Strategic Vision Study Finds Range Rover Evoque Has Substance to Back Style

PEABODY, MASS. (09/11/2012)(readMedia)-- Since going on sale about a year ago, the 2012 Range Rover Evoque has earned many accolades from industry experts, but owners that have had a chance to spend some time with the compact SUV have been equally impressed. The Evoque recently topped the Near-Luxury Utility segment in the 2012 Strategic Vision Total Quality Index (TQI), which surveyed more than 45,000 owners of 2012-model-year vehicles.

Strategic Vision's annual TQI measures how closely the quality experience of a particular vehicle matches its drivers' expectations. Unlike some other automotive quality studies, the TQI goes beyond just calculating problems that have been reported and explores owners' perceptions about their vehicles. Aspects like a customer's loyalty and advocacy are included in the final TQI measurement, making the study's scores a holistic way to compare models. In addition to the Evoque's segment win, Land Rover also ranked in the top three of all auto brands for the highest overall TQI score.

"It's one thing to have a cutting-edge style that attracts buyers, but it's another thing for a vehicle to satisfy owners with all the other intangibles on a day-to-day basis," said Dave Edwards, general manager of Land Rover Peabody, a Range Rover dealer in Massachusetts. "The Evoque does both; it has a sleek design that stands out when driving in Boston, but the SUV also has a smooth ride and the all-conditions capability for wherever you may be traveling in New England."

Land Rover recently revealed details about another compact SUV, the upcoming 2013 Land Rover LR2, which will share its engine with the Evoque. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder generates 240 horsepower, 10 units more than the larger, outgoing 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine in the current LR2. Additionally, the new powerplant will weigh about 88 pounds less than its predecessor, a move that is expected to improve fuel economy, though official EPA ratings have not yet been released.

The interior of the 2013 LR2 will also take high-tech cues from the Evoque, featuring a new center console with a seven-inch color touchscreen and an updated dash with a five-inch display screen for information like temperature, fuel levels and Terrain Response mode. Other technology additions include an optional rear-view camera and an available Say What You See voice-activation system, which visually prompts drivers with the voice commands they need for hands-free controls.

When it goes on sale later this year, the 2013 Land Rover LR2 will don a refreshed exterior design as well, including three new color options: Aintree Green, Havana and Mauritius Blue. A revamped grille receives a bright silver finish outlined by a gloss-black grille surround, while new LED lights provide modern styling and functionality in the front and back of the LR2. Two new 19-inch wheel options will also now be available, in addition to the standard 18-inch wheels.

"Land Rover has taken a lot of what has made the Evoque so successful and applied it to the 2013 LR2, from its innovative in-car technology to its efficient-yet-powerful engine," added Edwards. "The new LR2 remains very much its own vehicle though, keeping much of the classic Land Rover shape, as well as the brand's signature off-road ability."

About Land Rover Peabody:

Land Rover Peabody is home to a remarkable group of off-road enthusiasts who know exactly what their customers expect in Land Rover sales and service. They're proud to offer the latest Land Rover models, as well as unparalleled Land Rover service and OEM parts, and they invite new customers to take a test drive on their unique demonstration course to experience Land Rover performance firsthand. Browse their selection online at www.roverpeabody.com, visit the showroom at 247 Newbury St. in Peabody, Massachusetts, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/landroverpeabody or call them at 888-472-4137.