The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 41: Feb/March 2019 | Page 34

REVVED UP First look at the new Range Rover Evoque NEW EVOQUE The highly regarded original luxury compact SUV has, say the company, got even better and at first look they may well be right. Now more sophisticated by design, this car resembles more closely its bigger Range Rover sibling. For both the city and the country, the new Evoque in its various versions will offer the efficient, four-cylinder ‘Ingenium’ petrol and diesel engines plus a choice of hybrid-electric engines. As before, drive will be either two or four-wheel drive, depending upon need. The mild hybrid delivers lower CO² emissions and fuel economy from 50.4 mpg, we learn. An even more efficient plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) model and a three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine will also join the range in 2019. Every bit as capable as the Range Rover itself, the compact SUV combines all-terrain capability with all-weather assurance. The new car features all-wheel drive, as well as a second-generation ‘Active Driveline’ with Driveline Disconnect (at speeds below 11mph when the driver applies the brakes) to enhance fuel efficiency. Adaptive Dynamics deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility. Terrain Response 2, once only found on the full-size Range Rover, automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the set-up accordingly. Evoque can now wade through water up to 600mm deep. ON THE INSIDE This new model is a Range Rover at heart so the interior design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully selected materials to create a luxurious and surprisingly minimalist and very digital cabin. As is to be expected for The Evoque from Land Rover could be said to be the first SUV of its type to drag the mud-plugger of old into the modern world of mainstream motoring. It is one of the brand’s best sellers and deservedly so, but times move on and the new model Evoque has now made a first public appearance. a prestige vehicle the cabin is designed to ensure comfort for all occupants with the benefit of advanced technologies like a twin-touchscreen ‘Touch Pro Duo’ system, featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls and, interestingly, cabin air ionisation that complements the increased interior space. THE TECHNOLOGY Technology, as mentioned, is to the fore. The Evoque jumps into the digital age with a sector-first ‘ClearSight rear-view mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver simply flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. At a guess, it seems likely that this will swiftly end up as the default position. The screen provides a wider (50º) field of vision and superior visibility in low light. The latest Range Rover Evoque is also the first in the world to feature Ground View technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver an 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city centre kerbs or tackling rough terrain. This remarkable advance is a realisation of the ‘Transparent Bonnet’ technology first previewed by Land Rover in 2014, apparently. We’ll be driving this car at the first opportunity but buyers can inevitably expect a wait for the early deliveries. Written by Geoff Maxted www.drivewrite.co.uk Coate Couriers going the extra mile • Sameday delivery • Personal service • Secure dedicated vehicles Coate Couriers insured up to £50,000 • Goods fully going the extra mile (much higher than most independent couriers) • Offering you peace of mind Call us to discuss your requirements on 07981 004392 or 07941 573379 www.coatecouriers.co.uk 34 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2019 [email protected]