Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019) Review
Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019) At A Glance
Is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go. Good to drive on and off road. Plush interior.
There are much better soft-tops for £50k. Tiny boot. Very little room for passengers in the back.
Given the popularity of the Range Rover Evoque, it’s perhaps understandable that Land Rover has looked to capitalise on its success by adding a stylish soft-top to the range. However, while the Evoque Convertible is striking to look at and genuinely good to drive, its novelty value is outweighed by some serious shortcomings.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is based on the three-door coupe, but commands a considerable premium to buy new, with prices starting close to £50,000. Everyday practicality is limited, compared to the hard-top Evoque, with poor levels of head and legroom in the back. The boot is also narrow and small, which means it will struggle to accommodate anything larger than a flight bag.
The engine range consists of one petrol and one diesel, with the latter providing the best balance between performance and economy. Both of the four-cylinder engines drive well, with lots of torque and low levels of noise reaching the cabin. Unfortunately the nine-speed automatic gearbox is the weak link in the package, with its doddering nature resulting in forced gear changes that unsettle the rhythm of the engine.
The 2.0-litre TD4 boasts 180PS and will cover 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds, while the advertised 49.6mpg means trips between fuel stops should be relatively long. The 2.0 Si4 petrol with 240PS improves performance further and covers 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds – but isn't very efficient, with a claimed 32.8mpg.
The Convertible weighs over 400kg more than the coupe, but carries the extra weight rather well, with similar handling traits to its metal-topped twin, with nicely weighting steering and excellent body control. The additional weight is evident under heavy braking, with the front pitching forward a little more than the standard Evoque, but generally the Evoque Convertible is a comfortable cruiser.
Ride quality is impressive, with pot holes and rutted B roads ironed out by the supple suspension, but things quickly get blustery in the cabin once you drop the roof. However, at lower speeds, on a warm day, the Evoque Convertible is a nice place to gently while away the miles around town. Operating the roof is straightforward, with the electric mechanism taking around around 20 seconds to lower the fabric roof, up to speeds of 30mph.
Not everyone will be taken by the Evoque Convertible's design. But the soft-top Range Rover certainly fulfils its niche as being the only premium soft-top SUV you can buy. That said, the Evoque Convertible doesn't really excel in any particular area, which means it feels very short on quality against its cabrio rivals.
Reviews for Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
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Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 Si4 Automatic to 2.0i Si4 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 25–36 mpg
The Evoque Convertible is available with either a petrol or diesel engine – but only those who cover low mileages will want the 2.0 Si4. The four-cylinder petrol has 240PS and performs well enough with low noise and smooth power delivery, but its advertised 32.8mpg isn’t particularly efficient for a soft-top. Even a BMW 430i Convertible – with 252PS – will exceed 40mpg.
The 2.0-litre TD4 is the engine most buyers will go for and, with 180PS, it packs more than enough performance for your average crossover driver. The 0-62mph sprint takes less than 10 seconds and, with 340Nm of torque on tap, there is plenty of low-gear pull for joining motorways or scampering away from busy junctions.
Despite weighing close to half a tonne more than the tin-top Evoque, the Convertible handles well, with a low centre of gravity that prevents it from wobbling around corners or pitching heavily over pot holes or speed bumps. Admittedly, the weight feels a little more obvious under heavy braking, but few drivers will really notice the difference between the two cars.
Things are spoiled a little by the automatic gearbox. The nine-speed ‘box works well for the most part, with smooth changes, but it is prone to a few dithering moments with rushed up and down changes. It also struggles with busy urban roads and traffic lights, with the driver having to wait two or three seconds for the gearbox to switch from park to first. This means the potential to frustrate other drivers is high, as you stop at the lights, engage park and then wait for an age after selecting first, as the gearbox ponders its next move.
The Evoque does redeem itself when it comes to parking. All models get a rearview camera as standard, but the huge windscreen and wide door mirrors provide excellent all-round visibility. Models in HSE Dynamic Lux trim also get park assist, which provides steering help for parallel and bay parking.
