The details on the 2012 Range Rover Evoque are out, with more to come at the 2010 Paris Auto Show debut. Best of all, we have plenty of info on the U.S. version of the smallest Range Rover, including a ballpark starting price.

At "around $45,000" the Evoque won't be the most affordable compact crossover on the block, but judging by the high-res photography, it will be one of the most premium. Rich leather, attractive metals, and a modern yet conservative design combine to make a handsome workspace for the driver. Sales start in Fall of 2011.

An optional panoramic glass roof should help the small cabin feel a bit larger, though the lack of closeups of rear-seat legroom make us a bit nervous for the third and fourth passengers.

The powertrain is also attractive, and given that it's already known to be using a Ford EcoBoost powertrain, may give us a peek into the fortchoming Fiesta ST. With 2.0-liters of displacement, turbocharging, direct injection and 240 horsepower on tap, the little Evoque should be able to get out of its own way at the least--and the Fiesta should be downright brilliant. Despite being the first Range Rover available in front-wheel drive, the Evoque is also available with the very impressive Terrain Response system and all-wheel drive.

MagneRide magneto-rheological adaptive dampers help the Evoque meet sporty or rough conditions without as much compromise as standard suspension tech. Electric Assist Power Steering (EPAS) is claimed to boost the sporty feel at the wheel, though our experience with EPAS puts us on the fence until we feel it for ourselves.

Three "design themes" or trim levels will be available: Pure, Prestige, and Dynamic. Pure is the base-level vehicle, Prestige adds unique exterior elements like standard unique 19-inch and optional 20-inch wheels plus a bounty of leather inside. Dynamic buyers will get a "bolder" exterior with unique bumpers, side sills, grille, tailpipes, and 19- or 20-inch wheels, plus available contrasting roof and spoiler colors. The interior is a "premium sports" treatment with "splashes of bright contrast color," no doubt the work of Posh Spice's fashion consultation.

Hit page two for the official details.

[Land Rover]


THE ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER EVOQUE  
THE SMALLEST, LIGHTEST, MOST FUEL EFFICIENT RANGE ROVER EVER PRODUCED
 
·         Luxurious coupe design with a compact footprint
·         Targeting a new set of customers for the Range Rover brand
·         Bold exterior evolves Range Rover design language
·         Premium cabin available with full-sized glass panoramic roof that bathes the interior with natural light
·         Dynamic and agile handling across all terrains, aided by optional Adaptive Dynamics featuring MagneRide™
·         Permanent all-wheel-drive with multi-surface capability with
    Land Rover Terrain Response®
·         Innovative Range Rover technologies, including 8-inch (203mm)
    touch-screen display and Surround Camera System
·         Sold in 160 countries worldwide, with North American deliveries from Fall 2011
·         Indicative pricing starting from around $45,000
 
Land Rover North America, Mahwah, NJ, September 21, 2010 – The all-new Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on the 30th September 2010.
 
The Range Rover Evoque brings the acclaimed Land Rover’s LRX concept car into production reality, faithfully capturing the original design of this landmark coupe concept.
 
In keeping with the ethos of Range Rover, the Range Rover Evoque delivers premium levels of craftsmanship, luxury, performance and renowned Land Rover multi-terrain capability into a more compact package.
 
“These are exciting times for our business,” said CEO Dr. Ralf Speth. “Not only will the Range Rover Evoque increase our worldwide market share, it helps to define a new segment for premium compact SUVs that are more sporting and stylish."
 
Sustainability
The Range Rover Evoque is the lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever. It is a strong demonstration of the marque’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
 
“This is a highly relevant and contemporary vehicle that will suit the modern needs of our customers,” said Land Rover’s Managing Director Phil Popham. “The Range Rover Evoque will appeal to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover before.”
 
Lightweight construction techniques ensure optimum efficiency is achieved. A new state-of-the-art engine comes with turbocharging and direct injection. The Range Rover Evoque also adopts low CO2 systems such as Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) and is built to maximize end of life recyclability.
 
Design
The new vehicle's dramatic exterior is based directly on the LRX concept car, which drew worldwide acclaim for its fresh interpretation of classic Range Rover design cues.
 
Smart design and meticulous engineering has allowed the LRX concept to be turned into reality without compromising the core Range Rover values of luxury, refined performance and multi-terrain capability.
 
