Having sold half a million of them, Land Rover thought it would be a great wheeze to chop the roof off its Evoque.
In doing so the old-school British brand sets off into deep, controversial undergrowth – the uncharted realm of the premium convertible SUV.
But this isn’t just a cheesy crossover with off-road pretensions, this is the real deal. This is a go-anywhere 4×4 with some of the most sophisticated equipment in the business. You just happen to be able to take the roof off.
The fact they could have got away with so much less but insisted on producing a capable, useable car is testament to their commitment to what Land Rover has always been famous for. They didn’t need to make a car this good, but they did – and that should silence the Evoque Convertible’s many critics.
Chopping the roof off the Evoque necessitated adding extra structure. The result is a gargantuan kerb weight and slightly compromised handling. Light steering, soft brakes and a wafty drivetrain (0-62mph in around 10 seconds) make the Evoque Convertible a cruiser rather than a roadster.
The petrol is marginally better thanks to sportier power delivery and a sweeter engine note, but neither is noticeably athletic.
We drove the Evoque Convertible on chunky winter tyres and still found the ride and refinement to be very reasonable. Wind noise is obviously intrusive with the roof down on the motorway, even with the (rather flimsy) deflector fitted, but with the roof up the cabin is quiet at all speeds.
Something beautiful happens when you pull off the road, though. That rigidity and over-engineered powertrain manifest themselves in one of the best 4x4s currently in production.
The car feels unstoppable in slippery woodland mud, on a taxing off-road circuit, and even driving directly up an icy Alpine piste. And that controversial tub-like shape gives it great approach and departure angles – essential when off-roading.
Power is distributed to all four wheels by a computerised 4×4 system, which analyses grip at each corner and prevents the wheels from spinning.
If traction is lost, the computer will methodically apply known techniques in order to regain and maintain momentum.
Few people will use this engineering. It’s almost sad to think of this car as a capable, meaningful utility car, but one that will rarely leave tarmac. It’s Lassie, trapped in the body of a Pomeranian.
This genuine go-anywhere Land Rover attitude goes a long way to justify the starting price of £47,500. In fact, that and the badge appeal are the only factors that can really persuade most people to pay the best part of £50k on a slowish four-seater with a tiny boot.
If you want a modern convertible 4×4, this is basically your only option. It has the kind of technical ability that will make a novice look like a competent off-roader, but with the added fun of an open roof.
On sunny days and with the top down and the music up, it’s hard to think of a better car for a seaside jaunt or rural ramble. Buy this if you want a serious 4×4 with all the fun of a ragtop.
THE FACTS
Model: Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Price: From £47,500
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel producing 178bhp and 317lb/ft of torque
Economy: 49.6mpg combined
CO2 rating: 149g/km
