Land Rover Malaysia launches Range Rover Evoque
Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has officially launched the all-new Range Rover Evoque for the Malaysian market today. Attractively priced below the RM400k mark, the Evoque is offered with two body styles and two engines to make a three variant line-up.
The five-door model is available with a choice of a 2.0-litre petrol or 2.2-litre diesel power, whilst the three-door variant, which Land Rover dubs the ‘Coupe’ can only be had with the petrol engine, and it is a familiar one – the 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine delivering 237hp and 340Nm in this iteration.
The 2,179cc turbodiesel engine, meanwhile, is identical to the unit found in the Land Rover Freelander 2. Vital statistics of this engine are 187hp @ 3,500rpm and 420Nm @ 1,750rpm. Both powertrains are mated to the AWF21 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission operated by a Jaguar-style Rotary Auto Shifter.
Previewed to the world at Detroit in 2008 as the LRX concept, the production model Evoque stays faithful to concept’s design lines, thus projecting a futuristic look. We reckon the Evoque will sell on looks alone and the 20″ rims certainly look the business, although this will likely make trips to the tyre shop five-figure affairs. Not funny.
Inside, passengers are welcomed into a cabin that is well-appointed and well-built. Audio is projected by an 11-speaker 380W setup by Meridian. Dominating the centre stack is a built-in 8″ multimedia touchscreen with GPS navigation, which is supplied in addition to a 5″ TFT Driver Information display sitting between the speedo and tacho. Satisfying the tech-savvy crowd are amenities such as Bluetooth connectivity and USB/AUX input.
Despite its concept car appearance, the Evoque is as well-armed as any Land Rover to handle the rough stuff. It sits on a heavily modified version of Ford’s EUCD platform, is equipped with Land Rover’s trademarked Terrain Response system to handle driving in a variety of weather and surfaces. Land Rover also claims superior breakover angle, approach angle, and departure angles over other premium compact SUVs. The Evoque is also claimed to be good enough to wade through waters 500mm deep.
There is a host of driving aids onboard the Evoque that includes Dynamic Stability Control, Roll Stability Control, Traction Control System, Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Gradient Release Control, and Engine Drag torque Control. For an enhanced driving experience, the Coupe model is further equipped with the Adaptive Dynamics system that includes MagneRide dampers.
Order taking of the Evoque began as early as May this year, and official prices (on-the-road without insurance) have been announced as follows:
 |
