New Range Rover Evoque convertible revealed at Geneva

Land Rover has won the hearts of many at the Geneva Motor Show with the new Range Rover Evoque Convertible. A completely new design and engineering study, they told us: not for long, we say...

What is it?

This is the world's first soft-top Range Rover Evoque. And if you think such a concept sounds odd, wait until you see it. No two ways about it, this open-top crossover SUV really works. The reaction to it here at Geneva alone is proof enough of that.

What's hot?

Adding a fold-flat soft-top to the three-door Range Rover Evoque has created an uncommonly elegant machine. The clean lines and sit-up stance give a really premium open-top experience: it's as if it was designed to take a soft-top roof from the very start.

What's not?

Some still question the need for a soft-top crossover SUV, but they're very much in the minority here at Geneva. The more pressing concern is the fact people can't yet buy it...

How much and when?

Land Rover says this is a concept that's being shown here to test the mood for such a model. It's so positive, we'd say production is virtually guaranteed: expect it on sale within two years, with prices starting from around £35,000.

Anything else I should know?

This is not the world's first soft-top crossover: Nissan designed a convertible version of its Murano a few years ago and this is sold in the US market. The reaction to that was muted: no such worries for Land Rover with the Evoque Convertible. It is based on the Evoque Coupe and has a drop-down tailgate, a cue first seen on the original 1970 Range Rover.

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