Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible SUV-2015

PREVIEW

Wasn't hard to see this coming. The Baby Rover has been a breakout star for Land Rover, a relatively affordable gateway into the aura of British luxury and off-road tradition. We assume Land Rover allowed itself a window to weather any backlash from the compact hardtop before committing to the 2015 Evoque convertible. But the drop top got the green light, and not a moment too soon for sun-and-scene stations like Southern California, Miami and New York.

The Range Rover Evoque convertible will offer just two doors (the hardtop offers both two- and four-door configurations) and an electrically powered fabric top that folds beneath the Evoque's waistline for a clean top-down look. The fabric top and rollover protection mechanisms consume cabin space, however, limiting the convertible to just two rear passengers. The convertible doesn't incur a substantial weight penalty, however. It requires 165 pounds of structural reinforcement, says Land Rover.

The convertible will offer the same 240-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission as the standard car, although a nine-speed transmission under development could arrive in time for the Evoque convertible's launch. And while the standard Evoque features all-wheel drive and Land Rover's Terrain Response System for legitimate off-road capability, the convertible base model may come standard with front-wheel drive and leave the off-road chops as a premium upgrade.

Land Rover debuted the Evoque convertible concept at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show and suggested a 10-15 percent price premium over the hardtop. Look for the convertible to start at around $48,000 when it goes on sale, likely in the second half of 2014. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque convertible, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.