New Range Rover Evoque: First Official Photo of Compact SUV

We just received the first official photo of the all-new Range Rover Evoque, which is the production version of the LRX Concept. We're still gathering details so stay tuned on Carscoop for more.

[Update] This here is the all-new Range Rover Evoque, a compact SUV that we came to know as the Land Rover LRX, which was the concept version that previewed the production model. Land Rover unveiled its new 'baby' SUV at an exclusive event in London for guests attending a 40th birthday celebration of Range Rover held with VOGUE magazine.

The new Range Rover Evoque has remained remarkably true to the LRX show car as the only visible differences concern some minor details such as the exposed door handles and the larger (and apparently far more practical for everyday use) exterior mirrors.

"The all-new Range Rover Evoque is an important step for the future continued success and growth of the brand," said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover.

"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," Popham added.

Aside from the three-door model unveiled today, Land Rover will also add a five-door body style to the lineup. The company hasn't released many details on the SUV, but it has confirmed that it will be available in front- and all-wheel drive configurations.

According to Land Rover, the 2WD drive model will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 making it the 'greenest' and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

The Range Rover Evoque will make its global public debut at the Paris Motor Show at the end of September and will go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2011 and in North America and other markets in the fall of the same year.

The all-new Range Rover Evoque will be built at Land Rover's plant in Halewood, with the company stating that it will create 1,000 new jobs in the Merseyside area.

Production Version of Range Rover LRX to be Unveiled on Thursday, July 1

Land Rover will lift the covers and announce the name of its all-new compact Range Rover model based on the LRX concept car at a special event held in partnership with VOGUE magazine [sic] for the Range Rover's 40th birthday in London on Thursday, 1st of July, the British automaker announced today.

The production version of the LRX will go on sale in 2011 and will be offered in both 2WD and 4WD configurations - a first for the company. According to Land Rover, the front-wheel drive model will emit less than 130g/km of CO2 making it the 'greenest' and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.

It is believed that the 'baby' Range Rover will be available in three- and five door bodystyles.

We'll bring you full details and photos of the new Range Rover model after tomorrow's unveiling.

Range Rover LRX Concept Gallery

Range Rover LRX Small SUV Confirmed for Production, Sales to Start in 2011

Land Rover officially confirmed today that it will build a production version of the LRX concept. In spite of the fact that the prototype model made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show with the Land Rover badge, the production LRX will bear the Range Rover logo making it the smallest model in the luxury brand's line-up. The three-door crossover will debut in production form next year to mark the 40th anniversary from the launch of the first Range Rover in 1970, and go on sale in 2011.

Earlier this year, the Jaguar-Land Rover Group, now owned by India's Tata Group, secured a UK Government grant of up to £27 million ($44.4 million - €30 million at today's exchange rates) to help aid the development of the LRX.

Land Rover said that the new car will be built at the firm's plant in Halewood, on Merseyside, and will be sold in more than 100 countries around the world.

"The production of a small Range Rover model is excellent news for our employees, dealers and customers," said Phil Popham, managing director of Land Rover.

"Feedback from our customer research also fully supports our belief that a production version of the LRX Concept would further raise the desirability of our brand and absolutely meet their expectations," Phil added.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover design director said: "The new vehicle will be a natural extension to the Range Rover line-up, complementing the existing models and helping to define a new segment. It will be true to the concept and have many recognizable Range Rover design cues including the signature clamshell bonnet, the floating roof and the solid 'wheel-at-each-corner' stance."

Land Rover said that more details of the new small Range Rover will be released next year.