The unconventional Evoque Convertible, now in full production guise – and driven in the UK for the first time. It's unorthodoxy is of course contained within its name: this is a three-door Evoque open to the sky, not to mention the slings and arrows of public opinion.
To Land Rover, the formula still makes unquestionable business sense. People like the Evoque; people (particularly Brits) like convertibles – et voilà. Achieving the end result has, unsurprisingly, required a fair degree of compromise and some considerable engineering.
The new model is consequently heavier than the standard Evoque, and significantly more expensive, too. We're driving here the Convertible in its most affordable HSE Dynamic trim (with the 177bhp 2.0-litre diesel Ingenium engine), which costs from £47,500 – about the same money that would buy you a decently optioned Porsche Boxster.
The Evoque has long been a leader on the must-have lists of style-conscious car buyers, but never before has it hit these heights. Cool cars get you noticed, cabrios get you seen – and as well as being both, this sits you up high so you and your premium cabin are right in everybody’s eye line.
The Evoque tested here was powered by Land Rover’s 177bhp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, which does fine without every threatening to light up the ground beneath it. It was an HSE-spec model, too – making it the entry-level option in the Convertible range, which is saying something when you’re spending £47,500 on a Sportage-sized SUV.
Start ticking the options and it won’t be at all long before the final bill starts with a five, either. So the roofless Evoque costs usefully more than the three-door tin-top on which it’s based. The extra money pays for all the engineering work required to keep its body rigid and get the roof to operate properly in the first place; and, from Land Rover’s point of view, because they can.
What else does it get you? A slower, heavier Evoque that handles like – well, like a slower-heavier Evoque. A slower, heavier Evoque with scuttle-shake.
It gets you more cramped rear seats and a luggage space which, with the roof down, might as well not exist.
But it does get you a supreme style icon which will hold its own among the V12 boulevardiers and ghastly metallic wraps of Knightsbridge. Those onlookers will believe you go off-roading whenever you feel like it, and they’ll check to see if you’re married to David Beckham. Because it was originally designed by Victoria Beckham
And best of all, in your lofty open-air perch you’ll be able to hear what they’re saying about you. Maybe best turn the stereo up if you ever pass a group of lads digging around under the bonnet of an old 110, though.
Features at a glance
Price £47,500
Engine Four-cylinder, 1998cc, turbocharged, diesel
Power 177bhp at 4000rpm
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Kerb weight 1967kg
Top speed 121mph; 0-60mph 9.7sec
Economy 49.6mpg
CO2/tax band 149g/km, 29%
For more information please visit Land Rover UK, AUTO CAR UK.
Photo: Auto Car UK
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