• Front-wheel drive eD4 versions are the cheapest to run
• Petrol-fuelled Si4 require the deepest pockets
• Strong resale help the Evoque’s cause

Considering that we’re dealing with a premium-badged SUV – albeit one on the dainty side – Range Rover Evoque running costs are low, providing you choose wisely.

Championing the efficiency cause are the front-wheel drive diesel versions badged eD4 E-Capability. In this guise the Evoque – highlighted with its blue tailgate badge – has a claimed fuel economy of 65.7mpg and CO2 emissions rated at 113g/km.

If you really must have a petrol Evoque then you’re restricted to the 2.0-litre Si4 in four-wheel drive form. Be prepared to fork-out for the privilege though, with an official fuel efficiency figure of 36.2mpg and CO2 emissions quoted at 181g/km.

Typically SUVs are more expensive to run than more conventional cars with components such as tyres and brakes wearing out quicker thanks to the crossover’s greater heft. Not only that, they’re typically more expensive to replace, too.

Residual values will be strong so expect your Evoque, in any specification, to have resale values in the region of 50% after three years and 30,000 miles of use.

For the lowest emissions in the Range Rover Evoque line-up, you’ll need to stick with the entry-level, front-wheel drive eD4 E-Capability with a CO2 output of 113g/km.

Bookending the range is the four-wheel drive Si4 petrol, producing 240hp: a nine-speed gearbox is more efficient than the earlier six-speeders, pegging CO2 emissions at 181g/km.

Is it reliable?

• Land Rover doesn’t have the best of reliability reputations
• Evqoue has already been subjected to six official recalls
• Material quality and assembly do feel strong, though

Over the years reliability hasn’t been Land Rover’s strongest suit and so it seems that the Range Rover Evoque is suffering somewhat from this legacy. It’s built on a heavily revised version of the Land Rover Freelander 2’s underpinnings, so niggling faults should have been ironed out, but according to the DVSA’s vehicle inspectorate website, it’s been subjected to six recalls.

Two are related to electrical short circuit issues, while the remainder concern a steering fault, a potential engine cut-out, a faulty front passenger airbag and a possible fuel leak. Not a great track record, it has to be said.

The Evoue has already notched up a number of issues that are affecting owner confidence. The main issue that Land Rover is oil dilution in the 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine, which causes the car to need premature oil changes – sometimes as little as 8,000 miles apart (against the expected 20,000 miles). This is due to the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) never getting hot enough to regenrate successfully, contaminating the engine’s lubricant – the service indicator picks this up, and tells the owner to get it serviced. However, if the service request is ignored, engine damage can be inflicted.

Land Rover has operated a goodwill gesture for owners of Evoques affected by the issue. If registered before 1 June 2017 affected cars will get oil and filter changes free of charge, so long as the service indicator comes on before 15,750 miles from new. Some owners are complaining that they are having to pay for their additional oil changes, though.

On the positive side, the quality of the materials used in the Evoque feel of a quality befitting of the Range Rover badge and it appears to be well-assembled, with few signs of rattles and sqeaks.