2012’s The Good 12 – Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

There’s no doubt the Range Rover Evoque has already won more prestigious awards. Top Gear named it the magazine’s car of the year, for example. The Evoque is not a very powerful vehicle. It’s not especially spacious inside. Dealers require a rather large wad of cash before they’ll hand one over. They’ll even ask for more money if you want fewer doors.

If the Evoque doesn’t represent good value, prodigious power, or rational thinking, why does every motoring publication want to lavish such praise upon it? 

Well, have you seen one? Not just in these pictures – have you actually spent time walking around a new Range Rover Evoque? Did you take the time to savour the seductive lines of its interior? Have you seen an Evoque drive by looking for all the world like the kind of stylish concept vehicle other automakers decide not to build? If so, was it the Orkney Grey Metallic Evoque? Did it ride on the 20-inch Shadow alloys? 

Fortunately, the Evoque is a capable handler and can even cope with moderate off-road excursions. It’s not as though Land Rover equipped this stunning supermodel of a car with the brain of a delinquent fourth-grader. The Evoque is actually a very good car.

Yet, if the new Land Rover Range Rover Evoque wasn’t quick or fun to drive; if it was a bit truckish; if it was even more expensive, it wouldn’t matter. We would still want a new Range Rover Evoque in our driveways. No, it may not have landed a coveted spot in The Good 12, but it would have remained hugely desirable. I mean, have you seen one? Have you spent time walking around a new Range Rover Evoque? Did you take the time to…. 

Engines: 240 horsepower; 251 lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder

Base USD/CAD Price: $43,995 / $46,995

City Fuel Economy: 18 miles per gallon

It’s Not Perfect: The vehicles most shoppers would consider cross-shopping after testing a Range Rover Evoque include the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLK350. All three are worth buying. All three cost less than the Evoque.

Sales Stats: The Evoque is fresh on the market but sales figures are constantly updated here.