Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque is nothing if not a head-turner, but its visual drama compromises practicality. Available in either three- or five-door body styles (a convertible goes on sale in mid-2016), the styling comes at a cost to both cargo space and outward visibility. A 240-hp turbo four with a nine-speed automatic and a firm suspension give it the moves to match its sporting character, but the ride is often harsh and raucous. The lavish interior impresses, with high-quality materials and luxury features.

2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Champagne Wishes and CrossCab Dreams

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 20/28 mpg

EPA

 6.6 sec

0-60

 240 hp

HP

 133 mph

Top Speed

Tested: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Test Location: - March 2013

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• Rank in Segment
 
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Rank in Small Luxury Crossovers and SUVs

• 
  1. BMW X1
  Price:

  $35,795
• 
  2. Mercedes-Benz GLA-class
  Price:

  $33,425 - $35,425
• 
  3. Audi Q3
  Price:

  $34,625 - $36,725
• 
  4. Lexus NX
  Price:

  $35,915 - $42,260
• 
  5. Lincoln MKC
  Price:

  $34,185 - $49,875
• 
  6. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
  Price:

  $42,470 - $61,770

Official Photos and Info

2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Champagne Wishes and CrossCab Dreams

JLR believes it can succeed where Nissan so gloriously failed.

CrossCabriolet inspired the world’s first—as far as we know—automobile review written in the form of a Homeric ode. Beloved by roughly eight people (half of whom might or might not work at Car and Driver), the CrossCab was a sales disappointment, vanishing after the 2014 model year. Luckily, the upstanding Brits at Land Rover seemingly have convinced their Indian bosses that the CrossCabriolet died because it simply wasn’t upmarket enough. Regardless of its actual reasoning, the company was allowed to carry on with the Evoque convertible, which first appeared as a concept at the 2012 Geneva auto show.

Witness, lovers of the droptop SUV, the Evoque convertible in production guise, complete with a roof that lowers itself in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 mph. In its nose, the Evoque carries the same 240-hp turbocharged four-banger as it has since its 2012 launch. The engine is bolted to the same ZF nine-speed automatic transmission it acquired for 2014, running through an AWD system closely relatedto the one in the upcoming Ford Focus RS, minus the Ford’s hoon-couraging “drift mode.”

The top lies flush with the beltline when stowed, while out back, a trunklet reminiscent of the Mini Cooper convertible’s provides 8.9 cubic feet of storage. A ski pass-through is available. Up front, the two-door convertible features Jaguar Land Rover’s new InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and a 10.2-inch screen from which to operate it.

How much will all this open-air CUV-ing cost a person? A basic SE Dynamic package–equipped model will run $51,470 to start, which is roughly $10,000 more than Nissan asked for its entry in the segment. Deliveries will begin in the middle of next year. Is producing the Evoque convertible a fool’s errand? In light of the CrossCab’s fate, most likely. Are we exceedingly pleased that Land Rover is forging ahead anyway? Absolutely. There can never be too much weirdness in this business. Just ask Homer.