Range Rover Evoque Convertible 2016: Prices and specs

After the original Range Rover Evoque in 2011 injected a little chic flair into Land Rover's line-up, the latest version looks set to take things to another level.

The Evoque Convertible, first revealed at the LA Motor Show in 2015, will be released later this year – and it's going to bring something new to the market, says carwow.

Here's what we know so far.

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Design

The Evoque has a strong, distinctive design and its looks are one of its biggest selling points. As such, Land Rover has to repeat the same feat here.

With the top down, the Evoque's rising shoulder and beltline are exposed even more – the car looks thick, rising up towards the rear end where the fabric hood mechanism is housed. Top Gear says it's a chunky, tough-looking thing, like the hard-top version but without a roof.

There are some clear changes, though. For instance, accommodating the fabric roof means the boot is much smaller. At 251 litres, it's smaller than the boot of a Ford Fiesta.

The same issue hampers the interior space too. The Evoque Convertible is a four-seater, the roof mechanism squeezing the amount of width in the rear resulting in it losing the middle back seat.

Its overall proportions are slightly longer and wider than you'll find on hard-top cars and every version wears the Dynamic body kit to fill out the look, making it appear solid. There is a lot of extra weight, though, thanks to necessary strengthening – the convertible is up to 610lbs heavier than the normal versions.

As for the stats on that convertible roof, the canvas can be dropped in 30secs at speeds of up to 18 mph.

Interior

CarWow says that the hard top Evoque introduced the premium interior feel of the large, full sized Range Rover onto a smaller, more affordable package, thanks to high quality build materials like soft touch plastics and metal trims. In the convertible, that same quality remains, though this car introduces an updated 10.2ins infotainment screen option.

So while up front, there's barely any differences in terms of interior, in the back the roofless Evoque is the victim of necessary modifications. Foot room is much smaller as a result of a lot of space being taken up by strengthening beams, and the rear seats are placed much further forward, eating into knee room too.

There's also one less seat. The Evoque seats strictly two in the back, rather than three, with the middle seat squeezed out by the squashed up rear bench.

Regardless, the Evoque convertible's interior remains a quality place to sit, finished exactly how you'd expect it.

Engines

The engine range is pretty basic, consisting of two options: a 2.0-litre petrol or diesel.

The diesel represents the cheapest version of the car and is a new Ingenium unit producing 178bhp. You'll find the same engine in a host of Land Rovers and Jaguars, although the hefty curb weight of the Evoque Convertible means its slow – 0-62mph takes a leisurely 9.7secs.

Efficiency is also hit. Without a roof, the diesel Evoque delivers a claimed 49.6mpg and CO2 figures of 149g/km, giving an annual road tax bill of £145.

The petrol engine at least shores up the performance with 237bhp on tap, cutting the 0-62mph dash to a reasonable 8.6secs. Running costs are off-putting, though – fuel economy sits at just 32.8mpg and CO2 figures of 201g/km mean you'll be in for a tax bill of £295 a year.

Reviews

Auto Express says the Evoque Convertible is indicative of where SUVs are heading, arguing that the lucrative market is becoming an image-dominated class, given that Land Rover's new topless off-roader will be bought by people wanting its looks above all else.

The fabric roof is an essential as a folding hard-top would all but eliminate the car's boot space. On the move, the cloth does an excellent job of ensuring things remain quiet in the cabin and Land Rover has clearly thought carefully about the implications of taking the roof off.

Thanks to its additional weight, the car is noticeably slower than the hard-top versions, but like all Land Rovers, it remains brilliant off-road.

Top Gear is fairly positive about the convertible, saying its looks will appeal massively to its target audience and that it is "properly sorted" and drives well.

Again, the Evoque's uniqueness is its trump card and the site says it’s possible to look at the drop-top from a different perspective – rather than being an impractical SUV first and foremost, it's actually a hugely spacious convertible, it adds.

Prices

The cost is a sticking point, though. Land Rover won't offer the Evoque Convertible in the most basic trim levels so it's only available in Dynamic trim upwards. As a result, prices start from £47,500.

You do get a lot of kit thrown in, however, including an upgraded 10.2ins touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, full leather interior, heated and 12-way adjustable seats and self-parking capabilities. Order books are open now.