SECTOR: SUV   PRICE: €33,100–€56,810   FUEL: 4.2–8.6l/100km   CO2: 109–201g/km

Five years after it was launched, the Range Rover Evoque has been re-worked to include a range of revisions and new technologies to bring it up to date.

From a fleet perspective, the most notable is the Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel engine, which also makes its way into the Land Rover Discovery Sport and reduces both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with the outgoing 2.2-litre diesel. Two variants of the engine are available in the Evoque, producing either 150hp or 180hp, with the 180hp variant producing 50Nm more torque – 430Nm at 1,750rpm. Only 180hp variants are available with four-wheel drive. Land Rover claims that the 2016 Evoque is 18% more fuel-efficient that the original version. There’s also a 240hp 2.0-litre petrol engine. Service intervals have also been extended to around 34,000km.

For three-door 150hp versions, EU combined fuel consumption starts from 4.2l/100km and CO2 emissions from 109g/km, only reaching 4.3l/100km and 113g/km for five-door manual models. There are no 150hp automatics. The 180hp variant starts from 4.8l/100km and 125g/km CO2, with five-door automatic models returning 5.1l/100km and 134g/km.

Externally, 2016 models are designated by a new front bumper with wider air intakes and new grille designs. There is also a new rear spoiler with integrated high-level brake light. The Evoque also becomes the first model from Jaguar Land Rover to feature LED adaptive headlamp technology. Inside there are new seats and door casings and a redesigned instrument binnacle as well as new colours and finishes.

Evoque now gains the All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC), which means that there is no dialling in for off-road conditions before driving off. ATPC monitors conditions and applies the settings it thinks are appropriate. There’s also a new eight-inch colour touchscreen with JLR’s InControl touch infotainment system, which displays available smartphone apps as they appear on your mobile device. The hands-free tailgate opening function also filters down from larger models, opened by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper.

The Ingenium engine is a significant advance for diesel-powered models, principally in refinement. Engine noise levels are reduced and the 2WD 150hp models will be attractive to those who found that CO2 emissions of the 2.2-litre engine kept the Evoque off their choice lists. Performance is good in both 150hp and 180hp versions.

Undoubtedly the 180hp engine is more desirable, bringing 4WD and a nine-speed automatic option, but for those wanting an Evoque inside the constraints of a fleet policy, 2WD models have impressive off-road capability too. I didn’t drive off-road and none of the petrol models were available to drive, but previous experience off-road suggests that the Evoque is likely to far exceed the needs of its drivers.

Quality ought to be a given for any vehicle with a Range Rover badge and the Evoque provides the expected air of quality. The new interior touches help and the simplicity of the new InControl connectivity is welcome. Just pair the phone and the available apps appear on the centre screen.

Verdict:

The Ingenium diesel is a welcome arrival for the Evoque. It’s better to drive and 109-113g/km CO2 emissions are what many potential drivers have been waiting for.