Evoque just oozes desirability

THIS time of the year is that in which gongs of all shapes and sizes are awarded across a range of industries and activities and of course the motor business is no stranger in this department as you can see below with the Kia Rio securing the Irish Car Of The Year award.

As we don’t have a say in that award, we’ve been doing things our own way here at the Irish Examiner’s motoring central for many years and last year it was the brilliant Skoda Yeti which was the recipient of the “Untarnished By Public Relations Car Of The Year Award” from this quarter.

I was recently discussing this year’s contenders with various interested parties (myself and the barman in O’Sullivan’s of Crookhaven) when I opined that the Range Rover Evoque was probably the best car I had driven so far in 2011. Dermot — for it was he — was quite taken aback. “You mean it is better than the Jaguar XJ,” he exclaimed incredulously.

Now that put me on the back foot immediately because earlier in the year I had proclaimed that if I drove a car better than the XJ, it would have to be something really special; truly epic, indeed. I never really expected that I would come across a machine which was better than the Jag. That was until I drove the Evoque.

It is worth noting here that these two machines come from the same stable and is it not interesting that both these premium marques are now in Indian hands, having been (foolishly, in my view) sold off by Ford in something of a fire sale? And having been taken over by Tata, both these firms have suddenly upped their game considerably — to the point where they are almost unrecognizable from their previous incarnations.

Having seen the initial pre-launch pictures of the Evoque, I thought to myself: “Rover have really over-stepped it here. They’ve gone and made the ultimate hairdressers’ SUV.” No offence to hairdressers, of course, but when Range Rover started waffling on about Victoria Beckham having been involved in the design of the interior décor, that sort of confirmed my suspicions.

But, as we all know, it is generally unwise to jump to conclusions in this world as you usually end up looking like an idiot – or worse, a Top Gear presenter. That being the case, I kept schtum and, boy, am I glad I did, because when you meet the Evoque in the flesh, you cannot but be impressed. Forget the fancy-Dan styling and the coupe-esque design, because this thing just oozes presence — and class — and refinement – and, well, desirability, to coin a word.

This machine is the smallest Range Rover ever built and it is (horror of horrors, being made in a 2WD format as well) but it loses nothing for that.

There are two body styles — the two door coupe and the five door crossover which was the one we tried.

Rarely, in my view, has a 4x4 relied on its looks to express itself as completely as the Evoque does. But that’s only part of the story.

Press the start button to fire up the 2.2 litre turbodiesel and you’ll immediately be taken by the refinement of the unit and the beautifully understated manner in which it goes about its business. And with some 187bhp on tap, a top speed just shy of 200kph and an 8.5 second 0-100kph time, there is plenty here to engage you. Throw in one of the best six speed manual gearboxes it has been my pleasure to spend time with, as well as the smoothest and most precise steering I’ve ever encountered in a four wheel driver, and you’ll not be disappointed by the driving experience.

Neither will you be disappointed by the interior décor which exudes the sort of class you’d find in a premium saloon. The specification in “Dynamic” trim as tested was also comprehensive and largely driver friendly, although the decision to forego a full-size spare wheel is almost unforgivable — particularly for a 4x4.

Inasmuch as the exterior is new, fresh and dynamic, then so too is the inside of the car. The quality of the fit and finish is an object lesson to many — perhaps Audi will even sit up and notice here — and while the compact dimensions of the car might lead to fears of space compromises, the overall roominess and practicality of the car is impressive indeed. True, rear headroom is not great, but boot space is bigger than the stubby rear overhang would suggest.

It is true the Evoque has been designed as less of an off-roader than any previous Range Rover, but that fact is much less of the sell-out than the company has been accused of in certain quarters than is actually the case.

All told I thought this was a brilliant car and for the discerning buyer it will certainly become the premium compact SUV of choice. And, for those of you who care about such things, it gets the vote as my Car Of The Year. Sure the Jaguar XJ was truly good, but this thing is absolutely amazing.

Colley’s lowdown

The Cost: from €42,960 — €52,280 as tested.

The Engine: this unit has been widely used in Land Rover, Ford, Peugeot and Citroen models, but for some reason this seemed like the most refined one I’ve driven. Decent power characteristics, but consumption is only moderate by the standards of the day.

The Comfort Zone: I defy anyone to have any issues with this stunningly appointed machine.

The Competition: Audi Q3, BMW X3, Ford Kuga, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sorento, Nissan Qashqai, Opel Antara, Peugeot 4007, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota RAV 4.