Land Rover has finally whipped the covers off its new Range Rover Evoque, with the second-generation version of the compact SUV scheduled to arrive in South Africa in early 2019.
Described by the Whitley-based brand as a “sophisticated evolution of the original”, the new Evoque (seemingly offered in five-door form only) boasts both a spruced up design and a raft of fresh tech.
The latter includes what the brand calls the “ClearSight” rear-view mirror system. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the vehicle displays what is behind the vehicle in high definition.
In addition, the new Range Rover Evoque will be available with “Ground View” technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle (see image below).
Exterior alterations include the introduction of “jewel-like elements” such as the slim Matrix LED headlamps and a new rear lighting signature. Flush door handles (as used by the Velar) are also included, while “swiping” indicators are available, too.
Inside, Land Rover says the “minimalist” cabin features textiles fashioned from recycled plastics as well as various alternatives to leather. You’ll also notice the twin-touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system, which the automaker says boasts “faster software”.
While the new model’s footprint is virtually identical to that of the original, the second-generation model is in fact built on Land Rover’s latest mixed-material Premium Transverse Architecture. The firm says a longer wheelbase yields some 20 mm extra rear kneeroom and an increase in small item stowage. Luggage space, meanwhile, has grown 10 percent to a claimed 591 litres, increasing to 1 383 litres with the second-row folded down.
Land Rover says the new architecture has been developed for electrification, adding that a 48-volt mild-hybrid model will be offered at launch, before a plug-in hybrid derivative joins the range a year or so later (local engine specs have yet to be announced).
Interestingly, the entire range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be offered in mild-hybrid flavour, as long as an automatic transmission is specified. A three-cylinder petrol Ingenium engine is also on the cards for 2019.
The new Evoque will furthermore be available with Land Rover’s all-wheel-drive system with “Terrain Response 2”. Land Rover also says the SUV can now wade through water up to 600 mm, an improvement of 100 mm.
