The Evoque kick-started Jaguar Land Rover’s product onslaught back in 2011 and this small 4×4 is still acquiring accolades.
The combination of badge prestige, massive kerb appeal and the prospect of manageable running costs with the front-wheel drive model has boosted popularity with company car drivers. Land Rover updated the Evoque last year with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox as well as new kit, including Park Exit, which will drive the car out of spaces.
While the Evoque isn’t necessarily as competitive on emissions as the BMW X3, its head-turning looks and position as a status symbol means it has reclaimed the title of readers’ favourite from the German car.
The eD4 model is the fleet staple, with CO2 of 133g/km, placing it in the 22% benefit-in-kind band, and fuel economy of 56.5mpg. You can get a premium small 4×4 that is more competitive on whole-life running costs, but that’s not really the point in this segment.
A real strength is the front-wheel drive’s bulletproof residuals, which sit at 53%, compared with under 50% for equivalent rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It helps push the cost per mile down to 56p.
