New Evoque TD4 - bad drive & terrible mpg?

New Evoque TD4 - bad drive & terrible mpg?

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sealtt

Original Poster:

3,091 posts

158 months

Sunday 29th November 2015
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I have an L405 SDV8 Range Rover that I use as a daily driver, so somewhat familiar with the 'Range Rover' brand. Have been looking at a new MY16 Evoque for my fiancee (which we will also use for family trips into town since the L405 is too big for UK multistories), with the recently introduced 2.0 TD4.

Anyway, had one this weekend and noticed a few things which I'd love to hear from any owners / test drivers / etc if this sounds normal or if we've got a lemon (albeit a lemon with 50 miles on the clock)...

(1) Highly sensitive steering - surprised at how much impact even minor movements of the steering wheel cause
(2) Overly sensitive throttle response - the car seems to bolt away really quickly 1.5k rpm - 2k rpm. Below that there is not much response and then suddenly the car is off with very aggressive acceleration.
(3) Cruising at 70mph on the motorway and getting 27mpg average... quite frankly I find that terrible, even in my big L405 SDV8 and even 560bhp BMW M6 V8 petrol I get at least 20% better MPG doing 70mph on the motorway... this surely can't be normal... can it?

Hope someone can give me some comparative info as quite disappointed with the car.

mattman

3,176 posts

222 months

Saturday 12th December 2015
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My wife has the new ingenious engine Evoque TD4 auto and it's no to all of your points. Had it from new and now on 800 miles - average mpg is 36 and rising each week on B road driving. Steering and throttle response all good, not snappy or jerky at all I'm afraid

sealtt

Original Poster:

3,091 posts

158 months

Sunday 13th December 2015
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mattman said:
My wife has the new ingenious engine Evoque TD4 auto and it's no to all of your points. Had it from new and now on 800 miles - average mpg is 36 and rising each week on B road driving. Steering and throttle response all good, not snappy or jerky at all I'm afraid
I'm pleased to hear that. We will have to arrange a test drive in a different one, you could argue handling & throttle response are down to perception, but MPG is a stat - and 27mpg at 70mph on the motorway is not good. Though funnily enough I think I did get around low-30s in town/suburban driving!

Slarty Bartfast

251 posts

210 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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I had one for 24 hours (spent about 10 hrs in the driving seat). Loan car was a TD4 HSE Dynamic with 4k miles.
1, Steering. I think this can be said for all new cars with electric power steering, and at slow speeds it was more noticeable, but you soon become used to it and didn’t spoil the overall drive.
2, Throttle. A wide range of mixed driving and had no issues.
3, MPG. Best was 39MPG @ around 60MPH on A roads, worst was the centre of London in very stop/start traffic (I had turned the start/stop off as it was very annoying) was about 13MPG. Motorway 70/80 speeds I was seeing around 32MPG.
Overall the car was very good, comfortable and quiet, good enough to make us order one anyway!

trowelhead

1,867 posts

121 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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Had one last month for the weekend, drove from Manchester to Kent (and back)...

sealtt said:
(1) Highly sensitive steering - surprised at how much impact even minor movements of the steering wheel cause
Yes, it felt light and sensitive, i quite liked it though.

sealtt said:
(2) Overly sensitive throttle response - the car seems to bolt away really quickly 1.5k rpm - 2k rpm. Below that there is not much response and then suddenly the car is off with very aggressive acceleration.
100% yes, absolutely. Massive turbo lag. Literally nothing for a couple of seconds and then shoots off. Not ideal overtaking or at roundabouts. Got used to it quite quickly though. Not sure if sports mode would help keeping it in power band more often? Or a remap would most probably sort.
sealtt said:
(3) Cruising at 70mph on the motorway and getting 27mpg average... quite frankly I find that terrible, even in my big L405 SDV8 and even 560bhp BMW M6 V8 petrol I get at least 20% better MPG doing 70mph on the motorway... this surely can't be normal... can it?
Manchester to Kent and back, almost all motorway cruising at between 60-80 depending on traffic. 34mpg average overall. But with (8 or 9?) gears, being in final gear, warm engine, cruise on - did not find it impressive from a modern 2.0 td operating in optimal conditions. I assume it would be horrific in town, probably low 20s.
However, I was impressed with it in general, much improved over the first gen imo. Looks more like a mini RRS now. Nice ride, handles very well for it's size. The one i had was lux spec, cabin was great. I enjoyed the size of it too, still has a nice elevated driving position and a bit of presence, without being excessive for parking etc.

