin is compact but well-arranged, making the most of the available space. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, with a wide range of adjustment; the rear seats are a bit tighter, but still suitable for adults. In three-door models, entry to the rear seats can be a bit difficult, but the five-door version remedies that completely. Cargo space is not excessive, but given the Evoque’s exterior dimensions, it’s reasonable at 24 cubic feet, and the space itself is wide and easy to access.
For the 2014 model year, there are five variants of the five-door model, including the Pure ($41,995), Pure Plus ($44,995), Pure Premium ($49,595), Prestige ($56,295), and Dynamic ($57,195). The Evoque Coupe, or three-door, comes in three varieties: Pure Plus ($45,040); Pure Premium ($50,595); and Dynamic ($58,195).
Images Credit: Land Rover Cars

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