THE Range Rover Evoque may just be the entry point to a line-up of larger, more expensive, luxury off-roaders, but it retains an allure that shows no sign of fading.

And an upgrade last year ensured this most popular Land Rover model kept up appearances with tweaks like LED headlamps and a new grille plus some eye-catching changes within the cabin.

While buyers still get a choice of petrol or diesel power - most of which are boosted by a mild hybrid system - the most interesting Evoque is the P330e, a plug-in hybrid with a claimed 38 miles of fully electric range.

The P300e combines a 1.5-litre, three cylinder petrol engine with a 107bhp electric motor and battery for a total system output of 309bhp, ensuring the car can hit 60mph from standstill in 6.1 seconds.

Relaxing and comfortable both in urban conditions and on the motorway, you can switch effortlessly between electric, hybrid and battery save modes and the eight-speed automatic gearbox is silky smooth.

This all makes for an enjoyable and well balanced driving experience, although there are one or two caveats, principally the speed limit alert which rings out a loud chiming sound - especially irritating on suburban roads as you pass the 20mph mark.

The other is the lane keeping aid that yanks you back sideways if you breach the white line. Thankfully both can be turned off, though managing the former can be a bit of a palaver.

As a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the P300e has clear benefits over the other Evoque models and holds particular appeal to business drivers courtesy of its low CO2 emissions and 12 per cent Benefit-in-Kind tax.

That said, if you want to get anywhere near the claimed fuel consumption figure of 190.9 miles per gallon, which realistically you won't, then a firm self-discipline ethic and a home wallbox will help.

Drive in electric mode as much as possible and keep the battery topped up and some pretty impressive mpg returns are possible.

Those without home charging can fire up to 80 per cent in 30 minutes using a 50kW public charger.

For most owners though, the beauty of the Evoque - that Range Rover badge apart - is its beauty - it's a very attractive piece of kit and one that in this latest guise looks smarter and more elegant than ever.

It's clean, lean and classy and the cabin feels upmarket, airy and spacious, though there's not a lot of legroom for rear passengers if the front seats are slid well back.

Otherwise the Evoque is cleverly designed with plenty of stowage space like a deep double-lidded central box, large door bins, cup holders and a wireless phone charging pad while the 591 litres available in the split level boot can be extended to 1,383 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The raised driving position is spot-on and of course electrically adjustable and the central area of the dash is dominated by an upgraded version of Land Rover's 11.4-inch slightly curved Pivi Pro operating set-up.

The main controls, like volume, climate and seat operation, are all integrated into the screen and the system is straightforward to use too.

Even at entry level S trim (from £40,115) the Evoque is well kitted out and every car also includes the trademark Terrain Response 2 and All-Terrain Progress Control, as well as features like Hill Descent Control and Low Traction Launch, underpinning the car's peerless off-road credentials.

Top grade Autobiography ensures everything from a fully 3D surround camera and cabin air purification Plus feature to a head-up display and full size sliding panoramic glass roof.