Digga

40,316 posts

283 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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mattman said:
My wife has the new ingenious engine Evoque TD4 auto and it's no to all of your points. Had it from new and now on 800 miles - average mpg is 36 and rising each week on B road driving. Steering and throttle response all good, not snappy or jerky at all I'm afraid
Ditto. Mrs Digga had an early SD4 and recently chopped it in for a 2016 model with the Ingenuim [sp?] engine. The cars were pretty much like-for-like trim levels, but kit is much better on newer car, as are the headlamps (which were poor) and refinement, comfort and build quality all feel a step forward.

If anything, IMHO the old engine was a tad punchier low-down - perhaps a more workhorselike torque spread - but overall the new car is a very nice place to be.

Pioneer

1,309 posts

131 months

Monday 14th December 2015
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This drives well, bit cold though wink

wildcat45

8,072 posts

189 months

Thursday 17th December 2015
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Pioneer said:


This drives well, bit cold though wink
How have you got one of those so early?

Also, what's the panel on the grille?

I have an AJ20 Ingenium lump in my Discovery Sport. The fuel consumption is so variable. The most I got so far was 47 on a run between Birmingham and Newcastle. Urban driving can be shocking. My old 2.5 ZTT petrol got similar fuel consumption on shortish trips. My DS has just over 2,000 miles on the clock so I hope it will improve with use.

Performance wise, it's OK. I've not noticed it being anything but a reasonably sprightly diesel.

Not a direct car for car reply OP but I hope it helps.

Pioneer

1,309 posts

131 months

Friday 18th December 2015
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Not mine. My buddy works for Jag designing/testing onboard software. This is just what he's working on at the mo so gets to take it home. Left hooker from Germany reg. on UK plates. Haven't seen it myself in the metal, he just sent me a few pics. Was camo'd up until recently. They've just taken the wraps off for some reason. No idea what the plate on the grill is. I doubt he'll know either if I ask him!

akadk

1,499 posts

179 months

Friday 18th December 2015
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I have an ingenium XE and the car gets 50MPG easily without trying on my 30mile commute assuming normal traffic.

Did a 70 mile on the M1 at 70mph and I got 60MPG

seany87

622 posts

170 months

Friday 18th December 2015
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Pioneer said:
Not mine. My buddy works for Jag designing/testing onboard software. This is just what he's working on at the mo so gets to take it home. Left hooker from Germany reg. on UK plates. Haven't seen it myself in the metal, he just sent me a few pics. Was camo'd up until recently. They've just taken the wraps off for some reason. No idea what the plate on the grill is. I doubt he'll know either if I ask him!
Pictures of the final car have been officially released to the press so no need for the camo now.

The thing in the grill is the radar for adaptive cruise control.

I have been lucky enough to drive a couple of these now - was even testing the wading depth in one this morning which was a nice treat.





CSK1

1,603 posts

124 months

Monday 21st December 2015
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I had an Ejoke on loan for a week while my L405 5.0 SC AB was in for a service. Awful car. The L405 handles way better while weighing so much more. It shouldn't be allowed the Range Rover badge. It is a tarted up Freelander but a Range Rover it ain't! It suffered turbo lag, it was uncomfortable and it looks garish. I haven't used it for a week, just the drive from and to the dealer, didn't want to take it out for a drive in between which kind of speaks for itself. I'd rather walk than drive an Ejoke!

Pioneer

1,309 posts

131 months

Monday 21st December 2015
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seany87 said:
Pictures of the final car have been officially released to the press so no need for the camo now.

The thing in the grill is the radar for adaptive cruise control.

I have been lucky enough to drive a couple of these now - was even testing the wading depth in one this morning which was a nice treat.
That would make sense. I assume it will be 'hidden' or at least blended in for the release. Looks like an aftermarket one at the mo. I've no real interest in the Evoque but it seems to make business sense for LR to offer it as a conv. Even though it seems to be getting a negative response I can see these selling well. I showed the pics to a few friends last week and it started quite the debate. It was mainly the women that liked it whilst the general consensus from the guys was that it's a girls car. None of these people are true PHs but do have access to some nice vehicles.

Phil Dicky

7,162 posts

263 months

Monday 21st December 2015
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CSK1 said:
I had an Ejoke on loan for a week while my L405 5.0 SC AB was in for a service. Awful car. The L405 handles way better while weighing so much more. It shouldn't be allowed the Range Rover badge. It is a tarted up Freelander but a Range Rover it ain't! It suffered turbo lag, it was uncomfortable and it looks garish. I haven't used it for a week, just the drive from and to the dealer, didn't want to take it out for a drive in between which kind of speaks for itself. I'd rather walk than drive an Ejoke!
Are you seriously, comparing a FFRR to an Evogue?

