Evoque convertible concept

Land Rover has shown off this Range Rover Evoque convertible concept ahead of the car’s official unveiling at the Geneva motor show early next month. Land Rover says the Evoque convertible concept will ‘explore the potential for the world's first premium convertible SUV' and a decision on production could be made as soon as four to six weeks after Geneva.

The convertible has been built to gauge public reaction to such a vehicle. Land Rover used a similar tactic to assess the response to the DC100 concepts that could form the basis of the next Defender. If reaction is positive, however, a drop-top Evoque would fit neatly into Land Rover's plan to expand the reach of the Evoque model range, fuelled in part by the success of the smaller car and the continuing growth being enjoyed by the brand.

The Range Rover Evoque convertible could be two or four wheel drive and either petrol or diesel powered. Land Rover engineers say about 75kgs of strengthening would be needed compared to the big-selling hard-top version.

If the green light is pressed on production, almost two years worth of engineering and proving would be required before the Evoque convertible would be ready for production, which could take place at the Halewood plant.

Land Rover is keen to carefully consider demand for a drop-top Evoque because the company already has a full order book for the current version – with 50,000 built and orders for another 60,000 – and wouldn’t want to divert focus away from it towards a potentially niche model.

The Range Rover Evoque convertible concept has been developed by Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern and his team. McGovern said: “The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. This study is not a traditional convertible design execution – instead we have worked with the balance of the Evoque's lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable.”

The soft-top, four-seat convertible concept features a fully retractable roof system with a roll-over protection system. The Evoque's rising waist line and distinctive shape has been retained and the new convertible body style has been achieved with minimal changes to weight and torsional rigidity. The hood is housed in a tapered finisher with the roof mechanism stowed below the belt-line.

Inside, the concept is packed with the Evoque's technology including Terrain Response, surround cameras, Park Assist and class leading infotainment featuring an 8-inch dual view touch screen and a sound system from British audio experts, Meridian. The Evoque convertible concept features unique 21-inch Titan silver wheels and is finished in a new metallic Causeway Grey paint.

The drop-top variant would attract a price premium of between 10 and 15 per cent over the three-door hard-top Evoque, which would put the base model at about £30,795 at today’s pricings.