LR reveals Evoque Cabrio 06 | 03 | 2012

LAND ROVER UNVEILED one of the stars of the Geneva Motor Show, the Range Rover Evoque convertible concept. A decision on whether the car, whose looks have divided opinion, could eventually go into production is expected to be made within four to six weeks after Geneva (watch our video of the Evoque Cabrio on-the-road).

Adopting the same philosophy it did with the DC100 concepts which could form the basis of the next Defender, the Range Rover Cabrio has been built to gauge public reaction.

If, as expected, the car gets the green light, it will fit neatly into Land Rover's plan to expand the reach of the Evoque model range, fuelled in part by the success of the smaller car and the continuing growth being enjoyed by the brand.

The Range Rover Evoque Cabrio — a soft-top, four-seat convertible concept which features a fully retractable roof system with a roll-over protection system — could be two or four wheel drive and either petrol or diesel powered. Land Rover engineers say about 75kgs of strengthening would be needed compared to the big-selling hard-top version.

But even if Land Rover decide to build the new car, it will be at least two years of engineering work would be required before the Cabrio could enter production.

See more official photos of the new Range Rover Evoque Cabrio

“The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible," Land Rover design director, Gerry McGovern said. "This study is not a traditional convertible design execution – instead we have worked with the balance of the Evoque's lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable.

"We want to build on the Evoque's success. We see this as a natural progression. We create new segments with our products and see this as a chance to do it again. This is a design and engineering study and we'll gauge the public and press reaction.

"It's an authentic Land Rover. The Evoque lends itself well to a convertible. It's desirable and has charm. Open-top driving in a Range Rover will be a completely different experience."

If, and when, the Evoque Cabrio does enter Land Rover's Scottish dealerships, expect its entry-model to set you cacb around £31,000.

Scotland's new £6m Land Rover dealership opens

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Jim McGill