Range Rover Evoque takes on BMW X3 in 'best SUV' award
The Range Rover Evoque has recently impressed in the Scottish Car of the Year awards by coming in first place in the SUV/Crossover category.
The BMW X3 was the biggest competition for the new Evoque, which only went on sale in September as the British-built SUV tried to take German brand BMW's crown in the upmarket compact SUV sector.
Although the Evoque did win the award, by quite a large margin ahead of the X3, the two models are expected to slug it out in the market in 2012.
But which one is better?
The Evoque's top level interior specification highlights include HDD Premium navigation system, climate control, smart illuminations and leather steering wheel.
With three interior 'themes', designed with the help of Victoria Beckham as a guest designer, Land Rover focuses on style and luxury. This is reflected in its array of colour choice for both the exterior and interior of the car.
With a focus on pure luxury and with concept-car styling, Range Rover has focused on creating a luxury item urban buyers will love to be seen in.
However, it is not a case of style over substance; the Range Rover Evoque comes with Land Rover's superb All-Terrain technology in 4x4 variants and is capable of adapting to take on different terrain and weather conditions.
On the other hand BMW concentrates more on getting the basics right when it comes to styling, although it does still feature some upmarket equipment such as its 6.5" iDrive system, luggage compartments, on board computer and fancy interior lighting.
The main difference between the two is that if you are looking for a distinctively stylish car which functions as an SUV then the Evoque is for you.
However, the BMW offers more aggressive, traditional styling matched to German engineering excellence and a premium, but more practical feel - as demonstrated by the poor rear visibility in the Evoque compared to the BMW X3.
The Evoque is pretty much a fashion icon first and an SUV second, whereas the X3 is vice versa.
On top of the style element there is little to separate the two. The most frugal engines for each car have very similar emissions (X3:147g/km, Evoque: 149g/km) and they are both just as eco friendly as each other.
Again, with the mpg both the models come in neck and neck, the Evoque with 30.1mpg and the X3 with 33.4mpg. A difference hardly worth commenting on.
Land Rover Evoque prices start from £27,955, BMW X3 prices start from £31,440.