Ticket to Ride with the Range Rover Evoque

ROAD TEST

It’s the hottest property to come out of Liverpool since the Fab 4 – and for fans of the newly updated Range Rover Evoque it’s a real Ticket to Ride.

The Evoque is the fastest selling Land Rover model ever, but its maker wasn’t prepared to merely let things be.

Upshot is a subtle but smart new look plus the recent arrival of an engine that makes it the most economical Land Rover yet.

That’s the company’s new four-cylinder Ingenium powerplant, which delivers 150bhp yet can return fuel economy of up to 68mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 109g/km.

And a combination of the best residual values in its area of the market plus extended service intervals of 21,000 miles, make for lower running costs estimated at saving owners around £3,700 over three years.

Design changes include a new front bumper, two new grille designs, all-LED headlamps and three new alloy wheel types, while the cabin heralds new seats, an infotainment system accessed via an eight-inch touchscreen plus fresh colours and materials like Lunar Ice, Vintage Tan and Dark Cherry.

Beneath the bonnet is now the all-aluminium Ingenium diesel unit, which is appreciably lighter than its predecessor, available in two power outputs.

The tested Evoque eD4 2WD variant develops 150bhp while the more potent 180bhp version is slightly less frugal, returning 59mpg with 125g/km emissions.

Also up for grabs is Land Rover’s existing 240bhp Si4 petrol engine, which can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 135mph. Fuel economy is well down at 36mpg and emissions are 181g/km.

No surprise then that diesels take the lion’s share of sales, but the Ingenium is not only a lot more efficient than its predecessor but is a treat to drive too.

Progress feels effortless from what’s both a quiet and sweet unit and while it’s the three-door coupe version that boasts the 68mpg, the more practical five-door isn’t far off at a Combined 65.7.

The 2WD models, which don’t come with the brand’s sophisticated Terrain Response technology, have also been designated as ‘E-Capability’ variants with a blue Evoque badge on the tailgate displaying their eco credentials.

Convenient new technologies include a hands-free function that lets owners automatically open and close the tailgate by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper.

Also standard are the likes of Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, heated eight way adjustable front seats, powerfold door mirrors, automatic headlamps, rain sensing wipers and auto climate control.

Prices start at £30,600 for the 150bhp Evoque SE eD4 2WD manual model rising to £52,220 for the 180bhp TD4 Autobiography with 4WD.

The Range Rover Evoque Coupe starts at £32,600 for the eD4 SE Tech 2WD model.