Tonight (July 1, 2010), at 20:30 BST, Land Rover pulled the covers off the eagerly awaited new compact Range Rover and revealed its name: Evoque.

Rumours suggested that the production version of the three-door, coupé-like Land Rover LRX concept would take on a more conventional five-door shape, but in fact the Range Rover Evoque's styling is remarkably faithful to the show car's. The Evoque is instantly recognisable as the third member of the Range Rover family thanks to its clamshell bonnet, strong swage line and a bold metal-effect grille, but it's significantly smaller than the full fat Range Rover or the Sport.

Despite sporty looks, the Evoque will be significantly greener than its two big brothers. Emissions as low as 130g/km have been promised for a two-wheel drive version. Four-wheel drive will also be available. It's likely to be offered with a version of the company's Terrain Response system tailored for on-road usage.

There has been no official word on engine options as yet, but we expect mostly diesel power to start with. That's likely to include the Land Rover Freelander's 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and hopefully the recently updated Jaguar/Land Rover 3.0-litre V6 too.

Land Rover will make the Evoque at its Halewood factory in Liverpool, creating 1,000 jobs in the process. Apparently the car will be sold in 160 different countries.

More details will be released at the car's public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September. Keen buyers will have to wait until summer 2011 though.

Here's the video from the unveiling in London:



Shane O' Donoghue - 1 Jul 2010