Land Rover Introduces the Range Rover Evoque

This is the 2012 Range Rover Evoque – lighter, meaner, even greener... than the usual Range Roverproduct, at least. The production version of the LRX-inspired luxury SUV wears all of the cues that made us ask them to build it in the first place, and an interior that raises the game for smaller sport-ute offerings.

On the subject of exteriors, there will be three design themes from which to choose: Pure, a minimalistic take with 19-inch wheels outside and natural colors complemented by brushed metal trim inside; Prestige, a "bespoke exterior" treatment with exclusive 19-inch wheels paired "an indulgent interior;" or Dynamic, with 19- or 20-inch wheels a reworked bodykit, and a "premium sports interior" cabin with items like perforated leather seats.

Inside is an interior influenced not only by the Range Rover Sport, but by Jaguar as well. Seriously bolstered seat straddle a center tunnel wherein lies a rotary gear change dial that rises to hand. The four-setting Terrain Response System dial has been replaced with buttons attending an illuminated menu. Controls are mainly managed through an 8-inch touchscreen. Aural enjoyment is provided by the 825-watt, 17-speaker Meridian sound system with additional inputs for other peripherals.

Underneath the Evoque's hood is a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder provided by Ford engine which should provide plenty of grunt with smaller gas bills. Electric power steering turns the wheels, and an regenerative electrical system captures energy when those wheels are slowed down. Roadgoing is meant to be kept smooth by the MagneRide adaptive dynamics suspension. It goes on sale in the fall of 2011, but we'll see it in person at the Paris Motor Show at the end of the month.