ONELIFE #38 – US English

30 European model

30 European model shown.

You will appreciate the increased space in the back seats where adults can now sit comfortably, while space increases to 20.9 cu-ft, enough for two big suitcases. But the clever bit is that the Range Rover Evoque is the same compact size, just with a longer wheelbase that delivers the extra space, and that means you can slip through rush hour city traffic with ease and park in tight places. That is a major asset in any city, and certainly so in Athens where driving is a fascinating challenge, maneuvering through a sea of traffic where everyone seems to be in a hurry. Fortunately, the slow progress allows you to appreciate the beauty of the city. I used the updated and much slicker Navigation Pro * system to pilot my way to the must-visit locations of the sacred Acropolis and Parthenon; it even took me directly to a rare car parking space in the shadow of the great ruins 2 . The sheer magnitude of the Acropolis was breath-taking – even sharing it with bus-loads of tourists did not diminish the uniqueness of the experience. After soaking up the sights I enjoyed a lunchtime break, with a reviving traditional Greek moussaka at a restaurant packed with tourists and locals having animated discussions. Back on the road, as I inched the Range Rover Evoque through chaotic narrow side streets it became clear that Land Rover has been equally successful in improving both the handling and the ride comfort of the car. It really is easy and relaxing to drive. I headed up busy Syngrou Avenue, and through the thriving downtown district of Metaxourgio, where shoppers indulge in the latest fashions and gourmet dining, with the added attraction of street art, including the distinctive work of renowned local artist Sonke. As I drove out of the city’s gridlocked traffic onto the dual carriageways, I began to fully appreciate the “ON THE DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS, I BEGAN TO FULLY APPRECIATE THE DEPTH OF IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE NEW EVOQUE, ESPECIALLY HOW QUIET THE DIESEL ENGINE WAS” depth of improvements made to the new Range Rover Evoque, especially how quiet the diesel engine was. The Range Rover Evoque may be a car that will spend most of its time in the urban jungle, but it is just as happy out in the country where it cruises serenely. And for owners with a sense of adventure, rest assured it is an authentic Land Rover, with off-road abilities none of its rivals can match. Scaling rough rock-strewn tracks in the spectacular Katafygio Mountains, I was reminded of the astonishing ability of the Range Rover Evoque vehicles’ Terrain Response 2 * system to tackle any terrain. This also gave me the chance to test two ground-breaking pieces of technology. ClearSight Ground View *4 features cameras that show you a 180° image of what’s beneath the front of the car. It’s like having a see-through hood, which is perfect for off-roading or just negotiating high curbs 3 . The other is a ClearSight interior rear-view mirror * . The previous-generation Range Rover Evoque had a narrow rear window and any luggage in the back meant your view behind was close to nil. Here, the mirror transforms into a high-definition video screen that uses a camera to give you a clear rear view. Having enjoyed the driving experience from behind the wheel, when I had the opportunity to be chauffeurdriven, I decided to sample life in the rear seat. It’s a tranquil place to be, with much-improved head- and kneeroom, and as we progressed down the Marco Polo Highway, I felt the great explorer would have appreciated the new Range Rover Evoque as a fine way to travel. Two days behind the wheel left me in no doubt that if the original Range Rover Evoque was a game-changer, the new version raises the bar once again. It is more luxurious, refined, and technologically advanced, drives better and looks even cooler. * Optional features. 3 These systems are not a substitute for driving safely with due care and attention and will not function under all circumstances, speeds, weather and road conditions, etc. Driver should not assume that these systems will correct errors of judgment in driving. Please consult the owner’s manual or your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for more details. 4 Requires 360 Surround Camera. 31