In the last few months Land Rover has introduced a two wheel drive Freelander, a Range Rover Evoque (with CO2 emissions of 129g/km) and most recently a hybrid version of the Range Rover Sport, the car has been called the Range_e. It has plug-in diesel-electric powertrain technology and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS).
From an environmental perspective it is the smallest and lightest Range Rover ever produced and the most fuel efficient ever. Land Rover suggest that this car is as capable as the non-hybrid version, but at a fraction of the environmental impact thanks to the lightweight technology and engine design.
The Evoque has already picked up a number of industry prizes, including its first major international award for best production car in 2010 (Car Design of the Year award).
Using the 242bhp 3.0-litre TDV6 engine also with a 94bhp electric motor, the Range_e can reach a fuel economy of 85mpg. The batteries from the Range_e can be charged from a 240V household supply in four hours (electric-only range of 20 miles). It can do 690 miles on one 84 litre tank of fuel.
The new petrol and the diesel engine come with direct injection and stop-start technology, the engine delivers 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds.
The updated 2.2-litre turbo-diesel has 150PS or 190PS versions and the 2WD Coupé version combined with the 150 PS 2.2-litre engine is set to be capable of CO2 emissions that are sub 130g/km CO2.
Offered in both 5-door and Coupé forms, the Evoque will go on-sale from September 2011. Options include 12 exterior colours, seven alloy wheel designs, 16 interiors designs and a full sized glass roof. Land Rover announced that prices in the UK for the new Range Rover Evoque would start from £27,955 for an eD4 Pure 5-door. The 4WD equivalent is priced at £28,705.
