FOR a vehicle that looks rather evolutionary, the new-generation Range Rover Evoque is a surprisingly dramatic change, if not in the overall concept then in structure, technology and detail.

Only the door hinges are carried over from the previous first-generation Evoque – codenamed L538 – that helped to carve out the luxury mid-sized SUV market alongside the BMW X3, Volvo XC60 and Audi Q5 eight years ago.

The new L551 Evoque gets a healthy injection of refinement, courtesy of a lighter but stiffer new platform that Land Rover calls Premium Transverse Architecture that will, over time, spawn more new models in the Land Rover family.

Electrification has arrived in Evoque-land with mild-hybrid assistance on four of the six engines available in the extensive range that still encompasses diesel and petrol units.

A three-cylinder plug-in hybrid variant is also on the way, but not until next year.

The interior now bristles with gadgets, including four screens, one of which is – wait for it – the rear-view mirror that can be switched from a conventional reflecting mirror to a video image beamed from a rear camera.

And then there is the optional ‘vegan’ interior trim that dispenses with the traditional British leather for upholstery made from recycled plastic bottles and wool.

Sounds like the Evoque has gone soft, right? Not so fast ...