Yesterday Range Rover took the wraps off their all-new model, formerly known as the LRX, during a lavish ceremony at Kensington Palace and officially calls it the Evoque. It is the first compact Range Rover in the brand’s 40 years history. But that’s not the only first about it, the other is that it will be available as a two-wheel-drive and will get a hybrid variant as well.

The good thing is though, the car looks exactly the same as the LRX concept and in 2-door format it looks absolutely hot! There will also be a 5-door version. But Range Rover is apparently trying to make it a fashion item, since they’ve already partnered with VOGUE magazine to promote it, and even signed Victoria Beckham as their creative design executive!

The car will be officially unveiled at the next Paris Auto Show and will go on sale worldwide from next summer.

Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover said: “Today is a very special occasion for Range Rover, not only are we celebrating 40 years of the brand, we are also demonstrating our exciting future by showing the all-new Range Rover Evoque. Range Rover is one of the most highly regarded and iconic vehicles in the history of motoring and has been a continuing success since we first introduced it in 1970. The all-new Range Rover Evoque, is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand. Customers can be confident that the new car will be premium, luxurious and just as special as the other Range Rover models. Its sporting looks and unique qualities will open the brand to a new group of customers who may not have considered a Range Rover product before.

“The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at our multi-award winning plant in Halewood, creating 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area, a fantastic boost to the UK economy. The Halewood plant has a reputation for excellence and quality and is recognised throughout the industry as a leader in Lean Manufacturing.

“The all-new Range Rover Evoque is a true global car and will be sold in over 160 countries. It was important to give the car a name that was instantly recognisable through language and cultural boundaries throughout the world. We wanted to create a new name which was innovative and different. A name which implies exclusivity and arouses emotions. Evoque is cosmopolitan and cross-continental, sophisticated and matches the car’s urban elegance,” he added.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: “The Range Rover is an iconic design that has stood the test of time and it’s not difficult to see why. Like the current version, the original Range Rover is such a simple and memorable shape that is easily recognisable.

“The all-new Range Rover Evoque marks a bold evolution of Range Rover design, providing customers with a desirable, premium and compact car like SUV. In 2008 we introduced the LRX concept car: after a positive reception worldwide, the natural step for the business was to turn the LRX concept car into reality. Tonight we wanted to show the world that we have stayed true to our word and delivered a car that completely represents the spirit of the LRX concept.

“The all-new Range Rover Evoque will resonate with customers on an emotional level. Its unique silhouette accentuated by the distinctive falling roof and dramatic rising waistline creates a modern and relevant execution of the familiar Range Rover design language. This car makes a powerful statement of the Range Rover’s brand intent to appeal to a wider audience,” he added.