Dont let looks deceive when considering Land Rovers smallest SUV, the Range Rover Evoque. Since its U.S. debut in 2011, it has been a fashion-forward beauty marque for the brand, more like a sporty coupe than a utility vehicle. But the completely redesigned 2020 Evoque gets more brains with the beauty, although a little more electronic evolution would be appreciated, too.

The large wheel and raised ride height communicate control and security.

(Range Rover)

Among the new features are more sustainable interior materials (Eucalyptus Textile and Ultrafabrics) and more safety and driver-assist technologies, a mild-hybrid engine option and a ground-view camera at the front underbody. Also interesting is an artificial intelligence algorithm to (somehow) provide a calming and comfortable cabin.

The wide and long panoramic glass roof is standard on the First Edition.

(Range Rover)

As a Land Rover, the Evoque got a 4-inch-deeper fording depth to 23.6 inches while keeping its original street-jewelry appeal. And owners can use the ClearSight Ground View camera to watch for transfer case-busting rocks when off road, but the view is like having a clear floorboard to watch for potholes or tall curbstones.

The redesign added more and larger small-storage areas, such as in the door panels, which have room for large bottles.

(Range Rover)

Evoque is sold in three all-wheel-drive models: the basic Evoque starts at $43,645; the higher performance R-Dynamic MHEV ranges from $47,595 to $56,795; and the one-year-only First Edition at $57,845; pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Halewood, U.K.

Comparables might include the Acura RDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5, Infiniti QX50, Jaguar F-Pace, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Porsche Macan.

Among the new features are more sustainable interior materials, such as Eucalyptus Textile and Ultrafabrics. The interior styling is clean, lean and contemporary with quality materials and spot-on assembly.

(Range Rover)

The footprint of the new model is almost identical to that of the previous model, but with a slightly longer wheelbase. The cabin now feels more midsize than compact with more elbow room, more back-seat knee room (0.8-inch) and more small storage areas (including a larger glove box and center armrest console). The cargo area is 6 percent larger and wider.

The less-angular styling is more rounded at the rear, somewhat like the downsized Range Rover Velar, but better. The interior, too, is fitting of a $60,000 luxury SUV, at least in the First Edition.

The First Edition tester was optioned with twin packages that most drivers would appreciate. The Configurable Dynamics, $335, allows the user to set preferences for engine response and gearbox shift points, steering force and suspension stiffness. But the two-stage option is paired with Adaptive Dynamics, $715, which adds electronic air springs to balance comfort and agility, Range Rover says. The total package adds $1,070.

Engines

Both engine options are turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinders with a nine-speed automatic. The transmission is well calibrated for shift points, up or down, and I never felt the need to use the paddle shifters.

The 246-hp, Ingenium 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder has 269 lb.-ft. torque from 1,300-4,500 rpm. Fuel economy ratings are 20/27/23 mpg city/hwy/combined. I worked up to 18.2 combined mpg, on premium fuel.

(Mark Maynard)

The base 246-horsepower engine has 269 foot-pounds of torque from 1,300-4,500 rpm. In standard driving mode, the performance is tuned for fuel economy, which is challenged by a curb weight of 4,000 pounds and the underarmor for off-road durability. The official mileage ratings, comparable with others in the segment, are 20 mpg city, 27 highway and 23 mpg combined on premium fuel. I could only work up to 18.2 mpg, but the onboard readout never went below 17 mpg.

There can be plenty of forza by moving the shifter left a notch to Sport and then selecting the Dynamic mode to tweak suspension and steering rates. It sharpens the throttle response for more consistent acceleration on takeoff. In my week of testing, I figured out that the fuzzy logic of the algorithms will adapt to driver style, and once it figures out your driving style, it quickens or relaxes the performance. If you like that quickness, it helps to exercise the accelerator pedal frequently so the system remembers you are a lead foot. But it doesnt take long for the system to default to casual driving.

The R-Dynamic model with mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain brings 296 hp, but the system is only about a 1 mpg improvement over the base engine, at 21/26/23 mpg city/hwy/combined.

