what do you really think of the new range rover evoque?
Discussion
After a wait of 6 months for our Range Rover Evoque SD4 Auto, and now being 4 months old, all we are getting is 32.2mpg! We drive between 40-60 mph average speed. I thinks this is really poor for a vehicle that was sold as fuel efficient and practical for the current climate.
The biggest problem is the gearbox when it changes down to a very low gear and holds it without changing automatically and you need to manually over-ride this. I always seem to be selecting the higher gear with the command paddle shift on the steering wheel to help improve this situation.
If you are driving at 55 mph, it never seems to want to change into 6th gear.
Second point I don't like is the door mirrors which give a totally blind spot looking out of the drivers window when approaching a small roundabout. The mirrors are far too large for the size of the vehicle. You can quite easily pull out in front of a car when a car is coming round the roundabout.
Trying to find the seat belt fastener between the seat and the centre console (buried down the side), is a problem.
The diesel 2.2 4 cylinder engine is not refined for the luxury of the vehicle.
We have just replaced our Freelander 2 with the New Evoque and feel quite disappointed.
Interested to hear other Evoque owners comments on the vehicle.
The biggest problem is the gearbox when it changes down to a very low gear and holds it without changing automatically and you need to manually over-ride this. I always seem to be selecting the higher gear with the command paddle shift on the steering wheel to help improve this situation.
If you are driving at 55 mph, it never seems to want to change into 6th gear.
Second point I don't like is the door mirrors which give a totally blind spot looking out of the drivers window when approaching a small roundabout. The mirrors are far too large for the size of the vehicle. You can quite easily pull out in front of a car when a car is coming round the roundabout.
Trying to find the seat belt fastener between the seat and the centre console (buried down the side), is a problem.
The diesel 2.2 4 cylinder engine is not refined for the luxury of the vehicle.
We have just replaced our Freelander 2 with the New Evoque and feel quite disappointed.
Interested to hear other Evoque owners comments on the vehicle.
I went on a Land Rover off road day at Coniston Hall recently, I promise the Evoque can do everything a Freelander can off road and nearly as much as a Disco. It's only limitation is the shorter wheelbase (than Disco) and slightly less advanced 4WD system. All on standard road tyres with no modifications.
The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
The Si4 Dynamic petrol version is excellent in my opinion - dunno about the diesel but it appears to have many happy owners too.
There is a tendency for the car to sit in too high a gear in normal auto mode but this is sorted out by just using Sport all the time and there is a large body of thought through various testing that this is actually more economical! (BabyRR Forums). Fuel economy was never a consideration of mine - my car is over 6 months old now with only 3043 miles on it - so the higher performance petrol seemed the logical choice and its lighter front end, 240bhp etc really do make it a sporty SUV with decent off-road credentials. That said, the BMW X3 will beat it on tarmac where speed is concerned with its more powerful engines but the RRE is a lot better off-road (amazing driving it on the LR Experience course) so choosing the RRE would be for those who want a car that is good on road and off with more toys and luxury than a FL2.
Only issue I've had was a console rattle that was easily fixed by LR. Never had any problems with space. The Adaptive Dynamic suspension soaks up the bumps readily - not as good as my Discovery on air suspension but better than any other car I've owned. The Dynamic Mode setting really works for better cornering and feel when driving a little more spiritedly, at a cost to comfort though as it stiffens the normally compliant suspension up quite a bit so best only activated on good roads. The 825w Meridian audio system is the best I've heard in a car (from factory, that is). Panoramic roof is great. Boot that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button is a gimmick I now use daily. Keyless entry is another one I have grown to like. Surround cameras are very useful - possibly a must have in a car of this design too since although the rear view is actually ok, the rear view camera does help with parking up close to something low.
So, yeah, all in all very happy so far.
It's very amusing how so many people actually believe VB designed the car though; if she had she would be one of the most sought-after car designers in the World given the awards the RRE has won! lol
There is a tendency for the car to sit in too high a gear in normal auto mode but this is sorted out by just using Sport all the time and there is a large body of thought through various testing that this is actually more economical! (BabyRR Forums). Fuel economy was never a consideration of mine - my car is over 6 months old now with only 3043 miles on it - so the higher performance petrol seemed the logical choice and its lighter front end, 240bhp etc really do make it a sporty SUV with decent off-road credentials. That said, the BMW X3 will beat it on tarmac where speed is concerned with its more powerful engines but the RRE is a lot better off-road (amazing driving it on the LR Experience course) so choosing the RRE would be for those who want a car that is good on road and off with more toys and luxury than a FL2.
