New Evoque: Paris debut.

The first official picture of the new compact Range Rover were released this month, following an exclusive preview in London for guests attending a 40th birthday celebration of Range Rover held in partnership with Vogue magazine. In a departure from Land Rover’s all 4 x 4 heritage, the vehicle will also be available in a two-wheel drive configuration.

2011 launch

Named the Range Rover Evoque, the coupé will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport line-up in the summer of 2011, as the smallest, lightest and most-fuel efficient Range Rover ever. Customers have a choice of both a 4WD and a 2WD version, with sub-130g/km CO2 emissions ‘demonstrating the Range Rover brand's commitment to environmental sustainability’.

Land Rover managing director Phil Popham told ModernSelling.com: ‘The all-new Range Rover Evoque, is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand. Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before.’

He said: ‘The Range Rover Evoque will be built at our multi-award winning plant in Halewood, creating 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area, a fantastic boost to the UK economy. The Halewood plant has a reputation for excellence and quality and is recognised throughout the industry as a leader in lean manufacturing.

Global car

‘The Evoque is a true global car and will be sold in over 160 countries. It was important to give the car a name that was instantly recognisable through language and cultural boundaries throughout the world. We wanted to create a new name which was innovative and different, a name which implies exclusivity and arouses emotions. Evoque is cosmopolitan and cross-continental, sophisticated and matches the car's urban elegance," he added.

The Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale from next summer.

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