Digga

40,316 posts

283 months

Tuesday 22nd December 2015
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Phil Dicky said:
CSK1 said:
I had an Ejoke on loan for a week while my L405 5.0 SC AB was in for a service. Awful car. The L405 handles way better while weighing so much more. It shouldn't be allowed the Range Rover badge. It is a tarted up Freelander but a Range Rover it ain't! It suffered turbo lag, it was uncomfortable and it looks garish. I haven't used it for a week, just the drive from and to the dealer, didn't want to take it out for a drive in between which kind of speaks for itself. I'd rather walk than drive an Ejoke!
Are you seriously, comparing a FFRR to an Evogue?
FWIW, budget gulf considerations aside, I've not been in a current FFRR but have been in a new RRS and really, aside from a bit more space and a bit nicer engine, could not see any major difference over an Evoque. In fact, having owned two Discoveries in the last ten years, as a passenger it felt more like the Disco and much less agile and sporty than the Evoque through corners.

sealtt

Original Poster:

3,091 posts

158 months

Tuesday 22nd December 2015
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Thanks for the feedback. I spent a full week with it and did a good 500+ miles. I liked it even though I think the engine lag is awful, and a bit dangerous!, and the steering is way too light and snappy for the car. If only they did a small petrol version I'm sure that would sort engine issues, I guess you just have to get used to the steering. Might get a MY16 one at some point next year, the facelift has made a big difference to overall quality. Macan would be nice but a bit pricey once you start speccing them up, well certainly for use as a 2nd car for small town trips.

CSK1 said:
I had an Ejoke on loan for a week while my L405 5.0 SC AB was in for a service. Awful car. The L405 handles way better while weighing so much more. It shouldn't be allowed the Range Rover badge. It is a tarted up Freelander but a Range Rover it ain't! It suffered turbo lag, it was uncomfortable and it looks garish. I haven't used it for a week, just the drive from and to the dealer, didn't want to take it out for a drive in between which kind of speaks for itself. I'd rather walk than drive an Ejoke!
Yes, there is nothing 'Range Rover' at all about the Evoque in my opinion, also comparing to an L405 - albeit a 4.4SDV8. I do think it's a very well packaged town/suburb car - which can do longer journeys if needs to be. It looks the part, is deceptively spacious inside, is very compact outside for easy manoeuvrability, and general finish is very good for the price bracket.

As I say main problem for me was the engine & handling, we then test drove the Macan, and of course the Macan is a thing of perfection in terms of handling and engine performance as a daily driver (it's certainly NOT a sports car though!).

Slarty Bartfast

251 posts

210 months

Tuesday 22nd December 2015
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They do a petrol version, we did consider it but thought the Diesel would have more residual value...

2.0 Litre Si4 Petrol Automatic (240PS) (4WD)

Power: 176.5kW/240PS
Torque: 340 Nm
Maximum speed kph (mph): 217 (135)
Acceleration: 0-100 kph in 7.6 sec
Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec
Urban L/100km (mpg): 10.4 (27.2)
Extra urban L/100km (mpg): 6.4 (44.1)
Combined L/100km (mpg): 7.8 (36.2)
CO₂ emissions g/km: 181

sealtt

Original Poster:

3,091 posts

158 months

Tuesday 22nd December 2015
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I have seen that but it's quite pricey, especially compared to the diesel and when considering residuals.

In the Macan the petrol is cheaper, though worse residuals probably even it out vs Macan diesel.

Grey Ghost

4,583 posts

220 months

Wednesday 23rd December 2015
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I experienced the same low revs power output as soon as I took delivery of the car last November. Trick is to creep when at roundabouts or pulling away wherever possible and then the car picks up just fine...........quite quickly actually smile

Digga

40,316 posts

283 months

Wednesday 23rd December 2015
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Pinched Mrs Digga's car today.

I'd second the slight lack of punch - the old engine felt a bit more commercial and less refined, but definitely had a bit more low-end grunt - but cannot fault either the ride, NHV levels, or the handling, all of which are superb. And, if we are talking FFRR or RRS, then yes, nothing but nothing can waft along so effortlessly and relaxingly - never being in the wrong gear or part of the rev range - as a big displacement V8, but that aside the car's brilliant.

The base-spec wheels and tyres make for exceptionally quiet progress and can shrug off the very worst our crappy British roads throw at them with disdain, even the litany of dropped manholes that litter local A roads.