Jaguar E-Pace

Jaguar E-Pace

Following on from the launch of the F-Pace, the British Jaguar brand subsequently heralded the more compact E-Pace, a front or all-wheel-drive, five-door compact luxury crossover SUV. It’s a sporty and stylish alternative to most mainstream crossovers, being both practical and fun to drive.

The Exterior

The latest version has been refreshed with new styling cues for a more assertive stance and luxurious appearance. A new grille mesh design with diamond detailing is influenced by the Jaguar heritage logo, while new side fender vents feature the iconic Jaguar emblem.

Also new are the all-LED headlights featuring daytime running lights (a legal requirement in some countries), which are also available with optional Pixel LED technology, delivering increased resolution and brightness. Like other models in the Jaguar range, the E-Pace options ‘Adaptive Driving Beam’ capability which evaluates the road ahead and, using a forward-facing camera, automatically adapts the high beam pattern by selecting different LED segments to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, to optimise visibility and avoid distracting other road users.

The Interior

Like its bigger sibling, the interior of the latest E-Pace features more luxury, enhanced connectivity, improved climate control and greater refinement. At the heart of the new interior is the driver-focussed 11.4” curved-glass HD touchscreen, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. An interesting advance is that the screen is anti-glare and resists fingerprints, we learn.

Complementing the central 11.4” touchscreen is the latest 12.3” HD Interactive Driver Display, optional on some variants, with enhanced graphics and a configurable layout which can show full screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details. This display works in conjunction with the latest generation full colour Head-up Display. This technology is available across the Jaguar SUV range.

The dashboard layout is conventional. There’s a large stowage area in front of the new Drive Selector has space for an optional 15W wireless device charger. The new Drive Selector is lower and wider and features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility. A new steering wheel, which is influenced by the design in the all-electric I-Pace (see elsewhere) features hidden-until-lit switches and metal gear-shift paddles.

There’s room for four passengers to sit comfortably with ample headroom all round. The seats are supportive and the technology and features are guided by the trim levels: Customers can choose from S, SE and HSE variants. Optional on all models are the R-Dynamic and Black Exterior Pack for extra personalisation. Also available is the new 300 SPORT specification, adding more performance, Active Damping, Adaptive Dynamics and Active Driveline. The opportunities really exist to make this car yours.

Driving The Jaguar E-Pace

The E-Pace is an enjoyable car to drive thanks to it’s compact dimensions. It’s surprising how well this crossover SUV handles, and how much grip is offered up by the all-wheel drive system, where fitted. It’s clearly not an off-road vehicle but the extra traction from the all-wheel-drive pays dividends on poor conditions.

It's a resolutely sporty drive, with a firm ride that endows it with a strong resistance to body roll even on tight corners. It is also offered with adaptive dynamics (where the car's systems adapt automatically to the road conditions), and torque vectoring by braking, although these are options on some variants. Two-wheel drive is also available with a conventional petrol engine and a manual gearbox.

Like it’s bigger sibling, the F-Pace, there’s a good range of engines available with diesel and petrol in various power outputs both offered all with mild hybrid technology, driving through either an eight- or nine-speed automatic gearbox. For added economy, Jaguar also offer a Plug-in hybrid version which combines a 197bhp (200PS) 1.5 litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and a 80kW Electric Rear Axle Drive motor. This ensures impressive performance and efficiency, with 0-60mph in just 6.1seconds, CO² emissions of 44g/km and fuel economy up to 141mpg. Now that’s frugal motoring. The electric motor is powered by a 15kWh lithium-ion battery located under the boot floor. When fully charged it provides up to 34 miles of all-electric range; ideal for local trips.

Should I Buy One?

The Jaguar E-Pace is relatively new to the market and no major issues have been reported. Ideal for the smaller family with added driving pleasure, it is possible to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere and enjoy the high tech benefits of a traditional brand. Check out our MHH International website.