Range Ranger Evoque named Auto Express Car of the Year 2011

Range Rover are celebrating this week after their Evoque model was crowned 'Car of the Year 2011' by Auto Express magazine.

The British-built car beat off stiff competition from 18 other impressive models for the title and was praised for its driving dynamics, competitive pricing and 'mould breaking' looks. In addition to bagging the coveted title, the Evoque was also crowned the 'Best Compact SUV' of the past 12 months.

'The Evoque puts the hugely desirable Range Rover brand within the reach of compact executive car buyers for the very first time. The fact it looks and drives the way it does serves only to underline its premium appeal,' commented Auto Express' acting editor Graham Hope.

The Evoque was judged against winners from the other 18 categories and compared on a range of criteria including fuel efficiency, practicality and driver appeal. Although yet to go on sale in the UK, orders are already flying in for what has been dubbed the 'baby 4x4'.

'The first production Evoque was driven off the line at Land Rover’s Halewood manufacturing plant in Liverpool only last month. To receive an accolade such as this so soon, and from such a respected journal as Auto Express, is a huge boost for the talented and dedicated professionals who have worked so hard and so long to bring the Evoque to market,' commented Land Rover UK managing director Colin Green.

And the awards didn't stop with the Evoque for the Land Rover team. The brand's stylish Land Rover Discovery 4 was also recognised by the reputable auto magazine and gained the title of the 'Best Large SUV' for the second consecutive year.

Other winners on the night included Skoda who scored a double whammy when their Superb model was crowned 'Best Family Car' and 'Best Estate Car' and Honda who secured the title of 'Best City Car' with their compact i10.