When it was first introduced back in 2011, the Range Rover Evoque quickly became one of the most fashionable crossovers in the world, with sales numbers backing up its popularity.
In fact, in 2012 and 2013, the Evoque accounted for almost 36% of all Land Rover sales on a global level, and in Europe throughout 2017, it was still one of the best-sold SUVs in its class, displaying better numbers than the Land Rover Discovery Sport.
The brand is evolving
Unless you haven’t been paying attention these past few years, you probably noticed that Land Rover have been really focused on creating extremely modern-looking products, with high levels of available onboard technology. So where last decade’s SUVs (like the old Discovery, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport) were very boxy and utilitarian in their design, the newer ones look a lot more progressive, not to mention more elegant.
Nowhere else is that transition more evident than with the Velar. Now though, that very same design philosophy has been applied to the all-new Evoque, which keeps most of its original (yet contemporary) styling alive, while adding just the right amount of proper 21st century flair.
From afar, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking that the 2020 Evoque looks more like a comprehensive facelift than anything else when standing next to the first-gen model. But while its overall shape is pretty much identical, everything else has been streamlined for a cleaner look, from the headlights to the grille, spoilers, taillights, wheel arches and even the door handles.
The new Evoque looks like the type of car you would expect to see in one of those realism based near-future sci-fi movies, and don’t think for a second that it wasn’t the plan all along. Besides, it’s a direction Land Rover has already embraced as a car brand, for both styling as well as future tech/R&D purposes.
Now, could you make an argument that the old Evoque looked perhaps a little more rugged? Maybe, but it’s not like people would form lines to pick the first-gen model over the all-new one.
A more rewarding environment
On the off-chance you would even consider picking the older Evoque, know that you would be giving up on enjoying a proper digital gauge cluster, a widescreen infotainment display, plus a second touchscreen display for your climate controls – just like on the Velar.
You would also give up on a little extra rear knee room, as well the 10% increase in luggage space. The old Evoque was far from practical, so these types of improvements are most welcome.
Yet, perhaps its most impressive feature is the Ground View system, which basically makes the hood invisible, allowing you to have a 180-degree view of what’s underneath the front end. The fact that this type of system is available on what is technically a sub-compact crossover, is quite remarkable.
But what do you think? Has Land Rover done enough for the Evoque brand so as to keep it going strong well into the upcoming decade?
