Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition Test Drive Review
Car Tested: Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition; Road Test No. 1038; Test Location: Lonavala
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 65,74,076/-
The Range Rover Evoque is a compact luxury SUV for the fashionistas
The first generation Range Rover Evoque is a popular car from the British marquee but is nearly at the end of its life-cycle. Having said that, the design of the SUV is such that the carmaker managed to pull it off for close to 8 years. The Evoque Landmark Edition was launched in India earlier this year to commemorate 6 years of the vehicle’s existence in India.
The Moraine Blue shade on the Range Rover Evoque does make it stand out on the road
Exteriors – We have to admit the fact that the Range Rover Evoque despite being almost 8 years old still manages to look so relevant and attractive. The Landmark Edition gets this new Moraine Blue paint scheme (there’s also a Yulong White and a Corris Grey on offer) which makes the car more appealing plus a gloss black treatment for the alloy wheels and a Graphite Atlas finish for the grille and grille surrounds, bonnet and fender vents and the tailgate. For the chrome-obsessed Indian folks, Land Rover has finished the exhaust tips in chrome. Rest of the design elements remain identical to the standard Range Rover Evoque.
The cabin of the Evoque Landmark Edition is vastly unchanged
Interiors – The Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition gets subtle changes to the cabin as well. The entire cabin is finished in Ebony Black with brushed aluminium inserts on the centre console which matches the sporty exteriors. The 3-spoke steering wheel gets a plethora of buttons and feels supreme to hold. Behind it is a 2-pod instrument console with a large MID display in between. Taking centre stage in the cabin is an 8-inch InControl Touch Pro infotainment system paired with an 8-speaker Land Rover Sound System. Audio quality is good but not as great as the Meridian Surround System that’s available on the higher HSE trim.
Space and comfort at the rear is a slight compromise
Features on offer in the Landmark Edition is a case of hits and misses
In terms of features, the Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition gets automatic Xenon headlights with LED DRLs, fixed panoramic roof, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, push-button start, rear-view camera and a powered tailgate. Seat comfort and cabin space remain identical to the standard model.
City driveability is where the 2.0-litre Ingenium oil-burner truly shines
Performance – Based on the SE trim, the Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition comes powered by a 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine which produces 177 HP of power and 430 Nm of torque. Land Rover has made sure there’s no annoying diesel clatter filtering inside the cabin which goes to say how refined the oil-burner is. Redlining at around 4500 RPM, there is a good amount of performance on offer from the low and mid-range but the powertrain lacks in the top-end and gets quite vocal. Having said that, this Ingenium unit is not a firecracker as such and is a tameable beast with a somewhat calm demeanor.
The 9-speed automatic gearbox is happy doing cruises and relaxed driving
Performance from the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine is punchy
The 9-speed ZF-sourced automatic gearbox with closely stacked ratios provides smooth and slick shifts provided you are taking it easy. Switch to the Sport mode and floor the gas pedal, you will notice some jerks as the gearbox starts getting confused. Nonetheless, you do have the steering mounted paddle shifters in case you want the drive to get more interesting. 0-100 km/hr comes up in 9.1 seconds which is kind of fast by SUV standards but the unageing design of the vehicle makes that number seem slow. If driven sedately, expect a mileage of around 11-13 km/l.
The baby Range Rover has a good balance of ride and handling
Driving Dynamics – The suspension setup on the Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition is no different from the standard car. So, in terms of driving dynamics, there are no changes. For folks who’ve missed out on the earlier review of the Evoque, the suspension is slightly on the stiffer side, however, the handling characteristics are great. This is not a car that you would want to take into corners enthusiastically because of the obvious weight and height. The vehicle feels more at home when just cruising on an open motorway or in the city as bias is more towards the comfort of the occupants. If pushed hard, there is some amount of body roll but there’s no denying the fact that the Evoque is a fun to drive SUV as one, the feedback from the steering is generous and two, the brakes offer decent stopping power.
The Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition gets a ton of safety equipment
Safety and After Sales Service – The Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition gets multiple airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, ABS with EBD and EBA, Hill Descent Control, Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control system. Although the after sales experience of the British carmaker has been decent, the network isn’t as widespread as the German trios.
Almost at the end of its life-cycle, the current Evoque still remains a tempting SUV to lay your hands on
Verdict – If you’re in the market for a luxury compact SUV, the Range Rover Evoque would, of course, be on your list but should you look at the Landmark Edition? Based on the SE trim, the Landmark Edition loses out on some gizmos but if you’re getting a good deal or discount, then the Landmark Edition is worth going for. However, the second-generation Evoque will soon be launched in India and if you’re willing to wait, honestly, the wait is going to be worth it as the new model looks extremely promising.
The Range Rover Evoque isn’t about just show and no go, it can manage some off-road as well
What’s Cool
* Ageless design, big attention magnet!
* Compact footprint
* InControl Touch Pro infotainment system is engaging to use
* Refined diesel motor
* Balanced ride and handling
What’s Not So Cool
* Some features missing in the Landmark Edition
* Cramped rear seat space
Alternatives: – Mercedes GLE, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Volvo XC60, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F-Pace, Lexus NX 300h
SUVs are all about exploring the unknown
Testers’ Note:
Further Reading –
Range Rover Evoque Off-Road Experience
Range Rover Evoque Convertible Review
Range Rover Evoque Review
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