Range Rover Evoque to Lose Its Top at the Geneva Motor Show

CANTON, CONN. (03/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Convertibles and sport utility vehicles may seem like an unlikely pairing, but Land Rover is combining the two with the debut of its Evoque Convertible Concept at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Based on the popular Range Rover Evoque Coupe currently available at Land Rover dealers, the Convertible Concept will serve as a barometer for a potential production vehicle.

Land Rover stylists maintained the rakish styling of the all-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque while crafting the Convertible Concept, which, other than the folding soft-top, is visually identical to its hard-topped brother. The similarities continue beyond the styling, with Land Rover being quick to point out that the Evoque Convertible Concept also maintains the off-road capabilities that the brand is known for.

"The hardtop Evoque has attracted all kinds of awards and customers since its debut last year, so the Convertible Concept should draw a lot of attention in Geneva," said Adrienne Leader, general sales manager of Connecticut Range Rover dealership Land Rover Farmington Valley. "Land Rover is taking the brand in a new, edgier direction that appeals to drivers looking for style with substance, and the Evoque Convertible Concept is the latest example of those efforts."

If the Convertible Concept gets the same reaction as the Evoque hardtop, Land Rover will have a surefire hit on its hands. Since its debut at Land Rover dealerships about six months ago, the Evoque has earned more than 90 international awards, most recently being named Autobytel's 2012 Luxury SUV of the Year.

Autobytel chose the Evoque for its game-changing potential, advances in design and overall efficiency, praising the compact utility for packing all the capability of a full-size Range Rover into a substantially smaller vehicle. The Evoque's smaller size makes it easier to drive in urban environments where space is a premium, but it doesn't diminish the vehicle's all-terrain abilities.

The Evoque can wade in nearly 20 inches of water and operate at tilt angles of up to 45 degrees. With Land Rover's Terrain Response system, the compact crossover can also tailor its driving style for optimal performance in mud, snow, grass, gravel and deep ruts. Meanwhile, power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 240 horsepower and returns up to 28 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient vehicle in Land Rover's lineup.

"Land Rover owners want it all, and thanks to vehicles like the Evoque, they can have it," Leader added. "No other automaker combines luxury and capability in such an attractive package, and the evolution represented by the Evoque has everyone excited to see what Land Rover will come out with next."

About Land Rover Farmington Valley:

Land Rover Farmington Valley is part of the Mitchell Auto Group that has been serving Connecticut motorists since 1922. Specializing in new and used Land Rover and Range Rover sales and financing, as well as Land Rover service and parts, Land Rover Farmington Valley has become the go-to dealership for Connecticut drivers that want luxury and capability to go hand-in-hand. Visit their friendly and knowledgeable staff at 95 Albany Turnpike in Canton, browse their inventory online at www.landroverfarmingtonvalley.com or call them at 888-773-9479. They can also be found on Facebook.