Few cities blend rich

Few cities blend rich heritage with modernity quite like Athens. The birthplace of European culture and home of the Acropolis and Parthenon may be steeped in the splendor of the past, but it’s also very much a city bursting with contemporary style and energy. Which makes it the perfect location to test the new Range Rover Evoque, a modern motoring icon that changed the world of SUV vehicles and transformed Land Rover into a global design leader. If the Acropolis shaped the architecture and culture of the world, the Series I Land Rover gave motoring a vehicle that was to become “IF THE EXTERIOR an institution. But times move on, as illustrated by the IS AN EVOLUTION, plethora of striking modern buildings that now happily STEP INSIDE share Athens’ skyline AND YOU’LL SEE alongside the architectural icons of the past. A REVOLUTION With the original Evoque, IN MATERIALS, Land Rover created that priceless commodity of TECHNOLOGY ‘timeless’ design, a vehicle that looked so right from AND LUXURY. launch that only smart THE NEW EVOQUE evolution has been needed. The new car is instantly IS EVERY INCH A recognizable. My first sight of the new RANGE ROVER” Range Rover Evoque told me immediately that the designers have hit the sweet spot again, with a vehicle that instantly stands out from the crowd. The beautiful Seoul Pearl Silver is one of an array of exterior colors that is sure to please any image-conscious owner. The exterior changes are subtle, but eye-catching details – such as ultra-slim LED headlamps and grille, flush door handles and elegant wrap-around rear lamps – give it a more sophisticated and mature look. If the exterior is an evolution, step inside and you’ll see a revolution in materials, technology and luxury. The new Evoque is every inch a Range Rover, comparable with its range-topping big brothers. Anything you touch has a quality feel, from the rich soft leather * that covers everything from the seats to the dashboard and doors, to the Kvadrat option that offers a radical premium eco-friendly cloth alternative to leather trim. Instant connectivity and the latest technology are an essential part of any modern car, and the Evoque now boasts a double screen infotainment system * that fits beautifully into the dashboard and center console, to give the cabin a clean, uncluttered and logical appeal. Driver and passengers are linked up 1 to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay * 1 , plus six USB ports and a 4G Wi-Fi 1 hotspot 2 . I enjoyed the instant access to my own music playlist (the local radio was not quite to my taste). As I set off into Athens’ manic early morning traffic, the first thing I noticed was how quiet things were in the Range Rover Evoque cabin – it is an oasis of luxurious calm. The lack of noise highlights the significant improvements made by Land Rover to soundproofing and refinement. I drove the 2-liter turbocharged petrol and diesel versions and they both deliver smooth, lively performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission is slick, with a sportier traditional gear lever replacing the rotary shift of the original. But undoubtedly the big step forward is that, in a first for Land Rover, both petrol and diesel engines get a mild 48V hybrid system, which basically captures energy that would normally be lost in deceleration and stores it in a small battery. The bonus for owners is that when you pull away, this energy is redeployed to assist the engine, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions. A full plug-in hybrid, powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine, will follow later this year. * Optional features. 1 Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Do not operate, adjust or view the navigation or multimedia systems under conditions that will affect your safety or the safety of others. Only use cell phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. 2 The Wi-Fi hotspot is intended for passenger use only. InControl features may require an additional subscription with separate terms and conditions. 28

From narrow alleyways to sweeping throughfares, the new Range Rover Evoque is right at home in the city, thanks to its compact footprint, plush cabin and lively performance 29