The Di Risio group, which with the DR brand has long since launched an entire range of low-cost cars on the market, is launching a further blow with the super low-cost brand EVO.
EVO 3, the brand's entry level SUV, further lowers the price threshold and, thanks to the philosophy of the unique set-up, is strongly wedged into the segment.
After a long test drive, ANSA Motori can tell how the 'little one' from Macchia di Isernia is doing.
First of all, the glance: a car with simple, rational, discreet lines.
The large grille in the same color as the bodywork is surmounted by the EVO logo, enclosed by the two square headlights.
The sides run flat, with a touch of personality given by two veins that run parallel to the belt and to the sill.
Bicolor as standard: the roof is black, as are the mirror caps and the rear bumper.
Optional, the color of some details such as the uprights.
Behind, the lights are wide and extend over the fenders.
Overall compact - 4.13 meters long, 1.57 wide - it boasts a wheelbase of about two and a half meters, a feature that makes the passenger compartment spacious.
The boot, with regular dimensions and an easy loading sill, has a capacity of 450 liters.
Look at the
EVO 3
photos
On board, the interiors feature eco-leather and carbon look inserts. The red stitching on the black ergonomic seats lend a sporty touch. The materials are in line with those used on the DR range. The analogue instrumentation is simple, with a small digital instrument panel in the center, which - by means of a lever in a difficult position - indicates the main functions. Essential but complete infotainment with HD display with 9 "touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard features include the HD rear view camera with park assist system, automatic climate control, non-adaptive cruise control and anti-theft with immobilizer Absent the adas that lead to assisted driving.
Two elements mark the gap between DR and EVO: the engine and the driving feeling. The engine of the EVO 3 is a 4-cylinder from the Chinese JAC, 1499 cc, with a power of 113 HP, with a torque of 140Nm at 4600 rpm that pushes the car up to 170km / h. The DR 3 homologation, on the other hand, is powered by an engine of equal displacement and similar power but turbo and developed by Acteco: a company from the Chery galaxy, but with a solid base in Europe.
At the wheel, the difference in sensations is clear. The steering of the EVO 3 is particularly soft, a feature that, especially at speed, requires some running in and that in any case requires constant millimetric adjustments. Consequently, the perception of road holding is also affected. The model object of our test is also equipped with an LPG system, with a clear advantage for the environment and wallet. Consumption in the combined WLTP cycle is 6.7 l / 100 km in the petrol version and 8.4 l / 100 km in the gas version. Those recorded during our test performed on a mixed route are - respectively - 8 and 9.7 l / 100 km.
As for prices, the real strength of the brand, EVO 3 in the petrol version touches 14,900 euros, while a thousand euros more are needed for the bifuel.
Finally, the possibility of extending the warranty to 5 years or 100 thousand km, at a cost of 520 euros, is interesting.
Overall, the EVO 3 proves to be a car that pays attention to substance, it certainly has a more urban vocation than a 'kilometer eater', with characteristics that arouse interest.
And the numbers ensure that it is already doing it.
