Range Rover Evoque India Launch likely in 2012

Tata Motors owned British luxury car maker Jaguar & Land Rover may launch the Range Rover Evoque in India in 2012. Earlier, DWS had reported that the Evoque may be launched in 2011 but the launch was pushed for reasons best known to Tata motors.

The Ranger Rover Evoque three door version was first unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2010. The five door version was later launched at the Los Angeles Motor Show during November 2010. The Evoque will go on sale in UK market this September and will cost $45,375-$71,925. Related: 2012 Range Rover Evoque 5-door photos and prices revealed

In India, the Range Rover Evoque will be imported directly from JLR (Jaguar & Land Rover) plant located in Halewood, UK. The price of the Evoque could be around Rs. 45 lakh and the car will be pit against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, BMW X5, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Audi Q7.

Inspired by the LRX concept, the new Range Rover Evoque is the lightest, smallest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever made. The Evoque stands apart from the rest of its siblings because of its raised beltline and shoulder line throughout the length of the SUV, adding a bit of muscle.

The interiors of the Evoque 3-door and that of the 5-door differ in space. The 5-door Evoque is 30 mm taller than the coupe and hence offers more user space, especially for rear passengers. Due to high shoulder line, the windows are quite small, but Range Rover offers a panoramic roof with full-sized glass thus allowing surplus natural light into the cabin. Also read: Land Rover Freelander to be assembled in India by Tata Motors

The Range Rover Evoque 3-Door as well as the Evoque 5-door come with a range of petrol and diesel engine variants. The diesel variants are powered by either 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 190PS or 2.2 litre turbo diesel that produces 150PS. The petrol variants will be powered by a 2.0 litre Si4 motor that produces 240 PS of maximum power. This petrol motor features direct fuel injection, turbo-charging and twin, variable valve timing which ensures fuel efficiency without compromising performance.

Range Rover Evoque is capable of both on-road and off-road duties. The company has focused to ensure that the SUV is effortless for day-to-day urban driving and at the same time its dynamic prowess will give a sporty handling and dynamic driving experience out in highways. The Evoque has generous ground clearance for off-roading and also boasts better departure angles which save the SUV’s body from being damaged by obstacles.

In a measure to save fuel and at the same time not to curb off-road fun, the Evoque is the first Range Rover to come with a selector to either choose full-time four-wheel-drive system or front-wheel drive system.

The Range Rover is loaded with features. The dashboard has an easy-to-use control system and touch-screen display which has dual-view technology, wherein the driver and passenger can view independent content. It also boasts Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity, audio streaming, USB and auxiliary inputs.

With regard to in-car entertainment, the Evoque soprts a Meridian sound system that comes with an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance. Customers can choose accessories such as Park Assist for automated parallel parking, Blind Spot Monitoring system, DVD playback, rear seat entertainment etc.

Luxury brands like BMW, Benz and Audi which sell SUV and Crossover vehicles have attracted more customers in the recent years while the Land Rover vehicles are not very popular in India. But, the Range Rover Evoque could just be the SUV that will help Land Rover increase its customer base here. Evoque’s unique, future oriented design might attract many customers.