Range Rover sets a date for NZ Evoques

Range Rover says it has 18,000 advance orders for the multi-optioned Evoque. Photo / Supplied

The Range Rover Evoque, one of this year's most keenly awaited vehicles, will go on sale in New Zealand in November.

The first Evoque rolled off the production line in Britain this week, destined for a place at the country's premier motoring museum, the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust.

Breaking new ground for Land Rover, it has concept-inspired looks and uses lightweight materials which help it achieve claimed fuel returns of around 6 litres/100km.

"The Evoque is an incredibly exciting vehicle that joins a product range which across both of our brands is the strongest we've ever had," said Land Rover CEO Dr Ralf Speth.

The carmaker says it has 18,000 advance orders for the Evoque.

So important is the Evoque that the workforce at Land Rover's Halewood plant, near Liverpool, has been doubled, and now exceeds 3000.

The model plays an important role in one of the 40 new product plans that Jaguar Land Rover has in store for the next five years.

It is the most ambitious market assault in either brand's history.

The new Evoque has a $4 billion annual export value, and a further $4 billion will be spent with British-based suppliers.

Already Land Rover is looking at a super-luxury version of the Evoque, a five-door Evoque with a "Grand" badge, like the Vogue moniker on a Range Rover, say reports in Britain.

Land Rover is apparently basing its plans on research that shows American buyers are pumping cash into luxury mid-range SUVs, and that the Chinese market is also ripe for an explosion.

The Evoque will be priced between $79,990 and $104,490 in New Zealand.

The luxury off-roader will be available in three- and five-door bodystyles with a choice of petrol or diesel engine, three design themes - Pure, Dynamic and Prestige - and a wide range of options and accessories, including equipment and styling packs.

Options run between $5750 and $9260 and include three roof treatments, seven alloy wheel designs, 16 interiors and a panoramic glass roof.

Evoque comes in two- and four-wheel-drive versions, although the front-drive model will be available in New Zealand only on special order.

New four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines using mild hybrid technology will help Range Rover meet next year's new European fleet emission standards.