Test drive: Range Rover Evoque

The new off-roader is a real head-turner, writes Fifth Gear's Tiff Needell

There used to be two things you could be sure of about a Land Rover. First, it was British and secondly it was basically a box on wheels –
and a very strong box at that. It was a rugged machine that could be trusted wherever you wished to travel, and over whatever terrain. But times they are a-changin'.

Today the brand is owned by India's Tata Motors, and the arrival of the stunning new Evoque has caused something of a sensation in Land Rover land. Now, there are two things we need to get straight before we go any further – firstly it is pronounced Evoke and secondly Mrs Beckham has had nothing to do with the design so far. Yes there is due to be a special edition with a Posh interior,
but that is still to come.

So what have we got? Well, the heritage is retained with a traditional clam-shell bonnet but bulging front-wheel arches add a real sense of purpose at the front before the body sweeps back with a coupé-style rear end that's finished off with a sporty spoiler, creating a profile that is a complete contrast to anything that has gone before. The overall effect is a real head-turner – this car certainly has presence.

As you'd expect, the interior retains the quality feel we've come to expect. The switchgear and dials please the eye while the seats are both supportive and well upholstered. The only concern is a lack of headroom in the back but there's still enough for a six-footer like me – don't go for the cuter-looking three-door version though, as that has even less space and access is awkward.

Two turbocharged engines are on offer, a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol – obviously I'd go for the more powerful if less frugal petrol version. But what really impressed me when I drove it both off-road and on the road was the ride quality supplied by the optional MagneRide shock absorbers fitted to the car.

Indeed the Evoque is the first car to be fitted with the third generation of this suspension system that features magneto-rheological fluid in the dampers. It's a system first used by General Motors in the US before Ferrari and then Audi brought it to Europe and it creates swift variations in stiffness by constantly adjusting its magnetic field.

With the science lesson over, all you need to know is that not only is the ride quality excellent but so is the on-road handling when you want to press on a bit – no longer the excessive Range Rover roll that can be a bit disconcerting at times. And none of this is at the expense of the off-road qualities for which the brand is renowned.

Mind you, with looks as good as this, not many buyers are going to want to go and get their beautiful new car all muddy – the Evoque is going to be a must-have Chelsea Tractorette for the in-crowd
to be seen driving.