Range Rover Evoque (2024) review

All the telltale signs of a facelift are present here, with mildly tweaked LED headlights and tail lights, sleeker grille and reprofiled bumpers. Not that the Evoque was ever dull, but the nip and tuck just makes it look even sharper. The 19in wheels get red brake calipers now, adding to the sporty allure of the baby Range Rover. Its heavily raked windscreen, relatively smaller glass area and large wheels that fill up the wheel arches beautifully give it a stance that makes you want to drive it hard even before you get in. 

The serenity of the redesigned cabin is juxtaposed with an explosive engine that is a diesel but approaches the refinement of a petrol motor. Non-perceptible lag and virtually no sign of vibration or harshness from the engine bay give it the requisite refinement that a Range Rover badge owes its customer.

But the tech is what’s new inside and it’s anchored by the gently curved 11.4in touchscreen that has crisp graphics. Although they aren’t as colourful and flamboyant as Mercedes or BMW systems, it does clear fonts and large touchpoints for all the key touch-related functions, which is always a good thing while driving. In fact, with the new cabin redesign like on other Land Rover models, the physical button count is down to three. Yes, just three physical buttons - engine start/stop, hazard lights a P on the gear selector. Sure the door panel does have essentials like window switches and memory seat presets but on that dash and centre console, virtually everything has been moved to the Pivi Pro infotainment system. 

3D surround view camera, air filter with comprehensive monitoring, parking aids, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the brilliant ClearSight interior rear-view camera are all great gadgets to have and you can get used to them rapidly. Even the Meridian audio system, while not the higher ‘3D’ or ‘Signature’ variety, sounds amazing, with angled tweeters on the A-pillar that precisely aim the sound at the listeners, doubling down on impact and clarity. 

Elsewhere, the open pore wood, the Windsor leather seats with cooling, powered tailgate and heat-resisting windshield make your life more comfortable while getting to your destination.

In the D200 guise, this AWD Evoque is a hoot to drive, zipping in an out of traffic like a hot hatch with its 201hp/430Nm of power on tap and a handy size. Throttle responses are quick and while you do have paddle shifters and Terrain Response to go through the different drive modes, Comfort works just fine in the city. Ride quality is good considering it wears 19in wheels, though not in the same league as its elder siblings. But what it misses out on in terms of isolation, it gains in involvement. The driving experience is genuinely engaging and infinitely more manageable within the tight confines of peak hour Mumbai. 

The seats are cossetting and the ambiance inside the cabin is as luxurious and serene as the Velar, if not more. What doesn’t work well in the Indian conditions are the slim AC vents that may look cooler than the Mandalorian helmet, but don’t cool the cabin as effectively as 38 degrees would require.

Refining and reducing clutter has increased the appeal of the baby Rangie. It still manages to stay true to its DNA with more than 200mm of ground clearance and more than 500mm of wading depth, but most importantly, is fun to drive everyday in the city. It should’ve taken a less intransingent approach to decluttering though and some plhysical buttons like volume control and fan speed are still missed for their instant accessibility. But overall, as far as modernism goes, no other car cabin looks this suave and classy. This is peak Britsh sophistication.