Being a Land Rover, the Evoque Convertible gets the full English when it comes to off-road tech. Even though few will ever venture off the tarmac, you can optimise the engine, gearbox and transmissions to tackle wet grass, gravel, snow or heavy mud. There is also wade sensing for crossing streams and hill decent control to tackling steep off-road hills. Four-wheel drive is also standard across the range.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 SD4 Automatic | 46 mpg | 8.0 s | 164 g/km |
| 2.0 Si4 Automatic | 35 mpg | 8.1 s | 185 g/km |
| 2.0 TD4 Automatic | 42–43 mpg | 10.3 s | 149 g/km |
| 2.0i Si4 Automatic | 33 mpg | - | 201 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
72%
Real MPG
25–36 mpg
MPGs submitted
5
Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019) interior
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4370 mm |
| Width | 2085 mm |
| Height | 1609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660 mm |
At launch, the Evoque Convertible is limited to HSE trim levels, which means starting prices are high. On the plus side you do get lots of equipment as standard, with xenon headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, navigation and full leather trim. The Convertible also gets a roll-over protection device, with two aluminium bars popping up to protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
The fabric roof is all-electric and takes roughly 20 seconds to be lowered or raised. Operating the system is easy, with the flick of a switch, but the sound proofing isn’t very good, with lots of noise breaking into the cabin with the roof in place. Wind and road noise are both also high on the motorway.
With the roof down, the Evoque is a pleasant place to spend a sunny day, but things get blustery once you exceed 40mph – especially in the back. A wind deflector is available as an option, which improves things marginally, but there is no hiding the fact that the Evoque's tall and wide body feels ill-suited to its role as a soft-top.
The seats in the front are comfortable though, with 12-way electric adjustment and lots of head and shoulder space. Things are a little more cramped in the back, which means tall passengers might find it uncomfortable over long journeys. Headroom is also limited with the roof in place, which gives the Evoque Convertible a 2+2 feel, rather than a genuine four seater.
The boot has been cut to accommodate the folding roof and only offers 251 litres, compared to the tin-top’s 420. Getting anything bulky in to the boot is virtually impossible, owing to the narrow opening, and the rear seats can’t be folded either, although a ski hatch is available as a paid-for option.
Land Rover’s infotainment options are a lot better than they were in the early Evoque. The Convertible gets a bright and colourful 10.2-inch touchscreen, which features a screen coating that makes it easy to read in direct sunlight when the roof is down. Navigation is also fitted as standard, along with handsfree smartphone integration.
Standard Equipment from launch:
HSE Dynamic comes with 20-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED signature and powerwash, black bonnet louvres, front fog lights, leather seats with 12-way electric adjustment in the front, powered fabric roof, deployable roll over protection device, climate control, ambient interior lighting, automatic high beam assist, InControl Touch Pro navigation, 10.2-inch touchscreen and terrain assist with driving modes for mud, snow, gravel or sand, hill decent control, wade sensing.
HSE Dynamic Lux adds keyless entry, wind deflector, ski hatch with rear seat centre arm rest, surround camera system with towing assist, park assist with parallel parking, parking exit and perpendicular park, traffic sign recognition, blind spot monitoring and lane assist.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible (2016 – 2019) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4370 mm |
| Width | 2085 mm |
| Height | 1609 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1936–2075 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000–21000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £46,450–£55,915 |
| Insurance Groups | 39–43 |
| Road Tax Bands | F–K |
| Official MPG | 32.9–45.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until June 2019
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 TD4 HSE Dynamic Auto 2dr | £48,850 | 41.5 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 2.0 TD4 HSE Dynamic Lux Auto 2dr | £53,135 | 41.5 mpg | 10.3 s |
| 2.0 TD4 SE Dynamic Auto 2dr | £46,450 | 42.8 mpg | 10.3 s |
| Convertible 2.0 SD4 Ingenium HSE Dynamic Auto 2dr | £51,630 | 45.6 mpg | 8.0 s |
| Convertible 2.0 SD4 Ingenium HSE Dynamic Lux Auto 2dr | £55,915 | 45.6 mpg | 8.0 s |
| Convertible 2.0 Si4 Ingenium HSE Dynamic Auto 2dr | £48,830 | 34.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
| Convertible 2.0 Si4 Ingenium HSE Dynamic Lux Auto 2dr | £53,115 | 34.5 mpg | 8.1 s |
On sale until September 2017
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Convertible 2.0 Si4 HSE Dynamic Auto 2dr | £48,750 | 32.9 mpg | - |
| Convertible 2.0 Si4 HSE Dynamic Lux Auto 2dr | £52,950 | 32.9 mpg | - |
Model History
- March 2012: Land Rover unveiled Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept
- November 2015: Range Rover confirmed Evoque Convertible
- June 2017
March 2012
Land Rover unveiled Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept
The soft-top convertible concept is based on the Range Rover Evoque Coupe. It features a fully retractable premium roof system by Webasto with a Roll Over Protection System [ROPS]. The concept cleverly combines capability and versatility with a drop down tailgate and a comfortable four seat package. The vehicle has been developed with Land Rover DNA at its heart, retaining key characteristics including a command driving position and all-terrain capability.
