If we say “Land Rover,” what do you say?

Most likely you’ll say the savannahs in Africa or some serious off-roading in the wilds of Alaska.  That’s what Land Rovers do, right?  They go where few other vehicles can go.

But what most people do not think of is outstanding style.  The 2015 Land Rover Evoque changes all that in a big way.

The smallest of the Land Rover family, the Evoque is a small crosser/SUV/utility vehicle that really looks like a luxury car, albeit a small one.  The Evoque is first and foremost designed to look like a luxury car, and its looks have been described as jaw-dropping by many.  It is also a rugged SUV that can handle any road or off-road conditions.

Are there better SUVs out there?  Yes!  The Audi Q5 is one, as is the BMW X3.  The Audi Q3, the Lexus NX and the Mercedes-Benz GLA are all worth looking at, and for higher-end models, nothing beats the Porsche Macan.  Still, the Land Rover Evoque is worth a test-drive.

The standard engine for the Evoque is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 240 horsepower.  A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard on this British workhorse, as is all-wheel drive.  The EPA rates this engine at 24 mpg combined, which is definitely a good figure for this class of vehicles.  Safety is guaranteed with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags, and front and rear parking sensors are also standard as is a rearview camera.  In braking tests, the Evoque went from 60-0 in 117 feet, an admirable distance.

Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, heated exterior mirrors with puddle lights, a rear spoiler, parking sensors, a cargo cover, rear privacy glass, push-button ignition, driver-selectable drive modes, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery and on and on and on.  Yes, this is a luxury car.

There are five main trims to the Evoque:  Pure, Pure Plus, Pure Premium, Prestige and Dynamic.

Are replacement parts available in the States?  Most definitely!  Are they expensive?  You can bet the house on it.  Land Rover replacement parts are not cheap. That’s why it is best that you buy them at a reputable salvage yard like All Import Auto Parts.  There you can find everything you need to keep your Land Rover running smoothly at a reasonable price.