We’ve already driven the Jaguar F-Pace in what will be best-selling 2.0-litre diesel form, and were impressed by the blend of performance, upmarket appeal and comfort. But it’s here on UK roads where it matters most, and now we’ve been given our first taste of the potentially game-changing car for Jaguar on British tarmac.
In mid-range R-Sport spec with the brand’s 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine, the F-Pace – Jaguar’s first ever SUV – is a fine example of how a sporty crossover should behave.
Despite its size, the aluminium construction means it’s lighter than its main rivals, weighing in at 1,775kg. This also means the engine serves up a decent hit of performance, with 0-62mph taking 8.2 seconds. But there’s plenty of refinement too, thanks to the snappy but smooth eight-speed automatic.
While a rear-drive-only car is available, we had the keys to the grippier AWD model. Despite this, in normal conditions even this F-Pace is still rear-wheel drive, boosting efficiency but also giving it a typically Jaguar feeling from behind the wheel.
Jaguar has tuned the F-Pace’s chassis so it offers similar qualities to its XE and XF saloons, except with the longer travel suspension and raised ride height the F-Pace rides even better. The chassis flows with the road, and on broken, uneven surfaces there’s plenty of composure and poise.
It means you can drive the car hard and the chassis lives up to expectations, with plenty of traction in tight turns thanks to the four-wheel drive system effectively shuffling power around from front to rear and vice versa.
Double wishbone front suspension – a rarity on an SUV – and fast, direct steering also give the F-Pace impressive agility for a 4x4. But unlike rivals such as the BMW X3, it doesn’t feel like this dynamic ability comes at the expense of comfort.
On the motorway the Jag is hushed and relaxing to drive, controlling body movement well over gentle undulations and filtering out nasty bumps despite riding on optional 20-inch alloys.
But it’s not all perfect. Just like the XE there are some issues when it comes to material quality. Some of the plastics on the doors and lower down underneath the dashboard, would look more at home in a supermini for instance.
The cabin wraps around you to give a cocooning, sportier feel, combining this with the security you get from the elevated driving position. But awkward features like the strangely placed window switches and outer air vents just take the shine of what’s otherwise an interesting cabin filled full of tech.
Jaguar’s widescreen infotainment system with InControl apps and sat-nav is standard, as are heated leather seats, cruise control, keyless go, Bluetooth and autonomous braking. So even though this R-Sport model costs a not inconsiderable £40,360, you won’t want for extra kit.
A 650-litre boot (the same as a BMW X5, and 100 litres larger than an X3) and a standard power tailgate mean the F-Pace also cuts it when it comes to practicality. It offers more than enough legroom for tall adults, while despite the sporty coupe-like roofline, the low bench seat in the rear gives good headroom. Plus its 40:20:40 split adds an extra element of versatility over some competitors, too.
You don’t have to pay a price at the pumps for those sporty looks either, as this four-wheel drive R-Sport auto model returns a claimed 53.3mpg combined and 139g/km CO2.
But the real draw here is how the F-Pace drives, combining this with ride quality and refinement that’d shame more luxurious cars from the class above.
- Model: Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d R-Sport AWD
- Price: £40,360
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbodiesel
- Power/Torque: 178bhp/430Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- 0-62mph/Top speed: 8.2s
- Top speed: 129mph
- Economy/CO2: 53.3mpg/139g/km
- On sale: Now
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