This is a small Range Rover with a big mission.

The Range Rover Evoque, or baby Rangie, as we've affectionately dubbed it, is not only the smallest, lightest, and most fuel-efficient vehicle the English marque has ever created. It's also, undoubtedly, the most attractive and stunning car that has rolled out from its factory.

Targeted at the younger and more fashion-conscious audience (do not think Victoria Beckham, please), the Evoque goes head to head with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 in Singapore. While both Germans may have an edge over the English in terms of its technology and drivetrain, the Evoque is a handsome machine that offers something the German lads don't - serious on and off-road capability.

However, we get the feeling that owners of the smallest and latest Rangie won't be lugging the compact SUV on rumbling rocks and grass patches, although we're pretty sure they'd like to think they could (we really can't because of the lack of land). While the rest of its bigger and boxier brethrens had their designs focused for off-road use, the baby Rangie features a more modern unibody construction technique for improved handling and ride quality, and to appeal to buyers who drive primarily on the road.

Exterior

The concept model of the Evoque was unveiled back in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show with the aesthetics of the production car you see here sporting minimum changes from the concept car. As a result, like most concept cars, the Rangie immediately draws attention to itself. Drive this car anywhere and heads will turn.

Although it was spawned from the Freelander 2, the Evoque is shorter, lower, and distinctly wider, lending a little brawn to its appearance while its rising beltline and rear-sloping roof give it a sporty silhouette. The Evoque further strengthens itself as an eye candy as it offers contrasting roof colours, making the rest of the cars in its segment seem ho-hum.

There are some subtle differences between the Dynamic and Prestige version. Up front, the Dynamic gains unique sports style bumpers, sharpening the appearance all round. The two-bar front grille and the side sills are also black in colour - a much sportier and meaner look over the Pure and Prestige version which are silver. While the less sporty version gets 18-inch (Pure) and 19-inch (Prestige) shoes, the Dynamic version that's tested here gets a whopping size 20, covering up the wheel arches for a more purposeful stance.

Having a smaller footprint compared to its siblings also translates to a lighter kerb weight. Scaling at over 1.6 tonnes, the latest Rangie has lesser mass to motivate and is over a 100kg lighter than the Freelander 2, credit going to the extensive use of aluminium and plastics in its body panels and suspension. Regardless, all the Range Rover styling cues are retained, but with a younger and sportier flavour.

Interior

The delight in the cabin continues. Despite its sloping roofline and steeply raked rear screen, rear occupants won't be feeling the least claustrophobic. In fact it doesn't even render the rear view mirror about as useful as a low-slung supercar. What it does provide, though, is all the space it can idealise out of a compact SUV. There's plenty of space for three occupants at the back while the front two will enjoy the said space and the array of electronic goodies.

Seats are beautifully leather-swathed and relatively well-bolstered. Seating position is low even at its highest setting which further enhances the sporty sensation. But because of the adjustable steering column which provides a perfect command driving position and the view from behind the wheel is clean and clear, you will never lose confidence even when piloting the car in tighter situations.

More impressively, materials used in the cabin are what of top quality. The operation of most gizmos can be done through the 8-inch high-definition touch-screen which is a delight to behold, while buttons and controls on the steering wheel as well as the centre console are solid and expensive to the touch.


In the entertainment department, the Evoque continues to boast its reputation on quality. Equipped with Meridian sound system, it's easy for the Evoque to be a 'concert hall' on wheels. And like its more expensive siblings such as the Vogue and Sport, the fashionable ride doesn't compromise on practicality, offering Bluetooth connectivity, audio jack-ins, USB ports and a navigation system to name a few. Unlike the Prestige version, however, the Dynamic version isn't equipped with a panoramic roof as standard.

The Drive

Start the engine by way of a Start/Stop button and the car lights up with class, concluding with the rotary gear selector dial rising, ready for use. It does take a while to get use to the dial but it's certainly a nice touch and a breath of fresh air.


Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engine, the Evoque distributes a peak output of 240bhp and 340Nm of torque to all four wheels, with a good sense of well-controlled mass with the MagneRide dampers which comes equipped only with the Dynamic version. It extends the Evoque's competence and sporting demeanour across a wider range of road types. Comparing it to the Prestige version, it feels more capable and firm but never uncomfortable. It tackles dips, bumps and undulations with unflappable poise.

On the tarmac, the baby Rangie is also very tidy, and perhaps fun, especially around corners, handling them with agility and confidence. The weighty steering wheel also plays its part, giving drivers the ample feedback needed to make the turns. It's very unlikely to provoke unhappiness behind the wheel of the stylish compact SUV.

On the straights, the Evoque will scoot from 0 - 100km/h in a respectable 7.6 seconds. Although not the best in its class, it packs a punchy performance and will overtake slower taxis and trucks on the expressways with urgency and little fuss. This is also due to the rakish shape of the front end of the car that helps it cut through the air at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The RR Evoque is one of the most innovative and desirable machine to roll out from its factory. Also available in a three-door form (the brand boldly dubs it as a coupe), the latest Rangie is bound to elicit stares of awe and cheers of support.

The only problem that surfaced during our experience with the car was the fact that no buyer of the Evoque can bear to bring it out for some off-road lugging. It's just too fashionable for this rock star to do that.

