2014 Range Rover Evoque gets new features and 9-speed automatic

Range Rover has given the 2014 Range Rover Evoque a minor nip and tuck, but the headline news is under the still sexy sheet metal.

With a global sales of more than 170,000 vehicles in just 18 months, the Evoque has proven to be a huge success and the 2014 model update will provide even more appeal. New features includes a new 9-speed automatic transmission, new driveline technologies, new driver assistance features and design enhancement inside and out.

“We are thrilled to be moving the Evoque on to the next stage and believe the exciting new driveline technology, driver safety and convenience features make the 2014 Evoque an unbeatable choice for customers seeking the ultimate in compact SUV vehicles,” said Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards.

Built by transmission maestro, ZF, the 9-speed automatic gearbox has an ultra-fast response time, described by ZF as “below the threshold of perception” and an adaptive shift programme that quickly matches driving style.

The Active Driveline, fitted as standard to all Si4 models, is an ‘on demand’ four-wheel drive system that operates in front-wheel drive only during steady-state driving at speeds above 35kph.  The new system monitors vehicle dynamics and automatically reconnects four-wheel drive (within 300 milliseconds) whenever it is needed.  Active Driveline also features Active Torque Biasing with electronic-Diff (e-Diff) technology to distribute torque between the rear wheels, optimising traction and stability.

In addition, a Torque Vectoring by Braking feature fitted as standard to all SD4 and Si4 models further enhances agility and safety by redirecting torque between all four wheels to counteract understeer.

For the 2014 model, the driver assistance capabilities of Evoque are significantly enhanced by the introduction of seven features including: Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays), Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays), Adaptive Cruise Control (with Queue Assist, Forward Alert and Intelligent Emergency Braking), Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic), Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition and Wade Sensing.

In addition to the new technologies, there are detail changes to the Evoque’s exterior, new colour options for the interior, four new alloy wheel styles and a new style of Land Rover badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.

The 2014 Evoque continues to be powered by Land Rover’s range of economical and light weight four-cylinder engines with a choice of either the 2.2 diesel 110kW engine, 2.2 diesel 140kW engine or 2.0 Petrol 177kW engine.  With the new 9-speed automatic transmission and Active Driveline, fuel economy is improved by up to 11.4* percent and CO₂ emissions are reduced by as much as 9.5* percent.  Combined fuel consumption for the 2014 range is up to 57.6 mpg, with CO₂emissions starting from as low as 129 g/km.

*Figures are global manufacturer estimates, Australian figures will be announced closer to launch in March 2014, with prices starting from $49,995 for the Pure eD4 manual.