Land Rover: Sneak peek at luxury planet saver

The lightweight Evoque will be available as a two-wheel-drive with lower emissions. Photo / Supplied

Land Rover has sort of introduced the sixth vehicle in its range, the small Evoque, by releasing some details, only one photograph and saying we'll have to wait for the Paris Motor Show late September for more.

But the single picture shows that, as expected, the two-door vehicle closely follows the lines of the 2008 LRX concept.

"After a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the LRX concept car into reality," said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director. "We have stayed true to our word and delivered a car that completely represents the spirit of the LRX."

The sleekest, smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover was unveiled in London in partnership with Vogue magazine as part of the manufacturer's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Similar in size to the Land Rover Freelander 2, it will join the full-size Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in New Zealand later next year.

Customers will have a choice of either a four- or two-wheel-drive version, with CO2 emissions lower than 130g/km. It will be the first time a Range Rover model has been available with two-wheel-drive, which will consume slightly less fuel. These are part of the company's efforts to address climate change issues. Biofuel capabilities, regenerative brakes, an efficient small diesel and a hybrid version are among other planet-saving features likely to be seen in the range.

Offering the vehicle as a two-door is a brave move in a world where four-doors dominate SUV sales. The original Range Rover was introduced as a two-door, and it took almost 10 years of production before a four-door was introduced. However, it's believed that a four-door Evoque is in the works and will appear long before 10 years have passed.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover, called Evoque an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand.

"The Evoque will be sold in over 160 countries, so it was important to give the car a name that was instantly recognisable through language and cultural boundaries throughout the world," he said. "We wanted to create a new name which was innovative and different."

It will be built at the modern Halewood factory, creating 1000 new jobs in the Merseyside area.

Meanwhile, it is being reported that Tata Motors has made plans to assemble the Freelander 2 in India. Tata hopes the local assembly will satisfy local demand for luxury vehicles, as well as offering significant tax advantages. Jaguar Land Rover is also looking for an assembly plant in China.