2016 Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2.0 TD4 180 review

Evidence, especially. Evidence of Land Rover ascent into the stratosphere confidence, where no idea is too far or too small niche. Evidence was also a preference for blue-sky Imagineering; packaging the answer before the question even occurred to European rivals. Proof, of course, courage Tata-era companies.

Were daunted by the prospect of failure seem like a commodity that is quite important when you think about separating an SUV from the roof. Always there is an open-top off-roader, of course, (the first to come equipped with machine guns and GI wise-cracking) but the convertible Evoque is the first luxury compact models that attempt the trick.

Unique though it may seem, the model has arguably be on the trip since his arrival. Claims Evoque for stronger side of the image of the Land Rover was always quite tenuous. Yes, there is a 4x4 drivetrain right under it, but the producers clearly do not think the green-laners when announcing Victoria Beckham as a design consultant the first time around.

The same niche that might have discovered that a fake piece of interesting information when it is transparent that has been in the cross hairs right now; and in that sense, a convertible version is only pretty young Evoque taken to its logical conclusion. An acceptable reason although not a large car making, if not the Mini Coupe, Roadster, the Paceman, Countryman and Clubman have been more worthy of our praise.

There are serious obstacles to overcome here: many in the engineering department, some in marketing. Wise, Land Rover has made the line-up is simple. Convertible will sit at the top end of the range in the HSE Evoque Dynamic Dynamic and HSE Lux trim, and is offered only with a 177bhp 2.0-liter TD4 diesel or Si4 Ingenium less visible 237bhp 2.0-liter petrol engine. We drove the former is very expensive £ 51 700 in its guise.

Should I buy one?: 

It is that salient feature (only very briefly tested in our hands), which obviously distinguishes the Evoque from other AWD open-top options, although whether or not buyers think it integral to their decision is another matter. As a product, the convertible seems unplugged from such necessities, just as its success probably doesn’t hinge on the comparative absence of either practicality or comfort.

For a brand that considers itself vertically opposed to style over substance, the Evoque feels like Land Rover’s most brazen statement to the contrary. However, while the skin-deep nature of its appeal – made even more shallow by its immodest weight and expense – limit the car’s likeability in our eyes, we’d be reluctant to bet against Gaydon’s assessment of its niche potential. Expect evidence of high customer demand to follow.  

Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic Lux

Location France; On sale Spring 2016; Price £51,700; Engine Four-cylinder, 1998cc, turbocharged, diesel; Power 177bhp at 4000rpm; Torque 317lb ft at 1750rpm; Gearbox Nine-speed automatic; Kerb weight 1967kg; Top speed 121mph; 0-62mph 10.3sec; Economy 49.6mpg; CO2/tax band 149g/km, 27%

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