The MHEV system adds a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and electric motor with engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator. The hybrid function captures energy normally lost during deceleration and braking, then pipes it to the under-floor battery. At speeds below 11 mph, the engine shut offs while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy will boost acceleration. The added boost from a stop helps fill the gap between stepping on the accelerator pedal and waiting for the turbocharger to spool up power.

Range Rover cites 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.3 seconds for the Dynamic MHEV, which is about 140 pounds heavier than the base model, which has a 0-60 time of 7 seconds.

Drivability

All models are four-wheel-drive but the system runs in front-drive until there is loss of traction and more power is sent to the rear axle. The Terrain Response System has traction settings for grass-gravel-snow, mud-ruts, sand, and automatic, which lets the computers decide.

The steering response is quick and balanced with complete cooperation from the sport-tuned but not harsh suspension. But its high-riding stance and wheel travel allow some lean and rebound in cornering and zipping through freeway exit loops. And the turning circle, with 21-inch tires, seems wider than the stated 38.1 feet. Four-wheel-disc brakes have 13.7-inch front rotors and 11.8-inches rear, or 12.8 inches rear on Dynamic models.

Cabin

The interior styling is clean, lean and contemporary with quality materials and spot-on assembly.

The cabin is well soundproofed and ride quality is very refined (with the electronic suspension), particularly on the jiggle-monotony of concrete highways. The reasonably trim frontal mass does not whip up wind noise and there was no grainy harshness from the Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires.

Theres just enough ride height to give an open view down the road with sightlines that are reasonably open at the side mirrors. Even the smallish back window was no problem, particularly with the wide-screen rearview camera for parking.

The wider cargo area has a tall floor and low ceiling, which isnt ideal for loading a bulky stroller but there is plenty of luggage room for a getaway.

(Range Rover)

The 16-way power front seats are firm and supportive without wedgie-inducing bolsters.

The broad shift console is a stylish statement but short on space to drop a phone and other daily junk and stuff. An open shelf of space below the console does have room for a phone, but there are no charging ports to go with it. And there are just two charging USBs in the vehicle, both of which are in the center front armrest console box, along with a 12-volt plug and a SIM card slot. There also are no grab handles above any of the doors, which could be a budget cut or have to do with interference at the edges of the wide and long panoramic glass roof. It is a showpiece, with a power-opening shade, even though it does not open.

Dual touch screens for infotainment and vehicle settings are the future but still not all that easy to use without taking eyes from the road. And there were gremlins in the lower screen that occasionally switched off the AC and thwarted fan speed adjustments and temp control. Sometimes a shut down and restart would bring back all controls, and sometimes it needed an overnight rest.

The ClearSight Rear View Mirror transforms into an HD video screen at the flip of a tab on the base of the mirror. It can be a smart feature when rear views are blocked by cargo or passenger heads. But for me, who wears eyeglasses, the initial glance is a blur as my eyes crunch to quickly react, so I dont use it.

And I couldnt really tell if the Smart Settings artificial intelligence algorithms did anything to read my mind and automate climate settings, seat position or media preferences. But its good to know that when cars drive us they also will try to make us comfy.

Back seat

While the added knee room is helpful, the Evoques back seat is still tight on adult legroom (33.8 inches max, depending on whos up front), but the bench seat bottom is long and supportive. And there are no charging USBs.

Cargo

The wider cargo area has a tall floor, no seatback releases to help with folding the 40/20/40 back seat and no basement storage, which is packed with the spare tire. There is 21.54 cubic feet of space (floor to ceiling) behind the back seat or 50.5 cu. ft. with the seats folded, providing about 5.3 feet of length. Its not ideal space for stashing a stroller, but there is plenty of luggage room for a getaway. Bikes will have to go on the roof.

As buyers continue to walk away from sport coupes and even sport sedans, the Evoque is a contemporary alternative that has gotten better with age.

The footprint of the new model is almost identical to that of the previous model, but with a slightly longer wheelbase.

(Nick Dimbleby)

2020 Land Rover Evoque First Edition

SPECIFICATIONS

FEATURES

PRICING

Continue reading here:

2020 Range Rover Evoque: an evolved beauty marque - The San Diego Union-Tribune