Although we have known for quite some time that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible was coming, it’s still a surprising sight
Land Rover has finally unveiled the production version of the Evoque Convertible, which it calls the “world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible.”
Based on the three-door Range Rover Evoque Coupe, the cabriolet version will be positioned at the pinnacle of the Evoque portfolio as “the most exclusive and capable convertible in the world,” Land Rover says in the press release.
The fifth member of the Range Rover family – and the first ever convertible – features a folding fabric roof, with a Z-fold mechanism. It’s the longest and widest fabric roof currently fitted to any vehicle on sale today, according to the automaker. Fully automated, the roof can be raised in 21 seconds and stowed in 18 seconds, at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
The roof has a layer of acoustic insulation that ensures interior comfort “on a par with five-door Evoque.” Furthermore, Land Rover says the position of the roof doesn’t affect boot volume, although the 251 liters (8.8 cu-ft) of storage are less than half the capacity of the standard Evoque’s boot.
Inside, the Range Rover Evoque Convertible debuts Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro, which works with an all-new, high-resolution 10.2-inch touchscreen. InControl Touch Pro includes smartphone integration, door-to-door navigation, 3G connectivity and a premium sound system.
In terms of safety, the Evoque Convertible comes with a Roll-Over Protection Device featuring deployable roll-over bars hidden in the rear bodywork. If a roll-over situation is detected, the system deploys two aluminum bars within 90 milliseconds to create a survival space for passengers.
In North America, the model will be available exclusively with Land Rover’s all-aluminum four-cylinder 240 PS (237hp) Si4 turbocharged petrol unit. Europe will also get a 180 PS (178 hp) 2.0-liter diesel capable of returning 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 mpg US), with CO2 emissions as low as 149g/km.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible will go on sale from spring 2016 in more than 170 markets worldwide.