The Evoque's dramatic rising waist line and distinctive shape has been retained and the new convertible body style has been achieved with minimal changes to weight and torsional rigidity. The hood is housed in a neat tapered finisher with the roof mechanism stowed discretely below the belt-line.
Inside, the concept is packed with Evoque's award winning technology including Terrain Response, surround cameras, Park Assist and class leading infotainment featuring an 8-inch dual view touch screen and a sound system from British audio experts, Meridian. The Evoque Convertible Concept features unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels and is finished in a new metallic Causeway Grey paint. The interior is in Lunar and Ivory with leather seats featuring sporty perforated panels and Ivory contrast stitching.
The Range Rover Evoque has been on sale for six months and is widely recognised as an international success with strong sales performances in 170 global markets, and achieving excellent customer satisfaction and class-leading residual values. The Evoque has been launched to worldwide media acclaim and to date has been honoured with over 90 international awards.
November 2015
Range Rover confirmed Evoque Convertible
As the fifth member of the Range Rover family – and the first ever convertible – the new model combines traditional Range Rover luxury with a distinctive four-seat design and versatile storage.
The Webasto fabric roof is shaped to create a crisply defined silhouette that remains faithful to the original design. Its Z-fold mechanism lays flush with the rear bodywork for a sleek, uncluttered appearance when lowered. The fabric roof is the longest and widest currently fitted to any vehicle on sale today.
The fully-automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds up to 30mph. When closed it provides high standards of refinement with a layer of acoustic insulation ensuring interior comfort on a par with five-door Evoque. In addition, the position of the roof doesn’t affect loadspace, with a generous 251-litre boot offering unrivalled practicality for a convertible.
At the heart of the cabin is an all-new, high-resolution 10.2-inch touchscreen with Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro, which debuts in a Land Rover. Raising the standard of connectivity for the brand, the highly-responsive and super-fast InControl Touch Pro offers seamless smartphone integration, door-to-door navigation, 3G connectivity and a premium sound system.
Evoque cabrio HSE Dynamic TD4 180 9-speed auto £47,500
Evoque cabrio HSE Dynamic LUX TD4 180 9-speed auto £51,700
Evoque cabrio HSE Dynamic Si4 240 9-speed auto £48,200
Evoque cabrio HSE Dynamic LUX Si4 240 9-speed auto £52,400
June 2017
New 290PS Ingenium Si4 petrol engines added to Range Rover Evoque engine range, in addition to new 240PS Ingenium Sd4 diesel. 290PS Si4 Ingenium petrol comes with a 'dynamic' bodykit as standard. Ingenium petrol and diesel powertrain family produced at Jaguar Land Rover’s Engine Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton.
The 240PS Ingenium Petrol engine is 15 per cent more efficient than the previously-available GTDi engine. NEDC CO2 emissions are 165g/km and fuel economy of 7.3l/100km (38.7mpg). The 290PS Ingenium Petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds (0-60mph in 6.0 seconds) and on to a top speed of 231km/h (144mph).
| Engine | Capacity | Power (PS) | Torque (Nm) | CO2 (g/km)* ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingenium Petrol: Si4 | 2.0-litre | 240 | 340 | 165 |
| Ingenium Petrol: Si4 | 2.0-litre | 290 | 400 | 173 |
| Ingenium Diesel: Td4 | 2.0-litre | 150 | 380 | 129 / 134 |
| Ingenium Diesel: Sd4 | 2.0-litre | 180 | 430 | 129 / 134 |
| Ingenium Diesel: Sd4 | 2.0-litre | 240 | 500 | 153 |
* Refers to coupé / five-door derivatives (where applicable), all all-wheel drive with automatic transmission
** Subject to global homologation
Buyers who choose the higher-powered Ingenium Petrol will receive the Dynamic exterior pack, comprising enlarged front and rear bumpers, Gloss Black finishes for the grille, vents and 20-inch five split-spoke alloy wheels.
