GTspirit road test: Range Rover Evoque SD4 Dynamic

Inspired by the LRX concept shown at the 2008 North American International Auto Show, Land Rover’s first three-door crossover has been received as the SUV of the year 2011 by many critics. The Range Rover Evoque has shown that it is possible to create a new chapter in the history books of the British brand. Historically Land Rover has focused on vehicles that mix off-road characteristics with a touch of luxury and refined on-road capabilities. So will this smallest of Range Rovers ever be capable of the strengths its bigger brothers are renowned for?

Range Rover’s are currently seen as the luxury vehicle of choice to take you from your Scottish country estate to the theater and back again in total comfort. They are the immediate choice of wealthy urbanites when a people mover is required. But does the Evoque stand its ground between the world of off-road supremacy and shopping street show-off?

Yes, it does! Range Rover knows which way the wind is blowing, and with the Evoque, it has adapted its formula accordingly. It fits into both worlds, meaning that its appeal should be widespread. Compact, challenging and almost futuristic looking. When was the last time you heard that in reference to an SUV?

Our test car was packed with a complete lineup of options. You name it and it was fitted to our top of the range Range Rover Evoque SD4 Dynamic. SD4 stands for the diesel engine that powers all four wheels. It’s a 2.2 liter, four-cylinder turbo diesel engine shared with the Jaguar XF 2.2D – another test drive on our list – and in the Evoque it produces 188bhp and 420Nm of torque.

The engine is linked to either a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The sprint from zero to 100km/h takes about 8.5 seconds. The top speed is 194km/h. The power train feels brisk, but not quite fast. There is a slight turbo lag at lower rpm and it can lose control for just a short moment, but if you keep the engine at a higher rpm it feels quick enough to let the chassis show its capabilities.

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