The Evoque joins the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover in offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) options and it might just come to Malaysia if the National Automotive Policy 2018 (NAP) gives incentives for PHEV and low emission vehicles.

For this new Evoque PHEV, Land Rover will add a 300-volt plug-in hybrid will toward the end of next year. It will have an electric motor mated to a new 3-cylinder petrol engine that will reduce CO2 emissions to below 45 grams per km.

The Evoque’s all-wheel drive versions will be available with a 48-volt mild-hybrid that adds a belt-driven starter-generator to capture energy lost in braking and add electric assistance under acceleration.

The engine will also shut off below speeds of 17km/h to save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions. The most fuel efficient mild-hybrid diesel version has CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, Land Rover said.

Electrification is key to reducing JLR’s CO2 levels below the agreed 135 g/km average needed to avoid fines when the European Union introduce tougher CO2 emissions limits for new vehicles in 2020/21.

JLR’s average European emissions are currently at 178 g/km, the company said earlier this year. JLR said last year every new model will come with electrified options from 2020 onwards.

The most powerful option is a petrol version with an output of 296 hp. The Evoque will continue to be available with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. This new Evoque is not bigger than the model it replaces and features almost identical footprint. However, thanks to Land Rover’s new mixed-metal Premium Transverse Architecture, it provides more room for the passengers, especially at the back. The cargo space is some 6% larger at 610 liters growing up to 1,430 liters with the rear seats folded. Look out for its arrival here in Malaysia in the coming months.