Range Rover Evoque: very nearly as good as everyone says

The Range Rover Evoque has had more positive column inches since its launch last year than any other new car I can remember. There was a real danger when I actually came to test-drive it that it wouldn't live up to all the pre-hype.

But, as it turned out, the Evoque fulfilled all its promise.

The Evoque, for starters, is a real head-turner. It looks exactly like the futuristic concept car unveiled by Land Rover back in 2008: often, corners are cut between the concept mock-ups and the final production car, but not this time. This is the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient model Range Rover have ever produced - and it looks sporty enough to get you the kind of attention normally reserved for cars that cost three times the price. (The Evoque starts from £27,955)

With its taut handling, the Evoque feels more like a sporty hatch back than a compact SUV. It is smooth through corners and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel 187bhp engine is powerful, once you wind it up. Inside, the Evoque is plush, comfortable and has the air of luxury. It oozes quality and the cabin is reassuringly quiet, even at high speeds.

A must-have option, if you choose the coupe is the panoramic roof, which really adds to the sense of space.

The only downside is the access to the rear seats in the snug coupé version – it's awkward and the slow movement of the electric seats is a drawback.

The Evoque has been hyped and it has won plenty of awards already - but rightly so. This is one of the most desirable new cars of recent years, combining the benefits of a sporty car with Range Rover's traditional four-wheel advantages. Form an orderly queue