If in the coming days the newest SUV model in the shop window of the Land RoverParking dealer, it should also attract the attention of those who are interested in neither the vehicles of the brand nor for SUV or even for new cars. Provided the resourceful dealer has set it up without: The British bring the successful SUV Evoque as a convertible, creating another type of game in the higher-placed boom segment.
Who now strikes with disgust his hands in front of the face, that said: In real it is not as bad as it sounds - on the contrary. Despite significant reservations about this new, unusual genus hybrid we confess after a first test drive: This SUV convertible is well done.
Starting with the design: Already with a fixed roof, the Evoque built since 2011 with its flat, sloping roof or the well-filled wheel arches are the beau of the compact SUV segment. Without a roof - the cloth cap disappears flush behind the rear seats - the Briton not only continues to look harmonious, but actually radiates grandeur. Princess Catherine, waving her hair at the wheel, is a sight you can imagine.
Of course you can argue about the general elegance of the SUV-typical high waistline in a convertible. But if you like SUV, you will like this fresh air version. In 18 seconds, the soft top disappears until 48 km / h speed. That's pretty quick, considering the size of the cloth cap: Land Rover boasts of fitting the Evoque's "longest and widest" soft top on the market. Back the process takes a little longer with 21 seconds.
If the narrow-cut roof is closed, but loses something of the well-proportioned appearance. And inside it gets pretty dark. Needless to say that the outlook - already tight in the Evoque small window areas - the convertible has not got bigger, fortunately at least Park beeper front and rear as standard. Very large grown could also feel the dark headliner as unpleasant close to their apex.
Apart from that, the convertible surprises positively when it comes to space: Although the maximum number of passengers in the open version has shrunk by one person. On all four courses but also adults find enough leg and headroom for a longer ride - from the outside you would not trust the convertible. Limiting factor for the rear seat occupation is however the approach, for which one should bring along, at least with closed roof, a certain agility.
Naturally, maneuvering the luggage into the trunk is no longer that easy if instead of a large tailgate only a small flap swings open. Regardless of whether the top is open or closed, there is always 251 liters of space. That's about as much as in the VW Polo, pretty little for an SUV, okay for a convertible. For skiers there is an optional hatch for sports equipment. The open Evoque is not suitable as a vacation vehicle for four people.
On a small off-road course the Evoque shows on the first ride, that in fact an open Range Rover terrain can: Thanks to the "Terrain Response" system known from other models, the driver needs no terrain experience, but only selects the surface - for example Snow, gravel, grass - and the car supports. About stick and stone is also clear: In the reinforcement of the open version, the engineers have done a great job: even with very precise listening crunches in the Verschränkungspassagen nothing.
Reasonably little noise is the five-deck canopy, while the tested 132 kW / 180 PS diesel under full load not uncomfortable, but quite clearly to speak. The strong four-cylinder diesel is a good choice, it pulls on ambitious from 1.750 tours and can be in everyday life certainly in no moment the desire for more power. Its diesel consumption of 5,4 liters / 100 kilometers, the diesel, however, came in the brisk test drive with 8,6 liters consumption is not nearly close.
The more powerful diesel variant - next to an 110 kW / 150 PS diesel and a 177 kW / 240 PS gasoline offered - will be the best-selling, according to Land Rover. In any case, one assumes in Germany of a diesel share of 95 percent. All engines are combined with all-wheel drive and nine-stage automatic transmission. For the future, the diesel range is likely to be upgraded.
In its role as a lifestyle object, the Evoque Convertible is available exclusively in the two highest trim levels. For the sumptuous starting price of 51.200 Euro are therefore extras such as infotainment system with 10,2 inch large touch screen, leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control or parking aids front and rear on board. The large diesel is at least 54.100 Euro, also in the equipment SE Dynamic, in top notch 60.300 Euro are due. However, the Cabriolet is not fully equipped with this system; in addition, a four- or five-digit amount can be invested in the very useful 360 degree camera (for parking or off-road), LED headlights, head-up display or various assistance systems.
Ten to 15 percent of the annual production of around 125.000 Evoque should in future be delivered without a fixed roof. Before the market launch, 500 copies had already been pre-ordered in Germany - without a test drive. If it is up to the incredulous looks of the other drivers when we cruised through the foggy Sauerland with the convertible top of the SUV convertible open, at least the test drive requests from the market launch at the beginning of June should increase by leaps and bounds. (Hanne Schweitzer / SP-X)