First look: new Range Rover Evoque set for local debut in mid-2019

The world’s first big-city SUV, the Range Rover Evoque, is about to get a new lease on life – but 'soft-road style' remains unchallenged as the Evoque's raison d'être.

The Evoque was originally designed as a four-wheeled fashion accessory and nothing much is changing.

It can still go confidently and competently off-road in the worst conditions, but the toughest thing about the lives of most Evoques is the daily grind to work.

The second-generation Evoque will arrive in Australia around the middle of 2019, although there is no detail yet on pricing or the specific model roll-out.

Introduced eight years ago as the smallest and softest of the Range Rover family, the Evoque has been a runaway success and sparked plenty of imitators including the Volvo XC40. It’s also the car that set the path for the larger and more luxurious Range Rover Velar.

But there were complaints, mostly about a cramped cabin, so the Jaguar Land Rover engineers and designers have responded with a car that has much the same shape as before - although with a more-pronounced slope to the rear of the roof - but more practicality.

The new Evoque is slightly longer for more knee space in the back and more general storage, as well as a wider boot with 10 per cent more space that can now carry a pram or a set of golf clubs.

“We have re-defined what it means to be a luxury compact SUV,” says Finbar McFall, the global marketing director of Jaguar Land Rover.

Inside the Evoque there is a big new infotainment screen plus a high-definition screen in the rear-view mirror that can totally take over the view behind in case your own 'natural' view is obstructed...

20-way adjustable electric seats mean you'll aways find that perfect position.

 There's even a companion smartwatch app.

Mechancially, although most owners will go for a petrol engine the car has been pre-prepared for a plug-in hybrid version within 18 months.

Land Rover says the Evoque still comes with all-wheel drive, but with a second-generation ‘Driveline Disconnect’ that means it can be front-wheel drive to improve economy.

Paul Gover

As Motoring Editor for Executive Traveller, Paul Gover spends less time at his Gold Coast home than he does on the road (literally) test-driving the best of the four-wheel world.