the Range Rover Evoque Dynamic
What is it? The smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient 4 wheel drive Range Rover ever produced
Who would want one? Any tech-savvy lady who likes the rough with the smooth, as this “baby” Range Rover is laden with luxury, gifted with more gadgetry than James Bond 007 yet has rugged driving dynamics typical of the Range Rover clan.
The exhilarating thrill: Not just 0-60 mph in only 9.5 seconds considering the weight of the vehicle, and top speed of 124 mph but the shear ease and foolproof way to conquer any terrain at the press of a button. There are five selectors and one just pushes a button to select the required setting that comes with a little picture so you cannot select the wrong one by mistake. Fabulous for the odd occasion one needs to go off piste by choice.
Wow factors to make the neighbours go green: You will be sent to Coventry on this one. Being the Dynamic variant, this has Dynamic front bumper, Dynamic side sills, Dynamic rear bumper, Dynamic grille and Dynamic exhaust that set it apart from its siblings. Then come that lovely Xenon headlamps with LED signature lighting, fog lights, metallic paint, stonking 20 inch ally wheels, colour coded door mirrors and door handles, a rear spoiler and a full length glass roof with electrically operated sun blinds.
On the other hand…the tiny rear window coupled with the low-slung full width spoiler seriously marred rear view visibility so keep on the look out for small cars or bikes etc because if they get right up behind you, say at traffic lights, you will not know they are there.
Where would the sunglasses fit? I am so getting into car designs. For here is another example of such a cool car with no sunglasses holder in its own right. So try the dual cup holders or in the covered centre console compartment.
Will it take the shopping? Is it the Queens’ Jubilee this year? It’s a Range Rover with a boot about the same length as the car again but the best bit is the electric operation of opening it via the key fob and closing it electrically by a touch of a button. So cool.
Helping hands is like having a full time nanny on board with automatic lights, automatic wipers, and height adjustable leather steering with remotes for the fabulous Meridian sound system with radio/ CD/MP3 player. Then comes a push start button, electric windows all round plus body coloured electrically operated heated and folding door mirrors with integrated indicators, memory function and auto dipping feature when reverse gear is selected to get a better view of the road.
Creature Comforts to luxuriate in are sumptuous electrically operated to include recline, height and lumber support heated leather front seats that are so snug and warm in this ever changing weather, automatic climate control, voice controlled Bluetooth operation, USB ports, cruise control, front parking aid and superb HDD premium navigation system. Splash out an extra £4,325 for the LUX pack and one gains the powered tailgate, panoramic glass roof, 825W Meridian surround audio system analogue/digital television, auto dimming rear view mirror, surround camera system with tow assist, blind spot monitoring, Park Assist System and advanced climate control with air filtration, air quality sensor and automatic recirculation.
Its most annoying feature: The 8-inch display can also be specified with the innovative Dual View technology. This enables the driver and front passenger to view completely independent content, so that, for example, the passenger can watch a DVD while the driver follows route navigation instructions. Talk about killing the important art of conversation in cars between you and your man. It is just like being at home. Him glued to the TV while you fathom out the next essential household task.
The quirkiest accessory: Despite all the gadgets galore on this Range Rover I simply loved the “Interior Mood Lighting” feature whereby you can change the lighting inside depending on what kind of mood you are in. Yes, you have guessed it – goes from raging red to blustering blue.
Avoiding the costly repair shop is ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Emergency Brake Assist, Corner Brake Control with Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Traction Control System, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Brake Lights to warn following drivers of this mishap. For those who to tow, there is a Trailer Stability Control and for those who like a bit of rough, comes Hill Descent Control and Gradient Release Control. Did this vehicle make me a complacent driver with all these safety features on board? Not half!
Keeping your precious cargo safe: is rather irrelevant considering the above but just in case there is a plethora of airbags coming from every direction. Driver and passenger front ones, driver’s knee airbag and side curtain airbags for driver, passenger and row 2.
Avoiding it being nicked is a key controlled remote central locking with double locks, alarm, immobiliser and locking wheel nuts
Star rating: 4.5 /5 due to the unattractive rear end marring rear visibility so you cannot check out who is driving that beautiful Masarati that has just pulled up behind you.
Consider: Possibly the entry level Pure or the slightly more toys on board, Prestige. But in fairness, if you are gunning for a Range Rover, you have to go for this flagship model simply for pure unadulterated lust.
Web link: http://www.landrover.com/
Jackie Violet
Motoring Correspondent
At a Glance
Test Model: Range Rover Evoque SD4 2.2 Litre Diesel 5-Door Dynamic
RRP: £ 37,380
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
0-60mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 124 mph
Combined Fuel: 49.6 mpg
CO2 emissions: 149 g/km
Horsepower: 190 hp
Torque: 420 Nm
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