Alfardan Premier Motors Co., the official retailer for Jaguar Land Rover in the state of Qatar has announced the arrival of the next-generation Range Rover Evoque at its showrooms. The local arrival of the highly anticipated SUV follows its unveiling during a glittering global launch in London in November 2018.
The new model combines Range Rover’s unrivalled heritage with cutting-edge technology, and was designed, engineered and manufactured in Britain. Having pioneered the luxury compact SUV market, earning global sales of over 772,096 and more than 217 international awards, the new Range Rover Evoque marks a sophisticated evolution of the original.
“When the Range Rover Evoque made its debut back in 2010 it transformed the Middle East’s compact SUV market. Today, as the model grows more intelligent and stylish, it is set to continue its remarkable journey in Qatar, capturing the attention and desire of even more customers. Today‘s launch marks a bright new chapter in Jaguar Land Rover’s success in Qatar, and I’m thrilled to introduce our customers to this pioneering feat of engineering,” commented Samer Bou Dargham, General Manager for Alfardan Premier Motors.
“The Range Rover Evoque has been fundamental to our global success, and the next iteration of this award-winning vehicle adds to its predecessor’s distinct refinement and confident off-road capabilities,” commented Rob Preston, Sales Director, Jaguar Land Rover MENA.
“This launch comes at a pivotal time in Jaguar Land Rover history as we push on with our commitment to manufacture cleaner and smarter vehicles. The latest Evoque, which is built upon our all-new Premium Transverse Architecture, will therefore have the option of electrification, which is a first for the compact luxury SUV segment. By combining the brand’s unrivalled heritage with advancements such as this, we’re meeting the needs of discerning motorists in the Middle East who enjoy the exceptional on and off-road experience the Evoque offers,” he added.
Ranger Rover Evoque: The luxury SUV for the city and beyond
The new Range Rover Evoque’s distinctive coupé-like silhouette is typified by a unique fast roofline and rising waist that identifies with the Range Rover family. Its outstanding volume and proportions are amplified by pronounced shoulders and powerful wheel arches that, alongside 21-inch wheels, combine to create a strong and dynamic attitude.
The introduction of jewel-like elements such as super-slim Matrix LED headlamps provide a more sophisticated front and rear lamp graphic. Meanwhile, flush door handles add to the smooth, sculpted aesthetic, while sweeping directional indicators create a purposeful signature. Optional R-Dynamic details and burnished copper accents add to the unique appeal.
Interior
Inside, the finely crafted design integrates uncluttered surfaces and simple lines with carefully curated premium materials to create a luxurious, minimalist, digital cabin. Technical textiles utilising recycled plastics are offered as premium alternatives to leather, such as a Kvadrat wool blend and Dinamica® suedecloth, as well as Eucalyptus and Ultrafabrics™ options. The cabin is designed to be a calm and serene space, ensuring comfortable, healthy and happy occupants, with technologies such as the twin touchscreen Touch Pro Duo system featuring new, faster software, 16-way seat controls, and cabin air ionisation that complement the increased interior space.
The footprint is almost identical yet built on Land Rover’s new mixed-material Premium Transverse Architecture, which offers more interior space than before. A longer wheelbase yields 20mm extra rear knee room and an increase in small item stowage – the larger glove box and centre cubby can now fit tablets, handbags and bottles with ease. The luggage space is 10 per cent larger (591 litres) as well as much wider, with space increasing to 1,383 litres when the flexible 40:20:40 second-row seats are folded.
Engine and performance
The new architecture has been developed for electrification with a 48-volt mild-hybrid available at launch. The mild hybrid powertrain is a first for Land Rover and works by harvesting energy normally lost during deceleration thanks to the engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator, storing it in the under-floor battery. At speeds below 17km/h (11mph), the engine will shut off while the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration and reduce fuel consumption. The result is a refined, quiet and efficient drive in built-up traffic heavy areas, in addition to efficiency savings.
Available across the range of four-cylinder Ingenium petrol, the mild hybrid delivers CO2 emissions from as low as 149g/km and fuel economy from 50.4mpg (5.6l/100km) (based on NEDC Equivalent test procedure).
Every bit a Range Rover, the compact SUV combines all-terrain capability with all-weather assurance. The new Evoque features All-Wheel Drive, as well as a second-generation Active Driveline with Driveline Disconnect to enhance efficiency and Adaptive Dynamics to deliver the optimum balance of comfort and agility. Terrain Response 2 – technology first found on the full-size Range Rover – automatically detects the surface being driven on and adjusts the set-up accordingly, while Evoque can now wade through water up to 600mm (previously 500mm).
Intelligent technology
The famed Range Rover command driving position has jumped into the digital age, with a segment-first ‘Clear Sight rear-view mirror’ that transforms into an HD video screen. If rear visibility is compromised by passengers or bulky items, the driver simply flicks a switch on the underside of the mirror and a camera feed from the top of the car displays what is behind the vehicle in crisp high definition. The screen provides a wider (50-degree) field of vision and superior visibility in low light.
The new Range Rover Evoque is also the first in the world to feature Ground View technology, which effectively makes the bonnet invisible by projecting camera imagery onto the upper touchscreen to show the driver a 180-degree view under the front of the vehicle. This is useful when negotiating difficult parking spaces, navigating high city centre kerbs or tackling rough terrain, and is the realisation of the Transparent Bonnet technology previewed by Land Rover in 2014.
The Evoque is the first Land Rover vehicle with ‘Smart Settings’, which uses artificial intelligence algorithms to learn the driver’s preference and acts as an on-board butler. In addition to seat position, music and climate settings, Evoque can also control steering column preferences to maximise comfort.
The Range Rover Evoque is now available for viewing, test drives and to order, at Alfardan Premier Motors showrooms in Qatar with prices starting at QAR 148,200.