Topless Range Rover
Unveiled, the ‘world’s first premium convertible’
THE first soft-top Range Rover has been unveiled for those who like to feel the wind in their hair both on and off road.
Buoyed by the success of the Range Rover Evoque that was launched in September, bosses at Jaguar Land Rover have decided it is time to go topless with what they are calling ‘the world’s first premium convertible sports utility vehicle’ – distinguished from other opentopped workhorse 4x4s such as Jeeps and Land Rovers.
Details of the cabriolet Evoque have emerged ahead of its official debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, where it is expected to be one of the stars.
The luxury car-maker is calling the prototype a ‘design study’ to gauge the reaction of the market, but insiders say it is certain to go into production. It is expected to cost between £35,000 and £50,000, depending on trim level, when it hits showrooms within two years.
John Edwards, Land Rover’s global brand director, added: ‘It gives existing customers more choice, while reaching out to a completely new customer base. We are excited to see the response.’
The firm’s Halewood, Merseyside, plant, which builds the Evoque, is also tipped for expansion, with investment of about £100million to double its size and create up to 1,500 new jobs.
The soft-top convertible is based on the existing Evoque but features a fully retractable roof system. Gerry Mcgovern, Land Rover design director, said: ‘The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible.
‘We have worked to retain its distinctive shape.’
Powered by a 2.2- litre diesel engine, it is packed with technology, including ‘terrain response’ which adapts to different surfaces, surround cameras, parking assist, an 8in touch screen and a sound system from British audio experts Meridian.
The Evoque has already won more than 90 international awards, and is among the favourites for European Car of the Year.