It's sort of hard to believe that Land Rover, which is steeped in utilitarian tradition with vehicles like the Defender, decided to take a walk on the wild side. While there's no question that the Evoque is the brand's most stylistically developed automobile, it went one step further by taking its roof off.
While that may be relatively easy in a coupe, it seems to be a bit more problematic with a sport-utility vehicle. That's because it eliminates the utility in a big way.
Of course this presents the question "So, what's the point?" Well, we're not quite sure either. But we're thinking that a lot of folks in SoCal and Florida that are hip will want one in their driveway.
Unlike the Nissan Murano Cross Cabriolet, this thing has style and attitude. In addition, the Land Rover brand has cachet. While it may be full of character flaws, we're thinking the buyers who shop Rodeo Drive and Worth Avenue will not mind too much.
And if the A-listers catch on, forget about it.
That said, scope out Autocar's first review of the first drop-top Land Rover. It's an interesting read that spells out all the negatives of this peculiar beast.
Should I buy one?:
It is that salient feature (only very briefly tested in our hands), which obviously distinguishes the Evoque from other AWD open-top options, although whether or not buyers think it integral to their decision is another matter. As a product, the convertible seems unplugged from such necessities, just as its success probably doesn’t hinge on the comparative absence of either practicality or comfort.
For a brand that considers itself vertically opposed to style over substance, the Evoque feels like Land Rover’s most brazen statement to the contrary. However, while the skin-deep nature of its appeal – made even more shallow by its immodest weight and expense – limit the car’s likeability in our eyes, we’d be reluctant to bet against Gaydon’s assessment of its niche potential. Expect evidence of high customer demand to follow.
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