Only issue I've had was a console rattle that was easily fixed by LR. Never had any problems with space. The Adaptive Dynamic suspension soaks up the bumps readily - not as good as my Discovery on air suspension but better than any other car I've owned. The Dynamic Mode setting really works for better cornering and feel when driving a little more spiritedly, at a cost to comfort though as it stiffens the normally compliant suspension up quite a bit so best only activated on good roads. The 825w Meridian audio system is the best I've heard in a car (from factory, that is). Panoramic roof is great. Boot that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button is a gimmick I now use daily. Keyless entry is another one I have grown to like. Surround cameras are very useful - possibly a must have in a car of this design too since although the rear view is actually ok, the rear view camera does help with parking up close to something low.
So, yeah, all in all very happy so far.
It's very amusing how so many people actually believe VB designed the car though; if she had she would be one of the most sought-after car designers in the World given the awards the RRE has won! lol
pb1695 said:
I went on a Land Rover off road day at Coniston Hall recently, I promise the Evoque can do everything a Freelander can off road and nearly as much as a Disco. It's only limitation is the shorter wheelbase (than Disco) and slightly less advanced 4WD system. All on standard road tyres with no modifications.
The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
A shorter wheel base is good for offroading. Ground clearance is the biggest limiting factor I would have thought, certainly when compared to a disco.The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
pb1695 said:
I went on a Land Rover off road day at Coniston Hall recently, I promise the Evoque can do everything a Freelander can off road and nearly as much as a Disco. It's only limitation is the shorter wheelbase (than Disco) and slightly less advanced 4WD system. All on standard road tyres with no modifications.
I admire your determination and dedication. But no, even as capable as an Evoque is, it's a million miles behind what a Disco can do off road. And no offense meant, but if you were getting about on normal road tyres, then it really shows that the terrain probably wasn't that challenging.balls-out said:
pb1695 said:
I went on a Land Rover off road day at Coniston Hall recently, I promise the Evoque can do everything a Freelander can off road and nearly as much as a Disco. It's only limitation is the shorter wheelbase (than Disco) and slightly less advanced 4WD system. All on standard road tyres with no modifications.
The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
A shorter wheel base is good for offroading. Ground clearance is the biggest limiting factor I would have thought, certainly when compared to a disco.The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
I did say it was on a Land Rover experience day, not a hard core off road challenge. It performed in excess, by some margin, both my own and most other peoples expectations on the day. It also managed to cover the type of terrain most buyers of this type of car will never expect to travel.
The fact that it did this with less wheel articulation, no locking centre diff or full time AWD is testament to Land Rovers efforts to ensure that the style also has some substance.
I fully understand that when someone wishes to traverse extreme terrain and challenging conditions, a Discovery will be more capable. Perhaps I should have qualified my comment a little more clearly, overall though, this car is much more than just a style statement, it also has a great deal of ability.
Not too mention no low range, no locking centre diff, no full time AWD, lack of wheel travel, lack of flex and articulation, approach/departure angles.
The fact that it did this with less wheel articulation, no locking centre diff or full time AWD is testament to Land Rovers efforts to ensure that the style also has some substance.
I fully understand that when someone wishes to traverse extreme terrain and challenging conditions, a Discovery will be more capable. Perhaps I should have qualified my comment a little more clearly, overall though, this car is much more than just a style statement, it also has a great deal of ability.
300bhp/ton said:
balls-out said:
pb1695 said:
I went on a Land Rover off road day at Coniston Hall recently, I promise the Evoque can do everything a Freelander can off road and nearly as much as a Disco. It's only limitation is the shorter wheelbase (than Disco) and slightly less advanced 4WD system. All on standard road tyres with no modifications.
The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
A shorter wheel base is good for offroading. Ground clearance is the biggest limiting factor I would have thought, certainly when compared to a disco.The car we used was a 2.2 Diesel that had covered 12k miles on the course every day. The engine was very smooth and refined, and considering the mileage and conditions it was used in there were no creaks, rattles or groans. On the road, they drive very nicely, high seating position but car normal car like manners. Very compliant suspension and great ride / handling balance.
