Evoking passion, beauty, poise

With amazing 161 global awards in less than four years since it was launched at a media event in 2011, the British nameplate; Range Rover Evoque has indeed never left anyone in doubt, not even the brand critics about the wide acceptance of British nameplate within the automotive circles.

Flaunting a host of class leading off-road features, the 4x4i system for instance monitors the vehicle dynamics continuously, providing illustrated information through the infotainment display on the centre console. In addition to this, the Land Rover off-road navigation system provides a comprehensive aid to driving in unmapped areas.

Land Rover wade sensing uses sensors in the door mirrors to provide the driver with information when driving through water, which is particularly beneficial when visibility is poor and at night. A visual display and warning chimes alert the driver as the water level rises around the vehicle. Maximum wading depth for the Evoque is 500mm.

In terms of innovative safety features, Evoque also measured up to expectation with surround cameras that help improve visibility and driver awareness using five digital cameras, discreetly placed around the vehicle. This provides a near 360-degree, real-time view of the surrounding area.

Another technology called Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses side-mounted radar sensors to survey potential blind spots behind or either side of the vehicle, whilst Closing Vehicle Sensing detects vehicles which are closing quickly from behind and could cause a threat during a lane change manoeuvre.  Drivers are alerted by a rapid flashing of the Blind Spot warning light in the corresponding door mirror helping to improve awareness for faster reactions. 

The ‘Reverse Traffic Detection’ (RTD) is an additional enhancement to these systems and monitors traffic approaching from either side of the vehicle during a reversing manoeuvre (e.g. reversing out of a parking space). If a hazard is detected, the driver is swiftly informed via both audible and visual warnings.

The ECO-Drive feature provides a continuous flow of information and feedback via the 8-inch touchscreen, including instantaneous fuel consumption readings, historical data comparisons as well as tips on improving driving styles.

The Evoque remains a head turner anyway it drives past, not only in countries where the presence has been announced, but also in Nigeria where the model has become a household name. This is courtesy of its combination of leading-edge design, striking interior craftsmanship, in car technology and off-road capability.

With highly competitive pricing, a range of powerful yet efficient petrol and diesel engines, ‘on demand’ active driveline to enhance agility and a responsive, fuel-efficient 9-speed automatic ZF transmission, the Evoque continues to appeal with more than 310,000 sales worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.

For sub-Sahara Africa, the introduction of Extended Navigation on Range Rover Evoque represented an industry first as a factory-fitted integrated system, combining the latest generation of Tracks4Africa with Nokia Here to provide unrivalled coverage of sub-Sahara Africa in the rural and urban environment respectively.

In Nigeria where Coscharis Motors is the sole importer of all Jaguar Land Rover models, the dealership offers a comprehensive warranty backed by a region-wide after-sales network responsible for the provision of world-class maintenance and parts back-up.

 Already widely acclaimed by journalists, critics and owners, the most recent successes have come from the readers of key global titles. In one recent survey the Evoque scored a near-perfect 94 per cent when participants were asked to rate their cars’ audio and entertainment systems as well as other technology, such as phone connectivity and the user-friendliness of on-board computers.

The Evoque stirs such astonishing looks that Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes said of the car: “To be recognised by magazine readers is a great honour. It confirms the success of our efforts in building a unique premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) that buyers find truly desirable. Land Rover has raised the standard of in-car technology to class-leading levels.”

MIKE OCHONMA