This is a small Range Rover with a big mission.

The Range Rover Evoque, or baby Rangie, as we've affectionately dubbed it, is not only the smallest, lightest, and most fuel-efficient vehicle the English marque has ever created. It's also, undoubtedly, the most attractive and stunning car that has rolled out from its factory.

Targeted at the younger and more fashion-conscious audience (do not think Victoria Beckham, please), the Evoque goes head to head with the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 in Singapore. While both Germans may have an edge over the English in terms of its technology and drivetrain, the Evoque is a handsome machine that offers something the German lads don't - serious on and off-road capability.

However, we get the feeling that owners of the smallest and latest Rangie won't be lugging the compact SUV on rumbling rocks and grass patches, although we're pretty sure they'd like to think they could (we really can't because of the lack of land). While the rest of its bigger and boxier brethrens had their designs focused for off-road use, the baby Rangie features a more modern unibody construction technique for improved handling and ride quality, and to appeal to buyers who drive primarily on the road.

Exterior

The concept model of the Evoque was unveiled back in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show with the aesthetics of the production car you see here sporting minimum changes from the concept car. As a result, like most concept cars, the Rangie immediately draws attention to itself. Drive this car anywhere and heads will turn.

Although it was spawned from the Freelander 2, the Evoque is shorter, lower, and distinctly wider, lending a little brawn to its appearance while its rising beltline and rear-sloping roof give it a sporty silhouette. The Evoque further strengthens itself as an eye candy as it offers contrasting roof colours, making the rest of the cars in its segment seem ho-hum.

There are some subtle differences between the Dynamic and Prestige version. Up front, the Dynamic gains unique sports style bumpers, sharpening the appearance all round. The two-bar front grille and the side sills are also black in colour - a much sportier and meaner look over the Pure and Prestige version which are silver. While the less sporty version gets 18-inch (Pure) and 19-inch (Prestige) shoes, the Dynamic version that's tested here gets a whopping size 20, covering up the wheel arches for a more purposeful stance.

Having a smaller footprint compared to its siblings also translates to a lighter kerb weight. Scaling at over 1.6 tonnes, the latest Rangie has lesser mass to motivate and is over a 100kg lighter than the Freelander 2, credit going to the extensive use of aluminium and plastics in its body panels and suspension. Regardless, all the Range Rover styling cues are retained, but with a younger and sportier flavour.

Interior

The delight in the cabin continues. Despite its sloping roofline and steeply raked rear screen, rear occupants won't be feeling the least claustrophobic. In fact it doesn't even render the rear view mirror about as useful as a low-slung supercar. What it does provide, though, is all the space it can idealise out of a compact SUV. There's plenty of space for three occupants at the back while the front two will enjoy the said space and the array of electronic goodies.

Seats are beautifully leather-swathed and relatively well-bolstered. Seating position is low even at its highest setting which further enhances the sporty sensation. But because of the adjustable steering column which provides a perfect command driving position and the view from behind the wheel is clean and clear, you will never lose confidence even when piloting the car in tighter situations.

More impressively, materials used in the cabin are what of top quality. The operation of most gizmos can be done through the 8-inch high-definition touch-screen which is a delight to behold, while buttons and controls on the steering wheel as well as the centre console are solid and expensive to the touch.


In the entertainment department, the Evoque continues to boast its reputation on quality. Equipped with Meridian sound system, it's easy for the Evoque to be a 'concert hall' on wheels. And like its more expensive siblings such as the Vogue and Sport, the fashionable ride doesn't compromise on practicality, offering Bluetooth connectivity, audio jack-ins, USB ports and a navigation system to name a few. Unlike the Prestige version, however, the Dynamic version isn't equipped with a panoramic roof as standard.

The Drive

Start the engine by way of a Start/Stop button and the car lights up with class, concluding with the rotary gear selector dial rising, ready for use. It does take a while to get use to the dial but it's certainly a nice touch and a breath of fresh air.


Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engine, the Evoque distributes a peak output of 240bhp and 340Nm of torque to all four wheels, with a good sense of well-controlled mass with the MagneRide dampers which comes equipped only with the Dynamic version. It extends the Evoque's competence and sporting demeanour across a wider range of road types. Comparing it to the Prestige version, it feels more capable and firm but never uncomfortable. It tackles dips, bumps and undulations with unflappable poise.

On the tarmac, the baby Rangie is also very tidy, and perhaps fun, especially around corners, handling them with agility and confidence. The weighty steering wheel also plays its part, giving drivers the ample feedback needed to make the turns. It's very unlikely to provoke unhappiness behind the wheel of the stylish compact SUV.

On the straights, the Evoque will scoot from 0 - 100km/h in a respectable 7.6 seconds. Although not the best in its class, it packs a punchy performance and will overtake slower taxis and trucks on the expressways with urgency and little fuss. This is also due to the rakish shape of the front end of the car that helps it cut through the air at higher speeds.

Conclusion

The RR Evoque is one of the most innovative and desirable machine to roll out from its factory. Also available in a three-door form (the brand boldly dubs it as a coupe), the latest Rangie is bound to elicit stares of awe and cheers of support.

The only problem that surfaced during our experience with the car was the fact that no buyer of the Evoque can bear to bring it out for some off-road lugging. It's just too fashionable for this rock star to do that.