To give buyers clearer choice, the colour palette has been revised. Core palette: Fuji White and Narvik Black; Metallic: Yulong White, Indus Silver, Corris Grey, Santorini Black, Loire Blue, Firenze Red and Kaikoura Stone; and Premium: Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey. Phoenix Orange becomes a unique colour to the convertible bodystyle.
To accentuate the sporty feel of Evoque, new Sports Seats can be specified, with perforated and distinctive horizontally-ribbed inserts.
What to watch out for
According to a July 2017 Service Compliance Notification sent out by Jaguar Land Rover, 16MY and 17MY Discovery Sport (DS) and Range Rover Evoque 2.0L Ingenium Diesel vehicles (EU6b Market) are suffering from premature diesel dilution of the engine oil due to a "higher than expected" number of DPF regeneration cycles. The root cause of the problem lies in hardware and architecture issues ("differences") which were seemingly not addressed when the Ingenium engine was migrated from the Jaguar product line to the Land Rover SUV models. Consequently, DS and Evoque vehicles require a higher amount of post-injection activity in order to achieve the same carbon burn rate, compared to the similar 2.0L diesel when fitted in the XE and XF. A service indicator informs drivers that an interim oil service is required when oil dilution hits 6.1% and, based on owners' personal reports, this normally happens anywhere between 6,000 miles and 12,000 miles, against a nominal service interval of every 21,000 miles or 2 years. JLR is currently operating a "goodwill" campaign under which owners of Evoque and DS vehicles registered before 1st June 2017 will obtain the interim oil and filter changes free of charge, so long as the service indicator comes on before 15,750 miles from new, or since the last scheduled service. Web forum reports from DS and Evoque owners point to diesel dilution typically increasing at rates of between 0.5% and 1.0% per 1,000 miles extrapolated from service messages being displayed anywhere from 6,000 to 12,000 miles, depending on "driving style". Forum posts: http://www.evoqueownersclub.co.uk/forum/service-pack-again_topic11122_post140031.html/ and: http://www.evoqueownersclub.co.uk/forum/ingenium-service-dealer-fob-off_topic12593_post150802.html/
28-09-2017:The “Service Required” message is being displayed early due to oil dilution, caused by a higher than expected number of partial DPF regeneration cycles. The duration/distance to complete a full regeneration on 3.0-litre diesel Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Discovery plus 2.0-litre diesel Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery, is longer than 2.0-litre diesel Jaguar XE and XF, increasing the likelihood of an interrupted regeneration at the end of a journey. Due to hardware and architecture differences between model lines, the amount of post injection required to achieve a similar bur rate is much higher. This combines to significantly increase the fuel in oil (FIO) contribution for each successful regeneration. Combined with the increased post injection requirement and increased impact of interrupted regeneration on oil dilution, FIO increases at a much faster rate on the Land Rover models. Oil dilution at 6.1% will trigger the “Service Required” message. Based on driving style and usage, this value may be reached in advance of the service interval that was quoted in the online marketing and brochure (3.0-litre diesel Range Rover and Range Rover Sport – 16,000 miles / 12 months or 2.0-litre diesel Evoque and Discovery Sport – 21,000 miles / 24 months. The handbook states that, depending on the type and style of driving that the vehicle is subjected to, the indicator may display a service message at a shorter distance than shown in the service interval plans.
03-10-2017:Download it here
19-12-2017:Report of December 2016 Range Rover Evoque convertible suffering cooling system problem at 11,000 miles in October 2017 and needing a new engine.
21-11-2019:Report of Range Rover Evoque convertible needing two replacement reversing cameras.
