Land Rover is gearing up for the launch of the
second-generation Evoque, hoping the new model will continue selling like hot
cakes. Carscoops reader Brett Borgard spotted this camouflaged test car,
which appears to wear the same amount of camouflage since the last time we saw
a test car doing some laps at the Nurburgring.
Compared to the
current Evoque, the new model will get a cleaner look that borrows cues from
the larger Velar, including a set of pop-out door handles, better integrated
bumpers and sleeker front and rear lights. The second-generation Range Rover Evoque will ride
on a revised version of the current D8 architecture. The updated platform is
reportedly going to improve things like ride quality and comfort in order for
the new Evoque to offer that “mini Range Rover” vibe in more ways than one.
Hopefully the available space for rear passengers will also grow.
The new dashboard is expected to make use of the
brand’s latest technologies, including the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system
that combines two touchscreen displays. The instrument cluster is also set to
get its own configurable digital display, raising the number of screens inside
to a total of three.
The engine range will include the existing Ingenium
turbocharged petrol and diesel powerplants, featuring small updates for better
fuel economy and CO2 emissions. As before, base models will be offered with
front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available in more expensive versions.
The platform revisions will also allow the next-gen
Evoque to host JLR’s upcoming mild-hybrid powertrain, which pairs a
three-cylinder 1.5-liter petrol engine with a small electric motor. The new
electrified Evoque will use a 48-volt electrical architecture as well. However,
fitting an electrified powertrain into the Evoque’s platform requires significant
revisions, pushing the launch of the hybrid version into the early 2020.
Land Rover is expected to reveal the new Evoque
towards the end of the year, with sales in Europe set to begin in early 2019.
