Should you buy one?

We say yes. The Evoque looks fresh and oozes desirability, plus it has an excellent, forgiving ride, a very high quality interior, and lots of up-to-date tech. Right now, we’d recommend it over the opposition, but make sure you don’t go mad on the options in order to keep the monthly cost down.

The mild-hybrid diesel D165 automatic makes a lot of sense for people who don’t care about 0-62mph times, while the P300e PHEV adds further appeal for those moving away from diesel, and want the most tax-efficient option possible. Just don’t expect to get anywhere near the claimed mpg figures and make sure you keep it topped up with electricity to get the best out of it.

That said, the competition is strong. Audi’s Q3 and Q3 Sportback are both very well-rounded, while the Volvo XC40 majors on tech, plus there’s an all-electric Recharge version to choose from. For now, the Evoque is still the best premium SUV for the money – but the opposition is rapidly catching up.

What we like

The way it drives – it’s agile and comfortable on the road, and highly proficient off it. The interior is a masterclass in well-judged design and trim materials, while the image is good, which is reflected in the car’s strong resale values and excellent monthly finance deals.

What we don’t like

Cash prices are high, and adding options makes it even more expensive. There are many cheaper alternatives out there. There’s also a lingering cloud over the Evoque’s reliability record too.