points the Evoque smoothly onto the pavement. Once the dirt has been cleared from the tires and 20-inch wheels, the car scoots down the lane with wild abandon.

Two hundred and forty turbocharged horsepower spring the Evoque to life. Sprinting down the street, the little Range Rover again feels like a sporty coupe. From the driver's seat, you see few hints it is anything else.

Unlike most coupes, the 2012 Range Rover Evoque has a step up to the driver's bucket seat. Once situated, your point of view is more akin to an upscale coupe than any crossover or SUV. The dashboard wraps around the pilot, providing easy access to all controls and gauges. Included in this set of instrumentation is, among many other things, an interior layout warning system alerting the driver which of the five occupants are not belted in place.

Mounted high on the dash is the starter button that sparks the 2.0-liter engine to life. Slowly rising from the console, the control knob connected to the Aisin six-speed automatic transmission greets the hand. Just below, Land Rover's Terrain Response system lets the driver choose the type of surface conditions to be covered, including snow and sand settings. Adjusting this system allows the Haldex all-wheel-drive system to adapt for the environment. Selecting "Dynamic" firms up the MagneRide suspension, giving the Evoque just a touch more of a sporting feel.

This setting comes in handy when pushing the Evoque through the twisties. Expecting the body roll commonly found in vehicles sitting this high, you're surprised by the poise and ultimate grip as the car winds though the curves and over the road's undulations. Suddenly, the premise of an SUV in coupe form isn't so dumb. It's downright enjoyable... and about time!