Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar F-Pace

Car enthusiasts were a little surprised to learn that a company like the British brand Jaguar, known for its sporting heritage, was to produce a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The result however was an instant and ongoing success story as the F-Pace successfully has a foot in both camps, as both a sports car and a SUV.

The Exterior

It was a handsome car to begin with in 2016, now it has been refreshed physically at the same time as introducing hybrid technology to the range. The latest version has a more assured presence and features a new sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge and smoother, more precisely defined surfaces. An enlarged grille features Jaguar’s ‘diamond’ detailing, while the new front bumper has redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details.

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with daytime running lights are available (with optional Pixel LED technology on new orders), increase resolution and brightness. With ‘Adaptive Driving Beam’ capability, the system evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, varying light beam patterns by selecting different LED segments to optimise visibility and minimise distraction to others. Clever. At the back, new slimline lights accentuate the width of the vehicle. The new bumper design and sculpted new tailgate also add visual drama and deliver a more confident appearance.

This car offers a fine ownership experience. Buying a new or used Jaguar F-Pace, customers can import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and other destinations through the comprehensive MHH International service.

The Interior

On the inside, the latest model has an all-new luxury interior that features enhanced connectivity and greater refinement. The new cockpit design has a greater focus on the driver. A new sporty and sleekly profiled centre console sweeps up to the instrument panel and incorporates an optional wireless charger and greater storage.

This being a relatively new car to market, older models still feature the best in technology but at the heart of the new interior is a seamlessly integrated centrally-mounted 11.4” curved-glass HD touchscreen which provides driver and front passenger control of the new Pivi Pro infotainment system.

Trim design, like open-pore wood veneers and aluminium, feature in modern formed shapes such as the upper door insert and full width ‘Piano lid’ that is formed across the width of the instrument panel. The metallic rotary dial of the ‘JaguarDrive’ Control epitomises the attention-to-detail. