Review: Land Rover L538.I Range Rover Evoque (2011-13)

Overview

Released in November 2011, the Land Rover L538 Series I (L538.I) Range Rover Evoque was a three- or five-door compact SUV. Manufactured in Halewood, England, the L538.I Evoque was initially available with all-wheel drive and either a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine (the TD4 and SD4 variants) or a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (the Si4). In July 2012, however, the Evoque range was expanded with front-wheel drive eD4 variants which were also powered by the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. As per the table below, each Evoque variant was available in Pure, Dynamic or Prestige editions.

Land Rover L538.I Range Rover Evoque specifications
Variant	Drive	Years	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
eD4	FWD	2012-13	2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4	6sp man.	110 kW at 4000 rpm	380 Nm at 1750 rpm
TD4	AWD	2011-13	2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4	6sp man., 6sp auto	110 kW at 4000 rpm	400 Nm at 1750 rpm
SD4	AWD	2011-13	2.2-litre turbo-diesel I4	6sp man., 6sp auto	140 kW at 3500 rpm	420 Nm at 1750 rpm
Si4	AWD	2011-13	2.0-litre turbo petrol I4	6sp auto	177 kW at 5500 rpm	340 Nm at 1750 rpm

Engines

Of the engines,

The 2.0-litre ‘EcoBoost’ turbocharged petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, twin variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1; and,
The 2.2-litre ‘Duratorq’ turbo-diesel engine had a compacted graphite iron (CGI) block, an alloy cylinder head, common-rail injection, piezo-electric injectors, a variable nozzle turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 15.8:1.

Transmissions

Transmission choices consisted of six-speed Aisin AW F21 automatic transmissions and six-speed Getrag M66 manual transmissions. Diesel engines with manual transmissions also had a stop-start function that would shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary.

Dimensions

With its monocque chassis, the L538 Evoque was 4355 mm long, 1965 mm wide, 1635 mm tall (1605 mm for three-door models) and had a 2660 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the three-door models had individual rear seats, though a three-seat bench was available – as per the five-door models – as a no-cost option.

Suspension

The Evoque had MacPherson strut front suspension (with a lower control arm and anti-roll bar) and independent rear suspension (with lateral and longitudinal links, and an anti-roll bar). As an option, the Evoque was also offered with an ‘Adaptive Dynamics’ system which used ‘MagneRide’ dampers. The MagneRide dampers contained magnetorheological fluid which – through the application of an electric current – could vary damping resistance according to driving conditions.

AWD system

The Evoque was fitted with a fourth-generation Haldex all-wheel drive system. In normal conditions, the Haldex system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. When traction was lost, the multi-plate clutch pack would engage would engage to direct 50 per cent of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels. Unlike previous systems, however, the fourth-generation Haldex clutch could be pre-tensioned via the feeder pump to engage four-wheel drive before wheel slip was detected.

The AWD Evoques were fitted Land Rover’s ‘Terrain Response’ system that included four selectable settings: General Driving, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. Furthermore, the AWD Evoques were also fitted with:

Hill Descent Control (HDC), which maintained a constant speed by braking individuals wheels if required when descending slopes);
Gradient Release Control (GRC), which prevented the vehicle from ‘running away’ on a steep incline; and,
Hill Start Assist (HSA), which prevented the vehicle from rolling backwards after a hill start.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control, rollover stability control, trailer stability assist and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Evoque had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs and 302 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a five-door Evoque fitted with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine received a five star safety rating including an 86 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 75 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection for the driver’s chest was marginal and protection for the lower legs was rated as adequate; front passenger chest and head protection was also rated as adequate.

Features: Evoque Pure, Prestige and Dynamic

Standard features for the Range Rover Evoque Pure included 17-inch ‘Sparkle Silver’ alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary input, MP3-compatibility and Bluetooth streaming, climate control air conditioning, combination leather/Dinamica (polyester) seats, a five-inch colour display, Bluetooth mobile and audio streaming connectivity, cruise control, front LED fog lights, rear parking sensors, an Oxford Leather multi-function steering wheel, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a cargo cover, 12 volt power outlet and an immobiliser.

The Range Rover Evoque Prestige was further equipped with 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels, an 11 speaker Meridian sound system with subwoofer, eight-inch high-resolution touchscreen and two USB ports, Oxford leather seats, power adjustable front seats, bi-xenon headlights with LEDs, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, power folding mirrors with automatic dipping on reverse and memory functions, mood lighting, woodgrain interior finishes, carpet mats and courtesy lights. Visually, the Prestige editions were distinguished by their bright ‘Atlas’ exterior detailing for the grille, fender blades and bonnet louvre and silver badging.

Beyond this, the Range Rover Evoque Dynamic featured 19-inch ‘Sparkle Silver’ alloy wheels, front seat memory settings and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Unique visual cues included body-coloured sills and sports bumpers, black-finished mirrors, grille and fender blades, aluminium pedals and a textured metal console.

Brochures

Specifications

Specifications: Land Rover L538.I Range Rover Evoque (March 2013)