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NZ car magazine NZ Autocar did a comparison between the above cars in its Jan 12 issue. Seeing as the X1 for many would be the benchmark for the best small SUV, and the Evoque is the new kid on the block, a worthwhile comparison.

First up, it said the Evoque was the car with all the style. Not hard when compared with Germanic style, which let's face it doesn't really exist. There wasn't much in them on the road, but the X1 got the nod dynamically. In the refinement, the Evoque was the big winner, being much quieter and nicer instruments. The cabin itself is much better in the Evoque, giving a very solid feel.

So well done NZ Autocar for getting a comparison in seeing the Evoque has only just arrived down here. Well done Evoque, for getting it so right with basically a brand new model in a new niche for LR. The X1 got its lederhosen pulled down for a good spank, but I'm sure BMW will be smarting and want to come back with something better. For now thought, its all RR Evoque.

Pics Evoque: www.roadandtrack.com

Range Rover Evoque vs BMW X1

By Gavin Kalsi Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Slightly late news but I only just heard that the Range Rover Evoque has been crowned World Car Design of the Year 2012. The announcement was made at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and sees Evoque's awards tally total more than 100 global accolades.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director said: "We are honored that the Range Rover Evoque has been named 2012 World Car Design of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognizes the overwhelmingly positive response that we have received to the Evoque's bold and dramatic design. It is a car that truly resonates on an emotional level."

The original 46 nominations were whittled down to the Evoque, the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up!. A design panel of five came up with the shortlist, which was then voted on by 66 jurors that came from 25 countries.

Juror Sivia Baruffaldi observed regarding the Range Rover Evoque "True to the concept car it derives from, it is a contemporary automotive design masterpiece. Besides not having equals on the markets, it is able to deliver the Land Rover DNA in a more compact, sporty body style. A premium product without the bad habit of showing off.”

Nothing more to say really....except well done.

World Car Design Of The Year: 2012

By Gavin Kalsi Wednesday, 26 July 2017

I like to see changes in the look of a car from one model to another. That can be difficult if the current model is a winner in that department, or if management is too risk averse. BMW has a problem with the former with the iconic MINI, and most Japanese firms now have the latter problem.

Which brings us to the the new Range Rover. It is a classic car, in style and the change it brought about in starting a whole new genre. I have to say, this 2013 styling effort is definitely evolutionary. They will get away with that for now, but you don't want a car to end up like the Civic sedan, hard to tell the last six models apart.

So what does the new vehicle bring to the table? I will let LR tell us:

1• Unmistakably a Range Rover, a modern interpretation of iconic design cues
2• Legendary Land Rover off-road capability with transformed on-road handling and agility
3• Lighter, stronger and more refined. The world’s first SUV with an all-aluminum unibody structure
4• Weight savings of up to 926lbs (420kg) when compared to the outgoing model delivers improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. A US specification V8 model is approximately 700lbs lighter than similarly equipped outgoing model
5• A more spacious and luxurious interior provides a truly composed motoring experience for all occupants. Rear legroom increases 4.7 inches

The first one is what I was saying above, not much change in appearance. Secondly, it still goes like stink off road but does it on road now too. Third and fourth, the biggie. The RR has ditched the take aways and super sizing the fries for lettuce salad and smoked salmon. Finally, more room in the back when being chauffeured around, or for those gangly legged kids.

In summary: What LR had to address was the weight and CO2 emissions, while retaining what a Range Rover is all about. Mission accomplished.

The New 2013 Range Rover

By Gavin Kalsi Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Dressed in dinner suit

Fine detailing

Out and about with class

Land Rovers - Best off road vehicles by far

Interior tops too

2013 Range Rover Pictures

By Gavin Kalsi Saturday, 15 July 2017

Are you sure this is the right way Chaps?

Back in 1964, Land Rover made just one model, what is now known as the Defender. It was a very popular vehicle in many nations, especially in the British Commonwealth. It's a shame manufactures don't release old data like this, as it cannot be commercially sensitive anymore.

