Range Rover makes a hot new 281bhp Evoque

The Range Rover Evoque Autobiography Dynamic is an all-new variant of the popular SUV with more performance and a sharper more agile chassis. It packs a 281bhp version of the Evoque’s 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 295lb-ft (400Nm) and the latest 9-speed ZF automatic transmission.

That’s 44bhp and 60Nm more than the current Si4 petrol, representing an improvement of around 18%. Land Rover have been coy about its price and improved performance but expect to pay a little over £50k when it goes on sale later in the year.

To cope with the extra speed, the Evoque’s front brake discs have been upgraded to 350mm, while its nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox has been recalibrated to respond more keenly to a driver’s inputs.

Torque Vectoring by Braking (TVB) is now standard equipment, which brakes the inside rear wheel during cornering to tighten the car’s line, this results in reduced understeer and more responsive handling on both low and high-grip surfaces.

The Evoque’s suspension geometry has also been upgraded, with firmer spring rates, recalibrated adaptive dampers and specially tuned electronic power steering.

Changes to the Evoque’s exterior include new and more dynamic body styling, a new grille design, lower front valance, jewel-like headlights and tail lamps plus 20-inch forged alloy wheels. A striking new phoenix orange paint colour will be available across all Autobiography models.

Inside there’s a choice of either luxurious or dynamic plus leather with either sports or premium climate seats, these are available with the Autobiography logo embossed into their headrests whilst Autobiography illuminated tread plates illuminate as you open the door.

“Before getting ‘too’ carried away with the Evoque’s performance, it’s worth taking a reality check..”

The Autobiography name will also be available on the standard Evoque including 237bhp Si4 petrol and 187bhp Sd4 diesel. These share the same design elements without the performance and chassis improvements of the Autobiography Dynamic.

Before getting ‘too’ carried away with the Evoque’s performance, it’s worth taking a reality check. The entry level Porsche Macan S offers 335bhp from its 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, with 460 Nm all included in a price of £43,300. Likewise BMW’s X3 xDrive35d – 309bhp, 630Nm and less than £43,000 to sit on your driveway.

Despite the power boost, Land Rover needs to do more, much more, to justify the Evoque’s price premium over the competition – the new Autobiography Dynamic is a start, but they’re still a long way behind if performance is your priority.

The Evoque Autobiography will also feature a new suite of connected-car technologies called InControl Apps which enables driver-operated smartphone apps to be displayed and controlled with their original look and feel from the vehicle’s touchscreen. The new in-car technology complements the Evoque’s existing infotainment system and connects either an iPhone or Android device via the vehicle’s dedicated USB port.

Since its introduction in 2011, Land Rover has now sold more than 270,000 Evoques worldwide, making it the fastest-selling Land Rover of all time.