...not the Countryman.

Evoque is the winner:
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/2012-mot....html?page=all

Contenders:
BMW X3
Dodge Durango
Dodge Journey
Ford Explorer
Jeep Wrangler
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mini Cooper Countryman
Saab 9-4x
Volkswagen Touareg

http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/...ar_contenders/

 

Well, I don't know if I would have put the Countryman in with this bunch. But, my wife is eyeing an Evoque....if our local Rover dealer has one in stock for her to test drive :-(

 

I am a Rover guy (currently have 3) and I am not a fan of the Evoque. There are some cool things, improved mpg and the camera system. But the lack of a locking differential and the sheer ugliness is pitiful. And designed by a Spice Girl...

 

Ahh!! I love the new evoque, but only the 2dr, not a fan of the 4dr. I think it's so sleek and edgy. I've been a range rover fan for a while now, and I'd love to drive an Evoque

 

Very fancy, with the price tag to match. The 4dr has just a hint of the new Ford Explorer in it. And I love the gear selector **** -- there is no need for a stick or lever with an automatic. And is the roof just a huge piece of glass? I bet that will get painfully hot in the summers. I prefer a flat roof because I carry stuff on the roof.

 

Not a fan of the Evoque styling, showed it to my husband who described it as looking like someone dropped a piano on the back of the countryman.

 

Im kind of glad it didnt win. I like being unique on the road.

 

Like I said, my wife is eyeing it. I think it'll be very popular with women. I see it as a fashion accessory. The people who buy it don't know and don't want to know what a locking differential is. Rover will sell tons of em.

 

I'm sure it will be a good seller for Rover/Tata. But it will always be a Rover "light". Even worse then the Freelander! I'd wait for the reintroduction of the Defender, if it ever happens (possibly 2014).
I really feel that you are right that a lot of ladies may like it and look at it as a fashion accessory. Fortunately for me, my wife wouldn't drive that vehicle because she thinks it is fugly and it can't do what a "Real Rovers" can do. I agree.

 

I have to say, even though I think the Evoque is relatively good looking, I'm with your wife! If I had the money and wanted an SUV/Rover, I'd get the Range Rover. You'd be able to have WAY more fun with it and not have to worry about it breaking a nail. Actually, I'm lying. I'd probably buy a late 1970s or early 1980s Land Rover. Talk about having fun off-road! And you just can't kill those things.

 

I know what you mean! Here are a few pics of my 1994 Defender 90. Great vehicle for off-road fun.

 

I prefer my 110

 

Yep you win!

 

There was nothing in that segment that seemed to be under $40k. Who is buying these vehicles...I am just too poor.

 

Just 23 more years and it is DOT/EPA exempt. I'll bring it back home to Texas. That and maybe a Unimog.