Land Rover Range Rover Evoque review

Prices start at £40,080 for the 161bhp 2.0-litre diesel. The mild hybrid diesel starts from £43,665, the mild hybrid petrol from £46,270, and the PHEV from £49,000. That’s all in base-spec; anything else and you’re sailing towards/over £50k before you know it. So choose wisely.

On lease, you’re looking at around £485 to £610 a month, on a four-year agreement with a £5k down payment and 10,000 yearly mileage allowance. There might be better deals away from Land Rover’s own finance scheme.

Rivals? A Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3 start from around £10k cheaper, a BMW X2 from around the £40k mark, a Porsche Macan from around £10k more, and a Mercedes GLC from nearer the £60k mark. In that context the Evoque feels reasonably priced, even if a chunk of change has been added on post-facelift.

What's the difference between variants?

There are four equipment levels to choose from: S, Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE and Autobiography. Base S models get 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, digital driver display, the Pivi Pro infotainment system, wireless smartphone mirroring and charging, and a black grained leather interior finish.

Dynamic SE models get 19-inch alloys, LED headlights with signature daytime running lights, a Meridian sound system, interactive driver display, powered tailgate and keyless entry. Meanwhile Dynamic HSE models get 20-inch alloys, pixel LED headlights, a fixed panoramic roof, and Windsor leather seats.

Top-spec Autobiography models get the full bells-and-whistles treatment, including head-up display, sliding panoramic roof, fully 3D surround camera, camera-linked rearview mirror, cabin air purification system, and adaptive/configurable suspension.

What's the best spec?

Our experience of the base D200 diesel elsewhere in the JLR range is pretty decent and there’s nothing to suggest it wouldn’t be here too, but the plug-in hybrid version is particularly appealing for the extra torque the e-motor provides and the real world electric range of around 30 miles. We don’t reckon you need to look beyond the already generously equipped S trim either, and company car buyers will also appreciate the 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind savings.

Warranty is three years, unlimited mileage. You might need it. JLR's reputation - one of unreliability and trips to the garage - precedes it.