- It's just a concept - but it could make production.
- Uses a standard soft top to save weight.
- We'll have more info during our coverage of the Geneva Auto Show.
It's already available in two-door and four-door body styles, but the recently released Range Rover Evoque could soon be offered in a new, more radical configuration. The automaker confirmed it's bringing an Evoque convertible concept to next month's Geneva Auto Show and could green light the SUV's production soon after.
While Land Rover didn't announce many details concerning the Evoque convertible, the automaker did release several photos of the upcoming concept vehicle ahead of its Geneva debut. Although the two-door SUV shares its front end with the standard hardtop model, rear styling is slightly altered to account for the folding roof. The Evoque convertible also loses the standard model's characteristic rising window line, which was likely replaced by a flatter surface to accommodate the convertible top's architecture.
Although Land Rover only showed photos of the Evoque convertible with its top down, the automaker confirmed the SUV will feature a conventional retractable soft top rather than a folding hardtop. According to Land Rover, this decision saves weight and allows for better packaging, which likely means the SUV's cargo space would've been heavily compromised by a folding hardtop. Despite the decision to go with a soft top, Land Rover says the Evoque convertible still required around 165 pounds in additional chassis reinforcements to be feasible for production.
So will the Evoque convertible make production? We're not entirely sure - and apparently neither is Land Rover, as the automaker says it will only make a final decision after the Geneva Auto Show. But we wouldn't be surprised if the upscale brand - best known for its luxurious, off-road-ready Range Rover - gives the oddball SUV the green light. After all, with its road-going suspension, two-door body style and surprisingly-efficient four-cylinder engine, the Evoque is quickly becoming a success by bucking nearly every trend established by Land Rover - and a convertible variant would be just another example.
We'll be able to share some more information about the Evoque convertible - and hopefully score some photos with its top up - during our live coverage of this year's Geneva Auto Show early next month.
What it means to you: If you're searching for a more luxurious version of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet, the Evoque convertible could be the car for you.
