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Convertible Range Rover Evoque follows in ill-conceived footsteps

Land Rover debuts a convertible variant of the Range Rover Evoque at the Geneva Auto Show. Fortunately, it's only a concept.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin
Range Rover Evoque

It wasn't the first convertible crossover to reach production, but I was hoping that the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet would be the last. Unfortunately, Land Rover will also be peeling back the top of its own Range Rover Evoque crossover at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show next week.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible will feature a power retractable cloth top with a glass rear window pane. A Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) protects passengers in the event of a rollover by instantaneously popping up roll hoops behind the rear passengers when the vehicle senses that it's about to roll.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept
Range Rover Evoque

Aside from the roof, the Evoque Convertible is essentially identical to the hard-topped 2012 Range Rover Evoque that we tested not too long ago. It's got the same power train, similar styling, and the same suite of cabin technology.

Now, before you grab your torches and pitchforks, I should let on that the Evoque Convertible is still a concept at this point. However, Range Rover is closely watching the convertible crossover niche to gauge whether or not building this abomination oddball form-factor would be a lucrative endeavor.