In the list below, colour coding is according to region. Yellow: Asia/Pacific, Gold: Africa, Blue: Europe, Grey: Americas, Green: Middle East. The percentage at the end is based on my estimate of 42,500 vehicles produced that year. The list has about 20,400 cars, another 22,000 others went elsewhere. Britain was a obviously a major market, but many more went to numerous other nations.

Some of the names are unusual, such as 'French West and Equatorial Africa' and 'Port West Africa', which I assume is Angola today. An amazing glimpse into a distant time, and quite a different world.

1	Australia	4,160	9.8%
2	South Africa	1,840	4.3%
3	French Eq Africa	1,160	2.7%
4	East Africa	1,120	2.6%
5	Switzerland	1,010	2.4%
6	USA	950	2.2%
7	NZ	920	2.2%
8	Port West Africa	890	2.1%
9	Malaysia	860	2.0%
10	Persian Gulf	720	1.7%
10	Indonesia	720	1.7%
12	Thailand	695	1.6%
13	Chile	670	1.6%
14	Rhodesia	655	1.5%
15	Nigeria	655	1.5%
16	Libya	600	1.4%
17	Saudi Arabia	525	1.2%
18	Algeria	520	1.2%
19	Iran	475	1.1%
19	Ghana	475	1.1%
21	Yemen (Aden)	430	1.0%
22	Lebanon	375	0.9%

Land Rover Exports By Nation: 1964

By Gavin Kalsi Friday, 14 July 2017

LR are creating a Discovery range of vehicles, just like Range Rover. The first of these has been revealed and will replace the Freelander (LR2). It is called the Sport model, initially being a 5 seater but later spawning a 7 seater version. Then will come a Discovery (LR4) replacement, which will be upmarket from the Sport model. Then comes a rugged SUV to take on Land Cruiser.

As always with Land Rover, the new car looks good. It's nice to see the designers at LR still get sizable input, along with the engineers. It looks smooth and stylish, with a family resemblance but not in the 'cookie cutter' Audi way of making all vehicles look to much the same.

Feminine curves complimented with a masculine stance.

This view highlights more efficient use of space. Very modern too.

New technologies were showcased with this vehicle at the New York motor show, but whether they make it into production with the Discovery Sport will depend on if they are ready in time. One development is an image of what lies ahead projected onto the windscreen that gives the impression that the bonnet (hood) is transparent. Very useful indeed.

I have to say I was unsure of this new direction for LR with the Discovery moniker. However, it is starting to make sense. It will clearly differentiate itself from the Range Rovers but tie up the Freelander and Discovery models, including the new rugged SUV. LR know what they are doing.

Land Rover Discovery Sport : 2015

By Gavin Kalsi Wednesday, 5 July 2017

It is generally known that Chinese car makers want western car making technology. While other nations are just happy to have manufacturers set up factories and run them themselves, it is not so in China. Car firms are told if they want to sell cars in China, they have to not only make them there, but also form a 50/50 joint venture partnership with a local company.

The reason was surely so that technology would transfer and then Chinese designed and made cars could compete internationally. That generally hasn't happened as foreign firms have not allowed it, although some car makers have said of late they are comfortable with sharing sensitive technology with their partners. They must have more confidence in their motives than I.

Anyway, some Chinese firms simply do 'knock offs' of western cars. Copyright means nothing in China and the courts will not help if you complain. Of course rather than upset Chinese authorities western firms have to accept blatant copyright infringements.

You can see an example here of the Range Rover Evoque. This one bears the name Landwind E32, made by the firm Jiangling Motor Corporation or JMC. I am sure if you looked beneath the bodywork, there would be a much inferior product to the original. However, when technology does eventually make its way to China, they will make much better copies.

They will never be able to sell this in Europe or North America, but most other nations will gladly let them in. I hope they are not death traps like many Chinese cars have proven to be, as the unsuspecting buyer deserves better than that.