Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2017 Review

In the luxury compact SUV market in Malaysia, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.0 Si4 5-Door SE has been a focus for many consumers pursuing a combination of sophistication and off-road heritage. The core selling point of this car lies in merging Land Rover's signature all-terrain capability with the stylish design and luxurious configurations of an urban SUV, while its 240PS turbocharged engine meets daily driving power needs. The purpose of this test is to evaluate its overall performance in city commuting, highway cruising, and light off-road scenarios, to see if it truly balances "elegance" and "wildness."

In terms of appearance, the Evoque continues the family-style design that blends ruggedness with refinement. The honeycomb-style front grille paired with chrome trim is highly recognizable; the xenon headlights combined with LED daytime running lights on both sides feature sharp designs and impressive visual effects when illuminated. The side profile of the vehicle has smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the A-pillar to the rear, giving the car a longer look. The 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with 245/45 R20 tires not only enhance its visual impact but also provide a solid foundation for off-road capability. The rear design is relatively simple, with smoked LED tail lights and a dual-exhaust layout, hinting at its performance capabilities. Overall, the Evoque's exterior both retains Land Rover's rugged genes and satisfies urban consumers' expectations for style.

Upon opening the door, the luxurious feel of the interior is immediately apparent. The dashboard is wrapped in large areas of soft-touch materials, complemented by metal trim and piano black panels, offering a pleasing tactile experience. The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though not the largest by today's standards, features a clear interface and smooth operation. The instrument panel retains a traditional mechanical dial design with a small central display showing basic information such as fuel consumption and speed. On the configuration front, this car comes equipped with an 11-speaker Meridian audio system, delivering excellent sound quality; the front seats support 8-way electric adjustment with memory function, and the padding is thick and provides good support. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 ratio, creating a flat space with the trunk when folded down. The trunk offers a regular capacity of 575 liters, which is sufficient to meet the storage needs of a family outing.

In terms of space, the dimensions of the Evoque are 4365mm/1965mm/1635mm (L/W/H), with a wheelbase of 2660mm. The front seating space is spacious, with about a fist's worth of headroom for a 180cm tall individual after adjusting the seat. The rear space is moderate for a compact SUV; for a similarly tall person seated in the rear, there is about two fists of legroom, while headroom feels slightly cramped, leaving only about four fingers of space. However, the rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports, enhancing the comfort for rear passengers.

In terms of performance, the 2017 Evoque is equipped with a 2.0T Si4 turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 240PS and a maximum torque of 340N·m. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with manual mode. During actual driving, the power response is prompt during take-off; a light press on the accelerator reveals a noticeable thrust-back feel. Mid-to-high-range acceleration performance is equally impressive, with smooth gear shifts from the transmission. On highways, with a deep press on the accelerator, the transmission downshifts swiftly, delivering power on demand. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is rated at 7.5 seconds, which is among the top tier for models in its class.

In terms of handling, the Evoque's steering is precise with minimal play. The steering wheel becomes stable at high speeds, providing enough confidence. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned more towards comfort. However, during cornering, the body roll is well controlled. When encountering speed bumps or bumpy roads in the city, the suspension filters out most vibrations, maintaining cabin comfort. Nevertheless, due to the relatively high body height, some center-of-gravity shifts can still be felt during sharp turns.

Off-road capability is a strength of Land Rover, and the Evoque is no exception. It is equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system, paired with Land Rover's unique Terrain Response system, providing Normal, Grass/Gravel/Snow, and Mud/Ruts modes. On light off-road terrains, when facing potholes, craters, or cross-axle conditions, the vehicle can quickly lock the slipping wheels through its electronic traction control system, transferring power to the wheels with grip and enabling smooth escape. However, due to relatively small approach and departure angles, extra caution is required when tackling steep slopes.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is stated as 7.8L/100km, but in actual driving, city road consumption is about 10-12L/100km, while on highways it can drop to around 8L/100km. Overall, the performance is average.

In terms of quietness, the Evoque performs commendably. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are well controlled, allowing uninterrupted conversations or music enjoyment in the car. Engine noise is almost negligible at idle and only seeps into the cabin during sudden acceleration, but it is not harsh.

Regarding safety features, the Evoque comes standard with 7 airbags, ABS, stability control, hill start assist, and automatic parking, ensuring a high level of safety. However, the car does not come with a reversing camera and only has front and rear parking sensors, which might be less friendly for novice drivers.

Overall, the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 2.0 Si4 SE 5-door is a well-rounded luxury compact SUV. It combines Land Rover's signature off-road capability with the stylish design and luxury features of an urban SUV. Its performance is sufficient for daily needs. Compared to similar models like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA, the Evoque excels in off-road capability and has relatively richer features, but its fuel consumption and brand premium might be less advantageous.

This car is suitable for consumers who pursue individuality, value luxury, and appreciate off-road capabilities, especially those who enjoy weekend adventures in the suburbs while needing an SUV for city commuting. If you are a fan of the Land Rover brand and want a luxury SUV that balances urban and off-road capabilities, the Evoque would be a good choice. However, if you prioritize fuel economy and brand value retention, further consideration might be needed.