It would not be wrong to describe the Jaguar F-Pace as the most commercially vital new car for the company in decades. It’s the first time this famous British brand has dipped its toes into the burgeoning and lucrative Sports Utility Vehicle market. Fortunately this car has been enormously well received both in the private car and business market where its go anywhere appeal makes it a viable fleet vehicle.
It is stylish and well made. It drives with athletic prowess and there’s ample space for the whole family. There’s no denying that the F-Pace is one of the prettier SUVs available. Jaguar have managed to engender some of the sporting style of the F-Type sports car. Slender lights all-round, an imposing grille and slinky proportions manage to combine the elegant grace we’ve come to expect from this brand within the size and shape of an SUV.
Strong and stiff lightweight aluminium architecture delivers agility, refinement and efficiency to the drive. The F-Pace comes with rear-wheel drive but four-wheel drive can be chosen optionally (and preferably) and will accordingly deliver reassuring levels of grip in all weathers. This is further enhanced by class-leading traction technologies including Adaptive Surface Response. Although it cannot be perceived as a true off-roader, the Jaguar F-Pace can be set up to deal with mud or snow and that’s all most people want.
Also marking the Jaguar out from the more humdrum competition are its sloping roof line, steeply raked windscreen and sharply angled rear window. There’s also a roof spoiler to further emphasise the car’s performance potential. All models sit on alloy wheels, ranging from 18 to 20 inches in diameter and available in a variety of designs, depending on the trim level a buyer selects.
The F-Pace shares engines as well as mechanical underpinnings with the Jaguar XE. This means buyers have the option of a 178bhp 2.0L Ingenium diesel, a 296bhp 2.0L diesel and a range-topping 375bhp supercharged V6 petrol engine. The 2.0L will probably be the most popular choice with BIK currently at 32%. It isn’t especially quick off the line but does have some real in-gear performance.
This landmark vehicle is available with an eight-speed automatic gearbox but a six-speed stick shift is available with the rear-wheel-drive 2.0-litre diesel configuration. You really want the superb automatic though; there’s no contest.
The success story continues inside too. The F-Pace seats five occupants in total comfort. The interior is a typically perfect Jaguar blend of premium materials and finishes and exquisite detailing embellished by extra luxuries such as heated, electrically-reclining rear seats.
Infotainment is handled by the latest cutting-edge technologies including the InControl Touch Pro system via the 10 inch touchscreen and navigation through the 12.3 inch HD virtual instrument cluster. Overall the interior is hard to fault and the level of on-road comfort is exemplary. Another winner from Jaguar.
Geoff Maxted
