Split tailgate mod idea for aftermarket companies.

What if an aftermarket company was to build a split tailgate that looked like the current one piece oem tailgate when closed but opened like the full size range rover in 2 pieces?

I'm aware of the pull out seating / trunk tray option for the evoque but the tailgate seating like the full size is much more useful and appealing.

What do you all think would you replace your tailgate with a split tailgate if one was oem looking and available ?

I suspect that the additional weight of replacing the current composite one with one strong enough (ie made of steel with hinges motors etc) would have a punishing effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions which is why the design team went down the 1 piece tailgate route. Also, having owned 2 FFRR's the drop down tailgate rarely gets used for sitting on (I have only seen it used once in 4 years of owning FFRR's I think) , it is a nuisance when trying to reach things that rolled to the front of the boot as if you haven't dropped it you get road dirt on your clothes and if you do drop it you either have to climb on top of it or have very long arms. I wouldn't want one on an Evoque thanks.

(14-09-2012 08:58am)XFullFatTim Wrote:  I suspect that the additional weight of replacing the current composite one with one strong enough (ie made of steel with hinges motors etc) would have a punishing effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions which is why the design team went down the 1 piece tailgate route. Also, having owned 2 FFRR's the drop down tailgate rarely gets used for sitting on (I have only seen it used once in 4 years of owning FFRR's I think) , it is a nuisance when trying to reach things that rolled to the front of the boot as if you haven't dropped it you get road dirt on your clothes and if you do drop it you either have to climb on top of it or have very long arms. I wouldn't want one on an Evoque thanks.

+1 me too, I like the fact that the tailgate is plastic, weight, corrosion and these days strength, plus with a split tailgate (good old iPad spell checker gave plot instead of split) you run the risk of potential rattles as the car gets older.

On a separate thread, spoke with a buddy of mine yesterday who was travelling up near Buckie and was driving through a sleet storm. Roll on snow and winter time.

(14-09-2012 08:58am)XFullFatTim Wrote:  I suspect that the additional weight of replacing the current composite one with one strong enough (ie made of steel with hinges motors etc) would have a punishing effect on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions which is why the design team went down the 1 piece tailgate route. Also, having owned 2 FFRR's the drop down tailgate rarely gets used for sitting on (I have only seen it used once in 4 years of owning FFRR's I think) , it is a nuisance when trying to reach things that rolled to the front of the boot as if you haven't dropped it you get road dirt on your clothes and if you do drop it you either have to climb on top of it or have very long arms. I wouldn't want one on an Evoque thanks.

Interesting thoughts - and I must say you are very right about clothes getting dirty with the split gate.

But I do like the ability to just open a smaller gate where garage heights are lower - without adjusting the trunk sensor or having to move my vehicle forward to to keep the tailgate from hitting the wall behind me when backing in.

Also the split tailgate allows you to carry longer items with the bottom half folded down.


Good points about the dual economy penalty... That might hurt some folks too.

I've often thought they could have done something like what Peugeot have done on the 3008, its a similar sized car and has a nice split tailgate and height adjustable floor.