Range Rover Evoque vs Porsche Cajun

With the news that Porsche has now confirmed that its new Cajun junior SUV will be built at its plant in Leipzig, we’ve lined up the German newcomer alongside its biggest rival, the new British-built Range Rover Evoque.

 

Range Rover Evoque

 

The Evoque hits showrooms this year, and is offered with a choice of two or four doors and two- or four-wheel drive. Like the Cajun, it represents the entry point for Land Rover’s luxury arm.

 

Those looks are revolutionary, too. Design boss Gerry McGovern describes its bulging arches and squat profile as “a modern and relevant execution of the familiar Range Rover design language”.

 

It’s the marque’s cleanest car ever. In front-wheel-drive, 150bhp 2.2-litre ed4 diesel guise, the Evoque should return 60mpg and emit 135g/km of CO2. Other engine options include a more powerful 187bhp diesel and a new 240bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo – both 4WD only. 

 

Prices are expected to start at around £30,000 for basic Pure models. However, buyers will be encouraged to select from a host of paint, trim and equipment options which should see the average price of an Evoque nudging £40k.

 

Pros

• Stunning looks
• Cleanest Range Rover yet
• Luxury cabin

Cons

• Getting carried away with the options
• Waiting lists – it’s bound to be popular
• Not one for the purists

Read our first ride along in the Range Rover Evoque.

 

Porsche Cajun

 

if you’re looking for something even more exclusive, Porsche has just the thing. The German firm is planning a baby brother to the Cayenne, and it will debut in concept form towards the end of the year before arriving in showrooms in late 2012. 

 

Based on the Audi Q5, the Cajun will start at £40,000, but a range of options should ensure most variants cost nearer £50,000. 

 

For the money, buyers will be rewarded with a driver-focused SUV designed with road driving in mind. In top 328bhp 3.0 TFSI V6 spec, the Cajun will cover 0-62mph in less than six seconds. 

 

Like the Range Rover, the Porsche also gets adaptive dampers for top quality ride and handling. The Cajun will be four-wheel drive only and will come with the choice of either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed PDK.

 

Pros

• Likely to be great to drive
• Bespoke cabin
• Porsche badge

Cons

• Not due until 2013
• It’s an Audi Q5 underneath
• Bound to be pricey

For the full Porsche Cajun story, click here.