Jaguar Land Rover confirms new model
VEHICLE manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed it is to put into full production a convertible version of its best-selling Range Rover Evoque.
The move had been expected for some time after versions of the vehicle had been seen testing. The announcement comes almost three years to the day that the original concept version was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
JLR said the new model would become the world’s first premium compact SUV convertible when it goes on sale in 2016.
The Indian-owned company backed the announcement by releasing a unique underground testing film.
Forty metres below the streets of London, the first prototype of the new vehicle was granted exclusive access to the 26-mile network of Crossrail tunnels for a development test with a difference. Engineers were allowed the opportunity to drive the disguised Evoque Convertible with its roof lowered in complete privacy.
Murray Dietsch, Director of Land Rover Programmes said: “The tunnels are still under construction, so we had a unique opportunity to explore the vehicle’s all-terrain ability in unchartered territory.”
The Range Rover Evoque is no stranger to subterranean adventure. At its launch in 2011 the five-door variant was driven through Edge Hill Tunnel in Liverpool, the first tunnel in the world to be bored beneath a major city.
Land Rover said it would announce further details about its exclusive new premium compact SUV Convertible later this year. It will be built alongside the five-door and coupe Evoque at Land Rover’s Halewood plant on Merseyside.
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