New tech for 2014 Range Rover Evoque

Launched at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show, new features on the 2014 Range Rover Evoque include: a new 9-speed automatic transmission; new driveline technologies; new driver assistance features; and detail design enhancements inside and out.

"We are thrilled to be moving the Evoque on to the next stage and believe the exciting new driveline technology, driver safety and convenience features make the 2014 Evoque an unbeatable choice for customers seeking the ultimate in compact SUV vehicles," said Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards.

First shown at March's Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover's ZF-9HP automatic transmission is among the world's first 9-speed units fitted to a passenger car. It has a claimed ultra-fast response time, described by ZF as "below the threshold of perception" and an adaptive shift programme that quickly matches the driving style. With a wide spread of ratios and improved efficiency, the new transmission delivers improved economy, reduced emissions, enhanced performance and greater comfort.

Fitted as standard to all Evoque Si4 models, 'Active Driveline' is the world's first "on demand" four-wheel drive system which enhances agility and improves fuel efficiency by operating in front-wheel drive only during steady-state driving at speeds above 35kmh. The new system monitors vehicle dynamics and automatically reconnects four-wheel drive (within 300 milliseconds) whenever it is needed. Active Driveline also features Active Torque Biasing with electronic-Diff (aka 'e-Diff') technology to distribute torque between the rear wheels, optimising traction and stability.

Additionally, a 'Torque Vectoring by Braking' feature is fitted as standard to all SD4 and Si4 models to further enhance agility and safety by redirecting torque between all four wheels to counteract understeer.

For the 2014 model Evoque, seven new driver assistance features are introduced: Park Exit (to automatically exit parallel parking bays); Perpendicular Park (to position the car centrally in parking bays); Adaptive Cruise Control (with Queue Assist, Forward Alert and Intelligent Emergency Braking); Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection (to warn drivers of oncoming traffic); Lane Departure Warning; Traffic Sign Recognition; and Wade Sensing.

Away from the tech updates, the 2014 Evoque also has some appearance changes, including detail changes to the Evoque's exterior, new colour options for the interior, four new alloy wheel styles and a new style of Land Rover badge on the grille, wheel centres and tailgate.

Evoque engine options are unaltered for 2014, with a choice of either the 110kW 2.2 diesel, 140kW 2.2 diesel or 177kW 2.0 Petrol - all four cylinder units. With the new 9-speed auto and Active Driveline, fuel economy (for EU-5 compliant vehicles) is improved by up to 11.4* percent and CO2 emissions are reduced by as much as 9.5* percent. Combined fuel consumption for the 2014 range is up to 57.6 mpg, with CO2 emissions starting from as low as 129 g/km.

Release date for the 2014 Evoque is yet to be confirmed, but should reach Australian shores shortly after its northern hemisphere release.

* Figures are global manufacturer estimates, Australian figures will be announced closer to release.