Evoque convertible, F-Tyre raise the bar at motoring festival

The world’s first luxury compact SUV convertible was launched for the Sub-Sahara African market on Wednesday, at the ongoing South African Festival of Motoring in Johannesburg.

Jaguar Land Rover has also unveiled the all-new F-Tyre as the British ‘machines’ stole the spotlight at the event, which was held at the country’s refurbished world class, Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre.

The new Range Rover Evoque convertible combines the bold design and refinement the brand is known for, but the latest model showcased a comprehensive specification and a sophisticated folding roof to create a total, all-season convertible.

With a distinctive shape of the original Range Rover Evoque, the car lends itself to an elegant convertible design, which may account for the reason the manufacturer boasted that the vehicle remained the most exclusive and capable convertible in the world.

According to the company, the car, which is the fifth member of the Range Rover family and the first ever convertible, combines traditional luxury with a distinctive four-seat design and versatile storage.

“Its uniquely distinctive design and world-class engineering adds another dimension to the Range Rover family, further enhancing its desirability and appeal”, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Gerry McGovern said.

As the global SUV market was forecast to grow by 20 per cent over the next five years, McGovern said the Evoque would play a key role in continuing Range Rover’s 45-year success story.

He described the “Convertible as a vehicle for all seasons”, noting that the vehicle’s eye-catching exterior design was made possible by a sophisticated fabric roof that has been shaped to create a crisply defined silhouette.The fully automated roof stows in 18 seconds, and can be raised in 21 seconds, at speeds up to 48km/h. In addition, the position of the roof doesn’t affect load space, with a generous 251-litre boot offering unrivalled practicality for a convertible.

It debuted with a high-resolution 10.2-inch touch screen with Jaguar Land Rover’s next-generation InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which is expected to make connectivity easier.

It also has Roll-Over Protection Device featuring deployable rollover bars hidden in the rear bodywork to improve safety.The convertible is powered by Land Rover all-aluminium four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, producing 177kW and 340Nm. In addition to outstanding refinement and performance, it also offers superb efficiency.

It comes with all-terrain capability, using the same advanced technologies as Evoque five-door and Coupé derivatives. A customary choice of four-wheel drive power trains combines with Land Rover’s nine-speed automatic transmission, Terrain Response system, Wade Sensing and All-Terrain Progress Control to ensure Evoque is a convertible for all seasons.

Meanwhile, the new Jaguar F-Type positioned itself at the festival as the fastest car the company has ever made and a class leader in it segment as it shows off its supercharged V6 3-litre engines and drive flexibility.

The F-Tyre came with AWD and a slick 6-speed manual shifter, aluminum-chassis and well positioned with Jaguar’s potent engines, making the 2-seater a choice for car lovers, particular those who love sport cars.