Review: Range Rover Evoque 2.0 TD4 180 Convertible

Seldom has a car been more of a fashion item. By removing the roof from the Evoque, Land Rover has made it heavier, slower, less dynamically adept and more expensive to buy and run.

But they’ve also made it more desirable than ever.

The Evoque has long been a leader on the must-have lists of style-conscious car buyers, but never before has it hit these heights. Cool cars get you noticed, cabrios get you seen – and as well as being both, this sits you up high so you and your premium cabin are right in everybody’s eye line.

The Evoque tested here was powered by Land Rover’s 177bhp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, which does fine without every threatening to light up the ground beneath it. It was an HSE-spec model, too – making it the entry-level option in the Convertible range, which is saying something when you’re spending £47,500 on a Sportage-sized SUV.

Start ticking the options and it won’t be at all long before the final bill starts with a five, either. So the roofless Evoque costs usefully more than the three-door tin-top on which it’s based. The extra money pays for all the engineering work required to keep its body rigid and get the roof to operate properly in the first place; and, from Land Rover’s point of view, because they can.

What else does it get you? A slower, heavier Evoque that handles like – well, like a slower-heavier Evoque. A slower, heavier Evoque with scuttle-shake.

It gets you more cramped rear seats and a luggage space which, with the roof down, might as well not exist.

But it does get you a supreme style icon which will hold its own among the V12 boulevardiers and ghastly metallic wraps of Knightsbridge. Those onlookers will believe you go off-roading whenever you feel like it, and they’ll check to see if you’re married to David Beckham.

And best of all, in your lofty open-air perch you’ll be able to hear what they’re saying about you. Maybe best turn the stereo up if you ever pass a group of lads digging around under the bonnet of an old 110, though.

KEY STATS - Range Rover Evoque Convertible HSE Dynamic