“The Range Rover Evoque marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design. With its dramatic rising beltline, a muscular shoulder running the length of the car, and a distinctive taper to the floating roofline, the Range Rover Evoque adopts a very dynamic profile with a powerful and athletic stance,” said Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern.
 
Interior quality
The cabin of the Range Rover Evoque is lavishly appointed with premium quality materials and an elegance befitting of a Range Rover interior.
 
Customers can specify soft, premium leather and beautifully tailored, twin-needle stitching providing a luxurious finish to almost every surface of the instrument panel, doors and seats.
 
A lower driving position offers a more sporting feel but retains the important Command Driving Position. Headroom is generous compared with traditional sporting sedans, despite the low-profile coupe roofline.
 
Dynamics
On the open road, the Range Rover Evoque offers a polished driving experience that combines dynamic and sporty handling with responsive, effortless performance and refinement.
 
Murray Dietsch, director of Land Rover programs, said, “We’ve tuned the Range Rover Evoque’s chassis and Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) to deliver precise and responsive steering at lower speeds, making the Range Rover Evoque nimble and fun to drive.”
 
This sporting character has not been achieved at the expense of comfort and refinement.  In addition, available Adaptive Dynamics uses advanced MagneRide™ dampers to provide a supple, controlled ride. The suspension delivers even tighter body control, with flatter handling and sharper responses.
 
Capable All Terrain
The Range Rover Evoque offers customers a permanent all-wheel-drive system, which delivers outstanding performance and traction on multiple surfaces, such as snow, gravel and varied off-road surfaces.
 
Drivers who drive their Range Rover Evoque off-road will be reassured to know that, in addition to extremely generous ground clearance, the car has aggressive breakover, approach and departure angles.  The new vehicle's formidable multi-terrain potential is enhanced by the latest version of the company’s signature Terrain Response® system.
 
Powertrain
The turbocharged powertrain of the Range Rover Evoque offers smooth and responsive performance, blending four-cylinder efficiency with six-cylinder refinement and power.
 
A new 240bhp, 2.0-litre Si4 engine combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and twin variable valve timing for exceptional drivability and fuel efficiency.
 
Murray Dietsch, director of Land Rover programs, said, “The product development team has been committed to deliver a compact and weight-efficient product, with no compromise on durability and robustness.”
 
Innovation
The Range Rover Evoque benefits from the same high-end innovative technologies as the larger Range Rover models. An intuitive control system and touch-screen display combines a stylish, uncluttered layout, state-of-the-art functionality with ease of use.
 
Connectivity options include Bluetooth® hands-free mobile phone and audio streaming, plus a range of USB and auxiliary inputs for iPod® and other portable devices.
 
The Range Rover Evoque is the first Range Rover model to offer breathtaking new sound systems developed in partnership with the high-end audio specialist Meridian. The premium Meridian offering is an 825W, 17-speaker system that delivers the ultimate in surround-sound performance.
 
Other features available to Range Rover Evoque customers include:
·         Surround Camera System with five digital cameras, including a reversing system
·         Dual-zone automatic climate control
·         Hard drive navigation system
·         FM/AM/Sirius® tuners, with single CD player with the ability to rip CDs to the hard drive
·         Rear seat entertainment package, with 8-inch (203mm) video screens, digital wireless
headphones and touch screen remote control
·         Keyless entry system
·         Powered tailgate
·         Adaptive headlamps with auto headlamp dipping
·         Heated windshield, front seats and steering wheel
 
Three design themes
The Range Rover Evoque offers customers more choice with three main vehicle design themes, each with its own distinctive character, exterior treatment and carefully coordinated interior package.
 
‘Pure’ combines the stunning concept-car exterior with a stylish, clean interior in neutral colors.
Soft-touch wrapped materials on the major surfaces contrast with the metal brushed aluminum trim.
 
‘Prestige’ is the ultimate in Range Rover luxury, combining a bespoke exterior that includes unique, 19-inch wheels and sparkling metallic details, an optional 20-inch wheel, with an interior that is almost entirely leather-wrapped.
 
‘Dynamic’ brings a bolder exterior with 19-or 20-inch wheels and unique bumpers, sills, grille and tailpipes for a more assertive, confident stance. Contrasting roof and spoiler colors are available, while the premium sports interior offers sports seats with splashes of bright contrast color.
 
The Range Rover Evoque will be manufactured at Land Rover’s multi award-winning Halewood plant in Merseyside, UK. The car will go on sale in more than 160 markets worldwide from Fall 2011. Indicative pricing starting from around $45,000.