We bought a few for our leasing fleet at launch (2.0 Petrol Dynamique and 2.2 SD4 Dynamique) and the customers who have them love them. No reliability issues so far. We also run a number if Disco 4's and FFRR's, again no issues so far.
I would strongly recommend anyone thinking of buying any LR product twist the dealers arm to get them on an experience drive at their nearest centre - a sale is virtually guaranteed at the end of it!
I have a td4 pure 5 door manual, i was totally unimpressed with the fuel economy at first but its getting better. Last tank i managed just under 40mpg which if i can maintain i will be fairly happy with.
The only other issue was an infuriating rattle in the cabin which i traced to a loose side panel on the centre console, fixed it myself andits now spot on.
Only issue i have now is that its a bit dull to drive, i was never expecting it to be a sports car though and it is the most practical car i have ever owned. The dullness did give me an excuse to go out and buy an old mx5 though for sunny days.
The only other issue was an infuriating rattle in the cabin which i traced to a loose side panel on the centre console, fixed it myself andits now spot on.
Only issue i have now is that its a bit dull to drive, i was never expecting it to be a sports car though and it is the most practical car i have ever owned. The dullness did give me an excuse to go out and buy an old mx5 though for sunny days.
pb1695 said:
I did say it was on a Land Rover experience day, not a hard core off road challenge. It performed in excess, by some margin, both my own and most other peoples expectations on the day. It also managed to cover the type of terrain most buyers of this type of car will never expect to travel.
The fact that it did this with less wheel articulation, no locking centre diff or full time AWD is testament to Land Rovers efforts to ensure that the style also has some substance.
I fully understand that when someone wishes to traverse extreme terrain and challenging conditions, a Discovery will be more capable. Perhaps I should have qualified my comment a little more clearly, overall though, this car is much more than just a style statement, it also has a great deal of ability.
Very good reply and well reasoned. The fact that it did this with less wheel articulation, no locking centre diff or full time AWD is testament to Land Rovers efforts to ensure that the style also has some substance.
I fully understand that when someone wishes to traverse extreme terrain and challenging conditions, a Discovery will be more capable. Perhaps I should have qualified my comment a little more clearly, overall though, this car is much more than just a style statement, it also has a great deal of ability.

300bhp/ton said:
Not too mention no low range, no locking centre diff, no full time AWD, lack of wheel travel, lack of flex and articulation, approach/departure angles.
Hmmm...- Low-Range. OK, I'll let you have that one... The Auto is the best of the bunch as it helps compensate for the lack of without burning out a clutch.
- No locking centre diff. True... but it has a locking Haldex unit. This type of 4WD system doesn't require a centre diff. Actually... What are the benefits of an AWD system WITH a centre diff??
- No full time AWD. Wrong... It _is_ AWD but there are 2WD options.
- Wheel travel. It helps but not strictly necessary these days. It's more a hangover from the non-TC & TR days where as soon as you lift, you loose traction.
- Articulation. See above... Don't read too much into this as it is an old 'yard stick'. It is mainly an issue if you DON'T have locking diffs or DON'T have traction control.
- Approach & Departure angles. Well... Every car is different and TBH - Evoque isn't bad at all!
camel_landy said:
Hmmm...
Reading that I am not quite sure why I just bought a Defender!- Low-Range. OK, I'll let you have that one... The Auto is the best of the bunch as it helps compensate for the lack of without burning out a clutch.
- No locking centre diff. True... but it has a locking Haldex unit. This type of 4WD system doesn't require a centre diff. Actually... What are the benefits of an AWD system WITH a centre diff??
- No full time AWD. Wrong... It _is_ AWD but there are 2WD options.
- Wheel travel. It helps but not strictly necessary these days. It's more a hangover from the non-TC & TR days where as soon as you lift, you loose traction.
- Articulation. See above... Don't read too much into this as it is an old 'yard stick'. It is mainly an issue if you DON'T have locking diffs or DON'T have traction control.
- Approach & Departure angles. Well... Every car is different and TBH - Evoque isn't bad at all!
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