It’s being labelled as the world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible, featuring all of the luxuries and presence of Range Rover along with the open-top atmosphere and sportiness of a roadster.
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Land Rover claim it is “the most capable all-terrain convertible in the world”, which will be news to owners of Wrangler Rubicons.
The Evoque Convertible weighs around 270kg more than its fixed-head siblings.
The diesel engine is the new 2.0 litre Ingenium TD4 four cylinder unit.
The distinctive rising waistline and two-box architecture of the original Evoque lend themselves to execution in fabric; its Z-fold mechanism lies flush with the bodywork for an uncluttered “boat-deck” look when it’s down – and the added bonus that it doesn’t intrude into the boot space, which remains at 251 litres either way. Additionally, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is offered in Europe, and the sole engine in North America, with 240 hp on tap and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.
Beyond the automatically-operated fabric roof, which stows in 18 seconds, raises in 21, and can be operated at speeds up to 50km/h, the Evoque Convertible also gains JLR’s next-generation infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch-screen, the removal of “hard” buttons, door-to-door navigation and 3G connectivity. The SUV accelerates from a stand still to a 100 kmph in 12 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 180 kmph. The former puts out a total power output of 180 PS at 4,000 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm while the latter, 240 PS at 5,800 rpm and 340 Nm at 1,750 rpm. Those who find the entry and exit into the rear seats of the hardtop Evoque Coupe cramped will perhaps find things a bit easier with the top down. The pair of aluminium bars are hidden away in the rear bodywork and are said to deploy in a timespan of just 90 milliseconds should the car’s onboard systems detect an impending rollover.
Safety features available are the same as the Evoque. This creates a survival space for occupants in the event of a roll over.
Due on sale in Australia in the third quarter of next year, the convertible Evoque will be available in SE Dynamic and HSE Dynamic derivatives, priced from $84,440 for the turbo-petrol Si4 SE.
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The Evoque Conterbile will be shown in public for the first time at the LA Auto Show on November 20. The convertible will be more expensive than the coupe which retails at INR 50.50 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). As of now, the Evoque convertible does not have any competitors. It is the only convertible modern SUV you can buy.
