Range Rover Evoque: So mean, so green and so stylish

MANILA, Philippines - It’s very different,” said Marc Soong, executive director, Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors Inc. at the launching of the Range Rover Evoque, recently.  “It is the most fuel- efficient Range Rover, and normally Range Rovers do not rate in fuel efficiency.”

It was a playful, bordering on the naughty, smile that played across the face of Marc as he added, “The girls love the car, too.”  

Marc admits that when he first saw the Evoque, it did not evoke such a positive response from him. He had his doubts. Perhaps, he thought, it would not measure up to what the Range Rover line of vehicles is all about.

But, he was happy to be proven wrong.

“At first I was a little skeptical about the car and the drive and I thought it would require a lot of marketing,” quipped Marc.  “I was surprised when I drove the car because it drives like a small range rover. It is a delight to drive.”

Of course, that the Evoque is the “greenest” Rover to date, made with 35 pounds of recycled materials, is icing on the cake. Range Rover has been working on building its image as a green car manufacturer and the Evoque is the beginning of more green cars to come.

“Land Rover is very adamant about making a green image for itself,” added Marc. “Yet, it also wants to make sure that it keeps the classic features and the quality of its build intact.”

LRPhils Motors Inc. officially unveiled the all-new Range Rover Evoque — the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced.  The Range Rover Evoque stays true to the core values of Range Rover, providing premium levels of craftsmanship,luxury, performance and Land Rover multi-terrain capability while embodied in a more compact package.  Equipped with an all-new 240-horsepower Si4 turbocharged direct injected two-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, Range Rover Evoque delivers excellent performance and fuel economy.  Its suspension is configured for dynamic and agile handling across varied terrain, featuring its MagneRide magnetorheological damper technology.  

Jason Soong, executive director, LRPhils Motors Inc.; Derek Page, UK trade and investment director (UKTI), Motors Inc; Marc Soong, executive director, Land Rover Philippines (LRPhils) Motors Inc.; Wellington Soong, Land Rover Philippines Motors Inc. (LRPhils) president and chairman; Stephen Lillie British Ambassador, and Cameron Mitchell, after-sales director, Land Rover Asia Pacific

“Range Rover Evoque is a new generation of SUV that attracts customers who have not previously considered getting an SUV,” said Wellington Soong, president and chairman of Land Rover Philippines. “It is the most exciting Range Rover yet, with worldwide orders already passing the 4,000 mark.”

The latest accolade comes from UK’s 4x4 Magazine, which has honored the Evoque with the title of  “4x4 of the Year.”  Recent recognitions also include Car of the Year in the UK AutoExpress New Car Honours, Scottish Car of the Year, US Motor Trend’s SUV of the Year, BBC Top Gear’s Car of the Year, Car and Driver Spain Car of the Year, and the Design Trophy from l’Automobile in France.

The latest award for the Range Rover Evoque is being named 2012 North American Truck of the Year. The announcement was made at the American International Auto Show in Detriot, recently. The Range Rover Evoque was selected over the BMW X3 and the Honda CRV based on: value for dollar, innovation, handling, performance, safety and driver satisfaction.

Loralee Soong, Carla Arguelles, Mago Oben, and Maureen Soong

“I think it is a very exciting milestone for the whole history of Land Rover,” added Willie Soong.  “This is the first time that the Land Rover has experienced huge orders for cars — matter of fact, because of the orders for the Evoque, the company is experiencing a backlog.”

This as a phenomenon which he has never seen in the history of the Range Rover. But Willie Soong is quick to point out that it is this phenomenon that Land Rover Philippines is riding on to get the cars sold.

“I think that the Evoque will appeal to a market between 23-year-olds to the late 60s,” says, smiling.  “I would never sell anything that I don’t believe in —  so kasama ako sa market.”

For Willie Soong the name Evoque says everything that the car is and should be. 

“It is very stylish, it is fashionable, and I think being seen in a car like this in the streets is a statement in itself,” Willie Soong quipped.  “That is what everybody works hard for — to be different from the rest.  And, I am sure with the Range Rover Evoque we will not fail.”