The phone rang …. “Whit the ‘ph**’ were you driving, is that
really your car?” The caller was/still is a dear friend but lives awfy far away
and therefore we don’t meet up very often, but he spotted the car which was featured
in a recent post (Monday 7th April) and initially thought it was an April Fool
stunt, then he checked the date and realised, it was either a week late or that
was my car! He further enquired if I had a matching handbag!!
So just in case any of you lot out there were concerned about
my proclivities, the answer to both questions was ‘No’! These foties were taken
at the press launch of the new Range Rover Evoque convertible some nine years
ago now when I was a genuine motoring correspondent and vehicle appraiser. I
didn’t use the term ‘road tester’ as I didn’t test roads - I tested cars, vans,
trucks and occasionally motor cycles. The term ‘road tester’ is only for those
who don’t know any better!
Back then I had to drive some weird stuff at times although
it was mainly mainstream automobilia, and whilst the Evoque was a lovely wee
motor, it certainly wasn’t my cup of skinny latte, even though I thought it accessorised
rather well with the Harris Tweed bunnet!
Looking back in the Press kit, the vehicle as pictured with
its options was priced at £52,115.00. Those options were a ski hatch, Oxford
leather interior, LED headlamps, wind deflector and Black Design Pack which
included the 20 inch split-spoke alloy wheels. And the colour? That was Phoenix
Orange – imagine me turning up to a rally in that!
It was quite a perky wee thing though, with a 4 cylinder
turbo diesel churning out 180 hp and managed by a nine speed auto ‘box. None of
your hybrid or EV nonsense back then.
Oh happy days, and as for my friend? Yup, we’re still pals –
and he’s very relieved.
