THE Range Rover Evoque , launched in 2010, was, according to the brand, the “first luxury compact SUV”. Whether you agree or not, what is certain is that this SUV-posh proved to be a success for Jaguar Land Rover, with global sales exceeding 750,000 units and recognized with 217 international awards.
The second generation is just around the corner, with a presentation scheduled for the next 22nd of November. Until then, the countdown to the big revelation begins with the installation of some wire sculptures around the city of London — conceived by the Evoque design team — that reveal the main features of the future model.
And what leaves one to guess is a clear bet on the evolution of the current design of the Range Rover Evoque and not on reinventing the concept — in a winning team… The guidelines and proportions will clearly be Evoque, but will be influenced by its bigger and more stylish brother Velar .
What to expect from the new model?
The theme of evolution continues beyond aesthetics. The D8 platform remains, but is expected to undergo significant changes to ensure compatibility with future electrified variants of the Evoque.
Thus, the new Range Rover Evoque is expected to be the first semi-hybrid (mild-hybrid) of the group, marrying a new 1.5 liter three-cylinder Ingenium combustion engine with a small electric motor supported by a system. 48V electric auxiliary and a small set of lithium-ion batteries.
In addition to the new three-cylinder, we will have revised versions of the already known four-cylinder Ingenium, both gasoline and diesel, always with 2.0 l capacity. As is the case today, in addition to four-wheel drive — or it wasn't a Range Rover — there will also be front-wheel drive versions.
The nine-speed automatic transmission is carried over from the current generation, and it remains to be seen whether the same will happen with the six-speed manual transmission.
What won't be is a three-door bodywork, which is no longer produced in the current generation. However the Evoque Cabriolet turned out to be a success above expectations, and will continue to be produced in parallel with the new generation for some time, and there is a strong possibility of having a successor at the beginning of the next decade.
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The remaining improvements are aimed at improving comfort and refinement, and roominess is expected to improve thanks to a slight increase in the wheelbase and a redesigned, less intrusive rear suspension.
Also inspired and influenced by Velar, the interior of the new Evoque should receive much of its technology, with the presence of dual touchscreens and a fully digital instrument panel.
Despite the unveiling this year, the arrival on the market will only take place in the first months of next year.