Range Rover Evoque's subtle refresh: Style over substance?

The Range Rover Evoque has undergone a subtle refresh, yet this might not be enough to prompt an immediate visit to the dealership. Despite its position as the smallest Range Rover, it still manages to hold its own, albeit without leading in sales numbers.

The Coventry-based team has introduced some modest stylistic tweaks, but it’s challenging to spot differences between the pre-and post-facelift versions at first glance. However, the Evoque retains its contemporary appeal. The redesigned grille aims to align its appearance more closely with its larger siblings, complemented by the addition of more sophisticated LED lights (each featuring four modules with 67 LEDs) that come at an extra cost.

Unfortunately, your neighbors might not even realize you've upgraded to the latest Evoque model unless they peek inside. Herein lies a downgrade – the interior feels "cheaper" and lacks the premium touch of its predecessors. The versatile dials that controlled the air conditioning and seat heating/cooling are gone, as is the separate air conditioning control display. Now, all commands are processed through an 11.4-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Credit is due, however, to the Pivi software, which impresses with both its visually appealing interface and smooth performance. The intention behind centralizing control functions to require just a few screen taps is understandable. Still, this system feels unnecessarily complex in the Evoque and even in the larger Range Rover Sport compared to systems with dials, like in the Defender.

This is perhaps the only notable downgrade. The rest of the Evoque’s features maintain their high standards. The interior materials, even when recycled, feel high-quality. The Meridian audio system delivers excellent sound and effectively manages noise insulation, contributing to the vehicle’s substantial minimum weight of 3960 lbs. The mandated speed alert systems can be easily disabled with a button press. However, not all design choices may appeal to everyone. The second row offers ample space, yet the small windows may feel restrictive to some. The high seat placement is a plus, enhancing comfort, although the seats could benefit from being slightly longer.

The Evoque's powertrain options are worthy of note, featuring a mix of Diesel and plug-in hybrid engines. Based on a three-cylinder petrol engine, the latter doesn't attract the highest praise. Nevertheless, the base Diesel engine represents an almost perfect balance, boasting 163 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. This enables the SUV to accelerate from zero to sixty in under 10 seconds. Further, including a mild-hybrid system improves start-up smoothness rather than adding power.

Given that earlier versions with double-charged diesel could consume up to 2.9 gallons of diesel fuel under city driving conditions, this more moderate consumption engine seems wise.

Despite its weight, the Evoque confidently navigates the road. The suspension manages the body effectively without abrupt rolls. Although damping is robust (aided partly by significant tire profiles), the steering system, more precise than some competitors like Volvo, tends to dull tactile feedback from the road.