Evoque

The Evoque was also named Best Compact SUV by Britain's biggest-selling motoring magazine, with the Land Rover Discovery 4 scooping the award for Best Large SUV for the second successive year.

Citing the Evoque's 'mould breaking' looks and driving dynamics as key factors in its success. "The Evoque puts the hugely desirable Range Rover brand within the reach of compact executive car buyers for the very first time," said Auto Express Acting Editor Graham Hope. "The fact it looks and drives the way it does serves only to underline its premium appeal.”

"The winner of the Auto ExpressCar of the Year prize really needs to break the mould - and the Range Rover Evoque does exactly that,” said Mr Hope.

The Evoque in Coupe and five door models will go on sale in New Zealand in November. Early models will be in the country in time for the Rugby World Cup, which Land Rover – Range Rover is the vehicle supplier for.

Land Rover UK Managing Director Colin Green welcomed the recognition: "The first production Evoque was driven off the line at Land Rover's Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool last month. To receive an accolade such as this so soon, is a huge boost for the talented and dedicated professionals who have worked so hard and so long to bring the Evoque to market."

Mr. Green is delighted also by the success of the Land Rover Discovery 4: "The Discovery trophy cabinet is already huge, and this second successive Auto Express Award for the latest incarnation of the model underlines its superiority in a highly competitive market segment, and adds to the pride we feel today."

Auto Express says of the award-winning Discovery 4: "The versatile Land Rover has figured on the winners' list at our annual awards for seven successive years, and it's easy to see why. The latest Discovery 4 marries high-class fixtures and fittings with huge dimensions and unrivalled off-road ability."

With a choice of three engines, two body styles, three design themes and a wide range of options and accessories, the new Range Rover Evoque offers customers significant choice across a range of price points. The entry level TD4 Pure 5-Door 6 speed automatic Range Rover Evoque starts at $79,990 and the top-of-the-range Si4 automatic Dynamic coupé with Tech pack is available from $113,630.

More than 18,000 advance orders have been received by Range Rover for the Evoque.