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We had the headlights glowing in the dark last week to tease us and now Land Rover has released full details on the '2016 model year' Range Rover Evoque, set for a Geneva Motor Show debut next week. Revised styling inside and out, extra equipment, simplified trim lines and the addition of the new 'Ingenium' engines that are spreading through the Jaguar Land Rover group are the key features.
Outside
Given the rampant popularity of the Evoque worldwide (more than 400,000 have been built since 2011, with 125,364 sold globally in 2014 aline), Land Rover's styling team were very careful when applying the updates; so much so that the company is drawing attention to the Evoque's wider towing-eye cover as one of the main changes; no, really. Elsewhere, slim LED foglights, larger air intakes and two grille designs (lower-spec Evoques come with a twin horizontal bars look, Dynamic models get hexagonal mesh grilles) are the main focus, while we've already told you about the full-LED adaptive headlamps, a first for any JLR product. The indicators also sweep in the direction you wish to turn.
Five-door HSE Dynamic and Autobiography models benefit from the bonnet vents that were previously only a three-door signature, while there is a new tailgate spoiler housing a wider, slimmer high-level LED brake light. Optional roof fins come with an integrated 3G antenna, while along the sides there are three fresh alloy wheel designs (with two finishes to choose from) and a wider palette of body colours with the possibility of contrasting roof designs.
Inside
In terms of sensory updates, both visually and in terms of tactility the cabin of Range Rover Evoque has been improved. There are new seats and door casings, a redesigned instrument binnacle, the addition of plenty of soft-touch materials and 'Taurus' grained leather as standard on all models. All Evoques also come with at least eight-way electric adjustment of the seats, although higher-spec versions get front massage seats - said to be a first-in-class - and 14-way adjustment. New colour schemes include Lunar Ice and Vintage Tan, while Dark Cherry is available on the Autobiography model.
When it comes to equipment, the all-new, eight-inch 'InControl Touch' infotainment system is the biggest talking point, coming as standard on even entry-level SE Evoques. Its touchscreen technology is based on that of smartphones, with the ability to swipe between apps for ease of use. Navigation is an option on the SE, but HSE Dynamic and Autobiography models get InControl Touch Plus, which has satnav as standard, as well as a rear-seat entertainment system with eight-inch screens and wireless digital headphones, and either 11- or 17-speaker Meridian audio systems. Finally, the Evoque gets the hands-free tailgate function in which you can wave a foot beneath the car's rear bumper to open the boot. Note that these details are based on the UK market model, as Land Rover Ireland has yet to confirm pricing or its model line-up and specifications.
Under the bonnet
The Ingenium diesels, first seen in the Jaguar XE, make their way into the Evoque too. The 2.0-litre TD4 comes with either 150- or 180hp, meaning returns of up to either 4.2 litres/100km (68mpg) and CO2 of 109g/km, or 4.8 litres/100km (59mpg) and CO2 of 125g/km respectively. Service intervals are increased by around 8,000km as a result, but if you don't fancy the Ingeniums then there's a 240hp Si4 petrol model, capable of 217km/h, 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds and fuel consumption/emissions of 7.8 litres/100km (36mpg) and 181g/km CO2.
As before, you can have the Evoque in front- or all-wheel drive format, but a new form of eco badging (similar to Volkswagen's BlueMotion, or Skoda's Greenline, or Ford's Econetic etc. etc.) will be seen on front-wheel drive 150hp diesel versions of the Evoque. Called 'E-Capability', these RRs will wear a blue 'Evoque' badge and will be called eD4, instead of TD4.
Additional tech includes All-Terrain Progress Control (it can hold between 1.8km/h and 30km/h for steady off-roading), Lane-Keeping Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Attention Assist Estimation, which is a 'drowsiness monitor' safety system.
Is there more?
Trim lines, as referred to above, are now in line with the Range Rover Sport, running SE, HSE Dynamic and then Autobiography. Deliveries of the 2016MY Evoque will begin in 170 markets worldwide from August this year, with prices broadly expected to fall into line with the outgoing model.