Raising some eyebrows, the Jaguar F-Pace is the first SUV in Jaguar’s 80-year history.
Known for its classy executive sedans and sports cars, some may ask why Jaguar would produce an SUV – but why not? Porsche and even Bentley have introduced SUVs with much success and there is no reason why the F-Pace couldn’t replicate their success.
Others may question what took them so long. Until now, Jaguar did not have a vehicle to compete with the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC or Audi Q5 – manufacturers it typically competes with in other categories.
Lastly, some will be wondering why they should consider the Jaguar F-Pace over other well established SUV brands. It is an all-new model in 2017 so it doesn’t yet have the same reputation as other SUV-rich brands, but that question mark should disappear very quickly as people begin driving this vehicle. Jaguar’s SUV is an amazing vehicle that may surprise and delight potential buyers when driven against other European or Japanese SUVs.
Design
The Jaguar F-Pace is one of the best looking SUVs around, period.
Assembled to high precision, the F-Pace offers generous seating for five, excellent engine choices, solid road manners, standard all-wheel drive, high-tech features, and plenty of options and features.
Developed around Jaguar’s respected Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the F-Pace has the only aluminium-intensive monocoque body in this segment. The light, stiff body structure is made of 80 per cent aluminum, and further weight savings come from a composite tailgate and magnesium for parts such as the cross-car beam.
Created as a modular structure from the start, the wheels have been positioned to the edges to deliver the right proportions of a performance crossover. The F-Pace does not share its wheelbase or track with any other Jaguar, but it still has the sleek profile and short overhangs associated with the brand.
The exterior of the Jaguar F-Pace is defined by smooth lines and surfaces. It features several elements inspired by the gorgeous F-Type, namely its powerful rear haunches, fender vents and distinctive taillights.
The bold front grille and muscular hood hint at the F-Pace’s performance potential. Slender full-LED headlights and available 22-inch alloy wheels complete the athletic appearance.
Inside, the F-Pace will be familiar to owners of modern Jaguars. Workmanship and material quality are top-notch, and the amount of thought that went into every detail is apparent.
Performance
The F-Pace is available with either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel or a 3.0-litre supercharged V-6 gas engine. Even though at the launch the gas will be the primary engine, the diesel could become an interesting choice.
Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why the 2.0-litre diesel could be favoured among those who haven’t been shaken by the diesel scandal. With 180 horsepower and 318 foot-pounds of torque, it is capable of accelerating the F-Pace from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 8.7 seconds, yet will still return respectable fuel economy. The diesel engine can sound a little gruff under hard acceleration, but it’s not too intrusive and soon settles to a quiet, smooth cruise.
Borrowed from the F-Type sports car, the V-6 is available in two levels of boost. Regardless of which one is under the hood of the F-Pace, it is smooth and powerful.
Available on every model except the F-Pace S (and the rare First Edition), the V-6 produces 340 h.p. and 332 foot-pounds of torque. That allows it to reach 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
If that’s still not fast enough for you, the Jaguar F-Pace S is the model to select. The horsepower is boosted to 380, but torque is still 332 foot-pounds. This eclipses 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds, which is about as quick as the Porsche Macan S.
The only transmission available on the F-Pace is Jaguar’s eight-speed ZF transmission. It perfectly suits all the engines and shifts quickly and precisely.
The F-Pace can handle rugged gravel roads and moderate off-road journeys thanks to the standard all-wheel drive system. It defaults to a rear-wheel bias, but it seamlessly transfers torque to the front wheels when necessary.
Regardless, the F-Pace will spend most of its time on the road, where it is remarkably enjoyable to drive.
Like a true Jaguar, the F-Pace has sharp, well weighted steering that allows you to confidently place the car on the apex of every corner. The suspension insulates you from potholes and rough roads nicely, but is not too soft that it leans in corners. Overall, the steering feel mimics the Porsche Macan (one of the best) while retaining the comfort of a Jaguar. It’s a win-win situation.
Environment
Unsurprising to current Jaguar owners, the cabin of the F-Pace is a luxurious treat. While the exterior is fresh and unique, inside it looks and feels like its smaller sibling, the XE.
The overall feeling of the interior is elegance and simplicity. Thanks to its carefully designed dash, everything is comfortable and easy to use, without drawing too much undue attention.
It’s estimated that women influence 80 per cent of all new car purchases today. Obviously, they prefer a different seating position to feel more comfortable. The front seats in the F-Pace were specially designed with a woman’s body in mind. However, there is plenty of adjustability in the seat and steering wheel to allow any driver to feel at ease.
Space in the rear seats is excellent and the headroom is plentiful. The legroom is good all around and the massive standard panoramic glass roof enhances the spacious feeling. Adults will not want to ride in the rear centre seat for long, though.
At the back, the standard power tailgate opens to reveal enough cargo space to rival larger SUVs. If you need more room, the rear seats can split 40:20:20 to accommodate longer items.
Helping the driver focus on the road ahead is Jaguar’s advanced head-up display. This optional state-of-the-art system uses laser technology and projects important information such as vehicle speed, navigation, cruise control notifications, Forward Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition data onto the windshield.
A minor complaint: Due to the F-Pace’s sporty shape, rearward visibility is not great.
Features
Starting with the well-equipped F-Pace Premium, prices range from $49,900 to $66,400. If you’re quick, you can still get a limited F-Pace First Edition for $78,900.
Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, power tailgate, sliding panoramic roof, auto-dimming exterior mirror, and start/stop engine technology.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include heated front seats and steering wheel, heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, full LED headlights with intelligent high beam, front and rear parking aids, gesture tailgate, and a surround view camera.
Fuel efficiency numbers have not been released yet.
Thumbs up
The Jaguar F-Pace is drawing a lot of attention because it’s stylish and great looking. However, its excellent driving experience and luxurious interior are what will impress potential owners.
Thumbs down
There is very little to complain about with the F-Pace, but it can be quite expensive to buy when loaded with options – reaching the Porsche price territory.
The bottom line
The Jaguar F-Pace is beautiful, luxurious, fun-to-drive, and practical, and should become one of the most popular SUVs in this class.
Competitors
BMW X3: The X3 stands out for its smooth driving nature and feels more like a luxury sports sedan than an SUV. BMW offers several engine options, including a fuel efficient diesel. The steering, however, is tad light and lacks road feel.
The BMW X3 ranges in price from $44,650 to $51,250
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: The GLC-Class replaces the GLK and is slightly bigger. Like most Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the GLC focuses more on luxury than performance, and therefore is a smooth-riding cruiser. The overall performance is excellent.
Currently, only available in one trim level, the starting price for the GLC-Class is $44,950.
Audi Q5: The Q5 is a well-rounded compact luxury SUV with a focus on comfort, style and performance. Being an Audi, the all-wheel drive is standard and provides confidence regardless of the road conditions. It is one of the best handling SUVs in the market.
The Audi Q5 starts at $42,600 and is available in two different models suited to individual buyers.
editor@automotivepress.com
