Land Rover Evoque 1.5 Review

"Stop it!"

Driven to exasperation by the clanking of my nails against this car's paddle shifters, my passenger barks one final wrath-filled warning quite unlike the numerous few that have come before. But I continue tapping away, fully determined to soak in the sweep of luxurious materials deployed in the cabin of this Range Rover Evoque. 

If you too are the sort that has an appreciation for a car's finer touches, such as the solid aluminium shifters that rest in this cabin, this Evoque could just be the one for you.

The Range Rover Evoque returns with a new grille and redesigned head lights

Just nice

Updated since we last drove it in 2019, this new Range Rover Evoque now comes with a revised infotainment system that also now houses the air-conditioning controls, so there's now space in the centre console for a new inductive smartphone charger. The exterior of the car has also seen some revision, so the head lights and grille are now slightly different than before.

But there's more significant changes under that bonnet.

The Range Rover Evoque is once again available here with a 1.5-litre engine that generates 158bhp alongside 260Nm of torque. And if you're as impatient at the lights as yours truly, you'll also be glad to note that the new drivetrain does not mean the crossover feels sluggish.

The car is now offered here with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that powers only the front wheels

Unfettered by the frictional losses that come with an all-wheel drive system (the absence of which makes this Range Rover the only front-wheel drive one available here), the three-cylinder unit offers up a healthy surge of torque once you're in its mid-ranges, giving this some genuine pep to its step when you put your foot down.

And it's just as competent when you're simply cruising around town. Cabin insulation levels feel competitive even against cars of a segment above, and should you meet with some poor roads, this Evoque proves more than capable of simply gliding over crests and dips of all forms with minimal perturbance to all seated within.

The cabin of the Range Rover Evoque has received the firm's 11.4-inch infotainment system, freeing up space for a new smartphone charger where the car's air-conditioning control panel used to sit

Feels right

And it's when you drive with such a relaxed disposition that the other strengths of the Evoque shine through.

The cabin, for starters, is a visual treat with its mix of grained leather and gloss surfaces (the Shadow Grey Ash veneer that sits atop the centre console of our test car is a $310 option and highly recommended).

And ditto its infotainment system. Land Rover's 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system is far from an unknown entity to us but continues to impress with its pleasing choice of colours and general ease of use. This time, however, I found the option to select the colour of your ambient lighting system buried far too deep within the system, and a glitch seems to be plaguing the screen that shows you the Evoque's exterior dimensions.

There's useable space for two at the second row, although the car's tall waistline does make seating here more of a cocoon-like experience rather than an airy one. But look further aft still and you'll find the Evoque offers a total of 591-litres of space for luggage - enough to see to 540-litre boot of the BMW X1, let alone the 425-litre one found in the Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Opt for the 'Premium Pack' and your car will come with a Meridian sound system alongside a panoramic roof, amongst other features

Do bite

But here's something that you'd really want to think about. This updated Range Rover Evoque equipped with this 1.5-litre engine and decked in the 'S' trim starts from $172,888 (before COE).

At that price, you'll miss out on aesthetic options included on this press car that include the Black Exterior Pack (that finishes the car's various badges in black), the black contrast roof, and the black brake callipers. Also absent on your car at that price are cabin features including the Meridian sound system and Land Rover's ClearSight digital rear view mirror amongst others.

The latter two of these can be included in your car with the additional Premium Pack (a $10,000 top up), but you'll won't be able to get the system here that allows your rear passengers to alter the air coming from the rear vents by a few degrees from the temperature set at the front.

Looking for something with compact exterior dimensions and the exclusivity of a premium badge? This new Range Rover Evoque will suit you well

Even then, with Cat B COE premiums currently hovering just shy of $120,000, this Evoque is asking for a small premium compared against Cat A COE options including the $273,888 Mercedes-Benz GLA while asking for just a bit more than the $256,888 BMW X1 (both prices inclusive of COE).

But you'll be looking at this Range Rover because it comes with a more premium brand positioning and is likely to be a more exclusive pick next to its German rivals here in Singapore. If these are enough to justify that premium, head on over to the showroom and arrange your own test drive. This is your final warning.

Shopping for a premium crossover? There's also these options to consider:

The Audi Q3 offers a cushy ride and plenty of premium features

There's also the Lexus UX to consider if you're thinking about making the switch to all-electric power

But maybe this Volvo XC40 could be more closer to what you're looking for?