Pros • Cabin, load space • Fuel economy • Dash presentation
Cons • Noisy suspension • Flat seats • CVT characteristics The Koleos did what it was intended to do. It gave Renault a foothold in a hitherto unrepresented segment and, more importantly in Australia, it quickly became Renault’s biggest-selling model.If there was a major shortcoming with the second generation Koleos it was the lack of a diesel engine. The newcomer was exclusively powered by a hard-working 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing a reasonable 126kW/226Nm and returning, in AWD form, a combined fuel consumption average of 8.3L/100km.But that’s all changed now. The long-awaited turbo-diesel option arrived in August 2017 to immediately bring more power and (a lot more) torque. At 130kW/380Nm it’s a true grunter which, at 6.1L/100km, also offers better fuel consumption, plus lower exhaust emissions (150g/km against the petrol version’s 192g/km).
Pros Noticeably more torque and better fuel economy from the diesel engine Big size equals excellent second-row space inside Competitively priced Good ownership credentials
Cons Powertrain not as seamless and effortless as the numbers suggest No quicker than cheaper front-drive petrol Koleos variants Wieldy SUV to manoeuvre and park Ho-hum infotainment system Lower braked towing rating than petrol versions The diesel clatter is also quite noticeable, though nothing like a deal-breaker, but it does harness the on-demand all-wheel-drive system's tractive talents better and more noticeably than the petrol engine does. And by maintaining fuel economy within a ballpark of its maker’s 6.1 combined cycle claim, it’s markedly more efficient by a couple of litres per hundred, particularly around town.
Pros Great exterior looks Nice enough to drive Good level of equipment
Cons Doesn't come with a seven-seat option Prices are a bit high Manual gearbox isn't the smoothest
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque gets a new lease on life this year with a good powertrain upgrade that helps it stay competitive. Of course, its looks help too.
Pros Stunning exterior shape Better powertrain this year Power bump on top trims One of the few SUV convertibles on the road
Cons for good reason Not all that practical Aged structure Cramped rear seat
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque ranked #6 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque has a score of 7.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 48 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent off-roader Powerful engines Agile handling High-quality cabin
Cons High price Below-average fuel economy Jerky transmission
For 2018, the Evoque's biggest updates happen under the hood. The new base engine is slightly less powerful than last year's model, but the Evoque now offers a higher-output, 286-horsepower version as an option on some trim levels. The two-door coupe has been discontinued, though the convertible remains.
PROS Striking exterior and interior design Available convertible variant is the only one of its kind Fun to drive
CONS Premium pricing compared to subcompact competitors Not a lot of backseat space Limited visibility, especially for the convertible
