Range Rover reveals its Evoque convertible

Range Rover Evoque convertible could spark more open-top SUVs

 

Ever wanted to scale the side of a mountain but wished you could do it with the wind in your hair? Well now you can, as Land Rover has unveiled the first ever 'luxury convertible SUV'.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is available from spring 2016 and will be priced in the UK for around $110,000.

Marking yet more diversity in the fast-growing crossover segment and looking something like a bathtub on wheels, it's a car that's generated so much interest that Range Rover just had to make it.

There's no doubt SUVs have experienced an expansion in variety in the last decade. From super-small versions like the Nissan Juke and Vauxhall Mokka, to sporty coupes including the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, there's seemingly a sports utility vehicle for everyone.

But the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is the most extreme example of the crossover SUV yet - merging off-road capability, chunky design and a raised ride height with a fabric folding roof that can expose a driver and three passengers to the elements.

While it certain has an impact on the eye - be that a good or a bad thing - it's a car that Range Rover has created because people have said they'd buy it. 

First showcased as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show three years ago, there's been great demand for the convertible Evoque.

That roof, which fully retracts in just 18 seconds and takes an additional three seconds to close, does means an increase in weight as well as an inflation in cost over the standard three-door Evoque coupe SUV.

Tipping the scales 277kg heavier than the Evoque hardtop (diesel model), the convertible is slightly longer and wider than the conventional car and has been made structurally more rigid around the A-pillars and in the base of the chassis to compensate for lopping off the roof.

The privilege of the open-top experience will cost you an additional $12,000 too - it sounds expensive, but a Mercedes-Benz E-class convertible costs $9,200 more in the UK than you'd pay for the coupe, so it's not an exception.

Most UK buyers will opt for the 178bhp diesel, but the 237bhp four-cylinder petrol will also be available. Both come as nine-speed automatics only.

But what price is there to pay for all the styling bravado of a convertible SUV?

First of all, the additional weight means reduced performance - the 0-62mph time increases from the diesel hard-top’s nine seconds to a little over ten. 

Claimed average economy is cut from 57.6mpg to 49.6mpg.

CO2 figures are hit, too, rising from 129g/km to 149g/km. 

The boot capacity has more than halved compared to the hard-top - down from 550 litres to 251 litres and rear headroom might be slightly more compromised for the two rear passengers, too. 

It's still safe though, thanks to two aluminium rollover bars that deploy from the rear bodywork in 90 milliseconds if the car senses it's going to flip onto it's roof - a possibility if you're plunging down the side of a grassy valley while catching some rays.

Gerry McGovern, design director and chief creative officer at Land Rover, said: 'Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a vehicle for all seasons.