Range Rover Evoque L538

Range Rover Evoque L538 (First Generation)

The Range Rover Evoque is a subcompact luxury crossover series of SUVs produced by Jaguar Land Rover. Born out of the Land rover LRX concept vehicle, which was unveiled in January 2008, the first generation of the Evoque launched in July 2011, with the second generation launching in 2018.

Concept & Development

The LRX concept vehicle, from which the Evoque stemmed, house a wide range of efficiency-improving technologies, known as e_Terrain technologies. These included:

• Removable carbon composite roof panels
• Regenerative brakes
• Stop-start system
• Electric rear axle drive parallel hybrid powertrain system (ERAD)

Very much focused on fuel economy and efficiency, the ERAD had the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by around 20% on average. Land Rover’s Terrain Response system was also included in the LRX, with modes including sport, eco, grass, gravel, snow and sand.

Improving off-road performance was also a prominent aim in this concept. As such an air intake system was built into the roof and the driving position was made to be more prominent.

The interior of LRX concept featured ambient interior lighting and a three dimensional LCD display. It also included an iPhone docking station in the centre console and electric folding rear seats for more storage.

While the Range Rover Evoque did not utilise all of the features of the LRX, it did lend heavily from it.

Launch & Available Models

The Range Rover Evoque was launched in July 2011 as both a five-door vehicle and a three-door Evoque Coupé. In 2017, the Convertible Evoque was added to the set, while the Coupé was discontinued at the end of that year.

Four trim levels were made available. These are (in ascending order): Pure, Prestige, Pure Plus and Dynamic.

Exterior & Chassis

The Evoque chassis uses a unibody construction. It is composed of a composite one-piece tailgate, aluminium hood and bonnet, and an aluminium roof. The Dynamic models bodywork differs slightly, as this vehicle focuses on performance. As such it features a different front fascia and lowered suspension.

Five exterior cameras are also available as an optional extra on the Evoque. These give drives a 360-degree view of the vehicle.

Interior Design

As standard, the Evoque features accent lighting (much like the LRX) throughout the interior. Reminiscent of the LRX also is the start/stop button which is pushed to start the vehicle. As well as this, a 5” display is home to the infotainment system.

In terms of colour choices, upholstery and trims, there are a wealth of different options to choose from. This includes 12 interior colour options, trims in both wood or metal and the option of contrasting roof treatments.

Engineering & Mechanics

Originally, the Range Rover Evoque was available with either a 2.2 L turbodiesel engine or a 2 L turbocharged petrol engine. These were mated with a ZF 9-speed automatic transmission on launch, which featured a specially designed first gear for off-road and adverse conditions.

Since the launch, these initial engines have been replaced by Land Rover’s own brand Ingenium engines mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle was also equipped with either two-wheel drive or generation IV Haldex permanent four-wheel drive systems initially. However, in the 2014 model year update of the Evoque saw the addition of two optional All-Wheel Drive Systems produced by GKN Driveline. These were named the Standard Driveline and the Active Driveline.

The Evoque also included Land Rover’s Terrain Response system which allowed the driver to choose from a range of modes to adjust the throttle response, power distribution and suspension settings while off-roading.

A MagneRide system was also made available for the Evoque. This technology works to adapt hock absorber firmness by magnetising iron particles inside the suspension fluid.

Evolution of the First Generation Evoque

Prior to the release of the second generation Evoque, the initial iteration of the vehicle underwent a number of updates and changes throughout its production.

The 2014 model saw changes to the automatic gearbox and the addition of a number of features including:

• Park Exit
• Perpendicular Park
• Closing Vehicle Sensing
• Reverse Traffic Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Wade Sensing
• Land Rover In Control Car System (optional)

As well as this, several optional interior colours and trims were made available, as well as new alloy wheel styles, and a new style Land Rover badge at key points of the vehicle.

Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic

The Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic was launched in 2013 and was produced until 2018.

It features a 2.0 L petrol engine and revised chassis, as well as 350mm front brake discs, Active Driveline and torque vectoring by braking. Many of the changes undergone by the Evoque in this model were aesthetic. They included:

• New 20” alloy wheels
• Exterior trim components in Santorini Black
• New grille design
• New fog light surrounds
• Darkened headlights
• Contrast roof
• Leather interior with climate seats

Range Rover Evoque Pearl Noir Edition

This special edition Range Rover Evoque was launched in 2014 and produced until 2018. Made for sale in Hong Kong, the vehicle featured:

• 2 L Si4 engine
• 9 speed automatic transmission
• 8” touch screen
• Meridian audio system
• Panoramic roof
• 20” Style 9 alloy wheels
• Xenon headlamps

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible replaced the three-door Evoque Coupé. It features a soft top roof that is power-retractable and a drop-down tailgate. The Convertible Evoque made its debut as a concept vehicle in 2012, with the production vehicle being unveiled in 2015 and the model years starting from 2017.