Range Rover Evoque review

Perhaps the biggest reason to buy a Ranger Rover Evoque (other than the way it looks, of course) is how well it’s likely to hold on to its value. Our depreciation experts expect it to be worth more than any of its rivals – including the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 – when you come to sell in three years’ time.

For private buyers, that prospect more than makes up for the fact that list prices are a little higher than most key rivals'. It keeps the PCP finance rates extremely competitive and goes some way to offsetting the Evoque's relatively poor fuel economy (the petrols are especially thirsty). However, if you're a company car driver, the Evoque's fairly high CO2 emissions and list prices, compared with many of its rivals, will bump up your monthly tax bill.

The exception here is the plug-in hybrid P300e. It’s one of the pricier versions to buy, but company car users are rewarded with low CO2 emissions, giving it by far the lowest benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax rating of the range, especially if you opt for a low trim level with small wheels.

You can find out what your car really does to the gallon with our True MPG Calculator

Every Range Rover Evoque is well-equipped, with 17in alloy wheels, climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic LED headlights, keyless start, power-folding door mirrors and heated front seats fitted even to the cheapest version.

Upgrade to S trim and you get larger (18in) alloys, along with the heated, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats we mentioned earlier, leather upholstery and rear animated directional indicators. This trim is our pick for the best value-to-toys ratio.

SE trim is also worth considering, adding an electric tailgate, automatic high-beam assist for the headlights and blind-spot assist (see the Safety and Security section). You’ll probably still want to add front foglights and keyless entry, but doing so is cheaper than going for range-topping HSE trim. Likewise, we'd avoid the R-Dynamic versions unless you're desperate for a sporty look.

This isn’t usually an area of strength for Land Rover. Indeed, the brand finished rock bottom (out of 31 manufacturers) in the What Car? Reliability Survey. 

The Evoque itself performed marginally better in the family SUV class, although fourth from bottom isn’t exactly a stellar performance. Let’s hope you don’t need to call on the three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty too often.

The Evoque earned the maximum five-star rating when it was crash tested by Euro NCAP. True, it didn't score quite as highly as the Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 for adult occupant crash protection, but it bettered the Q3 for child occupant protection. In other words, it's one of the top cars in the class for keeping you and your family safe in an accident.

There’s plenty of technology on hand to prevent you from having a crash in the first place, too, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assistance and a system that alerts the driver if he or she is becoming tired. Blindspot monitoring is optional on most trims and standard on SE trim, as is a clear exit monitor and a rear traffic monitor (the latter warns you if you’re about to reverse into the path of an oncoming car).

Two sets of Isofix child seat mounts, one on each outer rear seat, are included as standard on all versions. It’s just a shame there’s no option to add a third set on the front passenger seat.

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