► Land Rover updates its fixed-roof Evoque
► New ‘Ember’ edition features red highlights
► ‘Low Traction Launch’ improves off-road abilities
Land Rover’s throwing the spotlight back on its fixed-roof Evoque, following the launch of the Evoque Convertible, by offering a range of updates for the 2016 model year.
So, what’s this red and black colour scheme about?
That’s the new ‘Ember’ edition of the Evoque. It’s based on an HSE Dynamic model and features a bespoke colour scheme and details, consisting of ‘Firenze Red’ and ‘Santorini Black’ highlights.
Inside, you’ll find black seats with contrasting red stitching, black and red mats and gloss black trims. The Range Rover Evoque Ember also features the ‘Black Pack’, so comes with black 20-in wheels, black tailpipe trims, a black grille and darkened lights.
The Ember edition is only going to be available for a three-month period and, if you’re interested, you’ll pay £47,200 for the premium. Deliveries begin in September.
You’ll forgive us if we don’t get out our debit cards right this very moment…
Perhaps the technical updates are more notable?
You’re not wrong. Firstly, the new InControl Touch Pro media system is now available in the regular Evoque. It’s a far slicker, modern-looking affair and features a 10.2-in touchscreen display, sat-nav and a range of route and planning functions.
The new system – which is currently offered in the Evoque Convertible, among other JLR products – will be standard on HSE Dynamic, HSE Dynamic Lux and Autobiography trims.
Elsewhere, buyers of the lower-spec SE Tech Evoque will now benefit from 12-way electric seats and automatic high beam assist. HSE Dynamic trims and above will get the 10.2-in InControl Touch Pro system, and automatic versions will now come with JLR’s ‘All Terrain Progress Control’. It’s basically off-road cruise control, so you just set your speed and concentrate on driving over the kerb.
What’s all this about messing around on grass?
Apparently dropping the Evoque into first gear, releasing the brake and then gently applying some throttle proves too troublesome for some drivers. So, Land Rover’s seen fit to roll out a new ‘Low Traction Launch’ mode.
It aims to automatically deliver the maximum amount of torque possible on slick surfaces, allowing the driver to make a painless, simple getaway. Reputedly, no precise throttle control is required; you simply squeeze the pedal and the onboard electronics will work to put the power down where and when they can, without cutting back so excessively that you stop moving entirely.
What else is new to the range?
If you’re not sold on the likes of the Black Pack, then perhaps the new ‘Graphite Design Pack’ – for Autobiography models – will be more to your liking.
As you can probably guess, it adds a host of grey details – including a grey grille, satin grey wheels and grey towing eye covers. Contrasting black details elsewhere complete the look. For that, you can expect to fork out £2125.
Land Rover has also added a host of new exterior colours, bringing the total line-up to 18. That’ll further improve your chances of distinguishing your new Evoque a little from the 520,000 that have been sold since 2011…
Read CAR magazine’s Range Rover Evoque review here