Pegged for a 2019 launch, development and testing of the next-gen Range Rover Evoque is ticking now in the UK. IAB's friend Jon Peck recently spotted a 2019 Range Rover Evoque prototype at a parking lot in the country.
With the forthcoming update, the Range Rover Evoque transfers to its second generation. The spy shot is testimony that the core design and proportions are modelled after the original, a hint dropped by Land Rover's design chief when he spoke to IAB way back in February 2014. The second generation of the first all-new Land Rover to come to life under Gerry McGovern’s reign will have the typical SUV coupe traits, such as a rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running through the length, a subtle taper to the floating roofline and pronounced wheel arches - all combining to give a powerful and athletic stance. In response to low demand, Land Rover has decided not to renew the 3-door variant.
In the design of elements like the headlamps, grille and tail lamps, the second-gen Range Rover Evoque (codename: Land Rover L551) may take good inspiration from its big brother Range Rover Velar. Spy shots have already shown it will feature larger, split tail lamps like the latter. Technologies like Matrix-Laser LED headlights, Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, virtual instrument cluster and more will likely filter down to the Baby Rangie.
The next-gen Range Rover Evoque will ride on an updated version of the D8 FWD platform. While the latest 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are a given, to make it accessible to a broader range of customers and more fuel efficient, Land Rover will offer it with a new 1.5-litre Ingenium three-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. However, the mild-hybrid variant may arrive only at a later stage. The 2.0-litre engines should come in maximum outputs ranging from 150 PS to 300 PS, with ZF 9-speed automatic transmission as standard.
Also Read: Lifestyle will propel the design of the new Land Rover Defender, says McGovern
The all-new Range Rover Evoque could debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Sales in Europe could commence early next year.
