Already harvesting the praise of the ‘town and country’ set, the Range Rover Evoque is cutting a swathe through the opposition in its unique combination of panache and practicality.

With all the dash of a stylish coupe coupled with the reliable surefootedness, this design is destined to stake a claim in the heart of Albion. It combines so masterfully, the arts of the old masters with the crafts and guiles of modernist motoring, that it has already earned its place in the gallery of motoring wonders.

A diptych of passenger doors and a large rear hatch emphasise the desire to ‘play it cool and suave’ - and this carriage would not look out of place when swanning up to the opera or hacking across the Lakes.

It leaves critics dumbfounded, for they’re left with nothing to complain about. There’s no big brutal SUV in sight - merely a sleekly contoured beauty which nestles up close to ‘eco’ concerns with a gentle purr.

Inside it’s a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of your busy life - and even though it’s the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever, it’s a spacious and luxurious carriage. Most tastefully appointed with one of three design themes, all Evoques are ‘top hole’ when it come to style and good taste. The bold and sporting ‘Dynamic’ on test came with the £4,325 ‘Luxury Pack’ - the cost of which is added to the list price of £40,505.

But what luxury you get. Wonderful heated leather seats, a symphony hall sound system and all the features a committed sybarite could desire. Comfort, of course, is something that can’t be measured but in the Evoque the result is an ingenious interior that puts the driver first, with a perfect blend of day-to-day practicality and the highest level of good taste.

The 190PS 2.2 diesel has oodles of torque and is as smooth as a Devon cream tea with that magic six speed transmission seamlessly swapping ratios on its own - or with your unecessary interference via paddles if you must. ‘Big off-roaders handle like a square-rigger in a force nine,’ I hear you say. Well this one doesnt. It’s light on its feet and, whilst not balletic, is surprisingly nimble.

Syd Taylor was testing the Range Rover Evoque Coupe Dynamic SD4 2.2 Diesel. Courtesy of Range Rover Evoque, contact Kentdale Landrover, Shap Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6NZ.Tel: 08444 704944