Range Rover Evoque vs Jaguar XF

THE current trend for high-riding SUVs shows no sign of slowing, with Bentley and even Rolls-Royce due to add chunky off-road vehicles to their line-ups.

But very little screams success quite like a Range Rover parked on the driveway - and it's for this reason Jaguar Land Rover now employs some 40,000 staff at its site in Gaydon, Warks.

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Much of its success is down to the Evoque but is the stylish soft-roader a better option than the Jaguar XF, the Evoque's saloon cousin? It may not pack the same styling punch or field-friendly ride height but it boasts a cavernous boot and excellent interior legroom - and in a similar price range.

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Here's how we got on when we pitched the two against one another within a series of very scientific parameters.

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POSING POWER

OK, so the Range Rover Evoque has the XF licked in this department, as the new 2016 model features a revised front bumper with larger air intakes, rear spoiler and LED adaptive headlamps.

The Range Rover Evoque has the XF licked

The XF also includes the new full-LED headlamps but is less bold on the road.

It is a sensible, stylish machine and its interior packs the wow factor, with plenty of leather and a new infotainment system to impress passengers.

WINNER: Evoque

FUN FACTOR

The Evoque is a disappointment in this department. Not only is the new 177bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine a bit gutless, but the steering is also vague. A "dynamic" driving mode sharpens things up but it still rolls around corners and lacks the precision of other JLR motors.

The XF is a thrill machine

The XF is a thrill machine by comparison, with suspension set up for twisty routes and a lightweight frame putting less strain on the 2.0-litre engine.

WINNER: XF

PRACTICALITY POINTS

While the Evoque trumps the XF in overall boot capacity - 575 litres to 540 - the XF's load space is easier to access, as the car is lower, and deeper to accommodate longer items such as golf clubs.

The XF offers more head-space and legroom

The Evoque happily tackles off-road trails, making it perfect for those living in places with adverse weather conditions, and it is a more compact overall package for city-dwellers.

Both models are adept tow cars but the XF is more efficient. Inside, the XF offers more head-space and legroom than the five-door Evoque but both are comfortable places to while away the hours.

WINNER: XF

VERDICT:

The XF wins, mainly because it offers the best handling performance of the two.

The XF wins

But if you want a stylish ride that can handle whatever winter might throw at it, the Evoque remains one of the best premium SUVs out there. No wonder Jaguar Land Rover is selling so many cars these days.