► A closer look at the Range Rover Evoque Convertible
► Purists won’t agree, but there might a market for ite
► Prices yet to be confirmed, but set for spring 2016 sale
1) Roofless streak
Purists may tut, but the Evoque Convertible’s set to sate the appetites of those for whom SUV coupes aren’t sufficiently flamboyant. Solihull may just be ahead of the curve in this premium niche.
2) Less is more
So hearty is the re-engineering – strengthened floor, new windscreen surround, sturdier doors – the cabrio has greater torsional rigidity than the three-door, albeit with a near-280kg weight penalty. 4wd and nine-speed auto standard, 237bhp petrol or 178bhp diesel engines.
3) Hoodwinked
Remember the 2012 concept’s rigid tonneau cover? It’s vanished. Instead, the largest fabric roof in production concertinas behind the seats, its front third serving also as a vanity panel. Only four seats here, with an inconveniently-narrow letterbox boot opening out back.
4) Spring sale
Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect them to be north of the £42k+ required for the similarly-specced three-door when it arrives in showrooms in the second quarter of 2016.