The world doesn’t need another overpriced car.
That’s not to say initial discussions about the 2013 Range Rover should begin with “over” and end with “priced,” but any car with a co-designed edition from the likes of Posh Spice should be met with a healthy amount of sticker skepticism.
The LED lights, tucked under the side view mirrors that project the car’s silhouette onto the ground, how much do those cost? What about the interior almond-tinted leather, like the outside of a baguette and softer to touch than its crumb — and how much is that?
As my eye weaves and winds around the Evoque’s outside sheet metal, that concern grows deeper, and somehow more distant. Yes. The Evoque starts at over $42,000, a big ask for a compact crossover. Yes, it’s possible to get over $55,000 without batting an eye, or ticking all the options.
Maybe I’m starting to wonder if the Evoque could be — gasp — worth it?
On paper, the Evoque doesn’t appear to be much more than a $5,000 bill over the already expensive Land Rover LR2. Both share similar platforms at their plant in England, and both seem to continue the notion that Land Rovers may conquer nature but Range Rovers conquer wallets.
They even share an engine and the same six-speed automatic transmission. A 2-liter turbocharged four taken from Ford powers both (the second year in the Evoque, first year in the LR2) SUVs, albeit in different ways. Despite being only 9 lbs. heavier, the Evoque gallops to 60 mpg a full second faster than the LR2 according to the manufacturer, suggesting some boost tinkering and engine management tweaking by Land Rover.
In fact, I’ll say that’s exactly what it is. Instead of the LR2’s more leisurely take off from stoplights, the Evoque’s turbo rabbit punches you at the other side of the intersection forcing you to back off the gas a little. In other words, the acceleration isn’t very linear and requires some getting used to in the form of a stiff neck every now and again.
That’s OK, because beauty is pain. And yes, the Evoque is painfully beautiful. Whether in normal 4-door spec, or 2-door “coupe” configuration (their words, not mine) the Evoque stands out far and away as the best looking in its class. Compared with the BMW X3 and Mercedes Benz GLK, the Evoque looks like Kelly LeBrock in most scenes of “Weird Science.”
Despite a 4-inch shorter wheelbase than the GLK, and a 6-inch difference between the X3, the Evoque actually feels the biggest of the three inside. Four adults comfortably fit underneath the massive panoramic roof, standard on all models except the base “Pure,” with legroom for whiny knees like mine. Storage isn’t skimpy in the back either, seats up the storage capacity is 20.3 cubic feet.
There won’t be a lot of complaining about the interior materials either. The Evoque is thoughtfully finished with leather everywhere, including the door linings and the top of the dash, with inset bezels for many of the optional Meridian stereo’s bazillion speakers.
To be clear, it’s a nice place to be.
I like the gear select knob too, borrowed from Jaguar that seductively rises out of the dash when the Evoque is started. What I don’t like is the Terrain Select Strip, borrowed from a Ford Explorer, to select from Normal, Snow, Sand/Mud and “Why are you still driving me in this?” that asks you to pick your game like a Tiger Electronics toy from 1985. Maybe that’s just me.
Once you’ve selected your mode and your gear, the Evoque handles just fine. The firm suspension is communicative without being overwhelming, an appreciable feeling that notes: “Despite your preconception, this Evoque can still drive into a minor beach assault.” Thanks for the reminder.
The Evoque’s electronic steering assist is the best I’ve driven so far, with road conditions accurately responding through the wheel without feeling artificial. The Evoque can be overdone with 20-inch wheels that would make the ride predictably jittery, but you can buy sunglasses for your cat too.
The Evoque is no spendthrift when it comes to gas, unlike other Range Rovers. The small SUV manages 20 mpg to 28 mpg in city/highway, with our returns closer to the 20-mpg mark thanks to stoplight after stoplight after stoplight after …
But now that we’re back to talking about money let’s get down to brass tacks.
The Evoque has a high price tag. Find me a Range Rover that doesn’t, though.
The world needs more better looking cars — the Evoque is certainly one of those.
Overpriced? What’s looking good worth to you?
Aaron Cole is a syndicated auto columnist. He knows he’s wrong, he’d just rather hear it from you. Reach him at aaron.m.cole@gmail.com or @ColeMeetsCars