The Range Rover Evoque has been crowned World Design Car of the Year 2012.

The announcement was made at the 2012 New York International Auto Show and sees Evoque’s awards tally reach more than 100 global accolades.The award is testament to the Range Rover Evoque’s groundbreaking and unique design and recognises the fact that the dynamic new Range Rover has created a new segment of the market to world-wide acclaim.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director said: “We are honoured that the Range Rover Evoque has been named 2012 World Design Car of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognises the overwhelmingly positive response that we have received to the Evoque’s bold and dramatic design. It is a car that truly resonates on an emotional level.”

The Evoque was shortlisted from an original 46 nominations and beat off stiff competition from the two other finalists – the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up! A panel of five highly respected world design experts decided on the shortlist, which was then voted on by each of the 66 World Car Jurors. The jurors are all highly respected, top-level automotive journalists and come from 25 separate countries.

One of the five panel expert was Silvia Baruffaldi, Managing Editor of Auto & Design magazine, who said: “True to the concept car it derives from, it is a contemporary automotive design masterpiece. Besides not having equals in the markets, it is able to deliver the Land Rover DNA in a more compact, sporty bodystyle. A premium product without the bad habit of showing off.”

The Range Rover Evoque’s award winning design is matched by its class-leading performance with dynamic and agile handling across all terrains plus innovative Range Rover technologies, including Terrain Response, dual-view touch screen, surround camera system and an array of personalisation options to suit customer needs.