Range Rover Evoque–PR Analysis–”(Sports) Command Driving Position”

Published On: September 21, 2010Tags: ,

So these will be the first of comments on the info Land Rover has now given us through the official press release.

From the official Land Rover Glossary – Command Driving Position:

The Land Rover command driving position stems from a number of key dimensional relationships which combine to give the driver a feeling of being in command of the vehicle.
A low relative waistline, slim pillars, visible bonnet edge and large glass area promote excellent visibility and an awareness of the vehicle’s surroundings. The high, upright seating position and upright steering wheel add further to the feeling of confidence common to driving all Land Rover models.

2011_Range_Rover_Evoque_Interior_1.sized

So in this first full shot of the interior we can see how high that door window is, I guess we knew this somewhat with how small the exterior windows were.  But as soon as I saw that I went looking for the classic Land Rover phrase “Command Driving Position”  and it right there in the first few pages.  But really, I’m sure it’s great, but this isn’t Command Driving Position – the headrest is practically below window height.  And I do realize this is a small vehicle, so the actual size & feel probably doesn’t come across in the picture.  Continuing down the press release, we get to this section, which doesn’t seem quite right:

The vehicle package successfully provides a unique blend of coupe styling and capable off-road geometry and ground clearance. The interior offers excellent accommodation for passengers and luggage, while retaining the core elements of the classic Range Rover Command Driving Position.

Which core elements are those – a seat that someone sits in while they drive?

Further down they take a step back and really explain the situation as “Sports Command Driving Position”:

Sitting slightly lower than in one of the larger Range Rover models, the driver adopts a Sports Command Driving Position, which offers a more sporting feel but retains the important sensation of control and command. The result is more generous headroom than traditionally found in many sporting sedans, despite the low profile coupe roofline.

I just feel they’re trying to force their “design language” into every situation whether or not it’s applicable.  They should have used the “Sports” moniker for every time they used the phrase.  I may not be happy with them calling this a Range Rover, but they could have gotten away with it with the obvious stuff  – floating roof, wheels to the corners, clamshell hood – they don’t need to start making things up to make it fit into the line better.

Looks cool though!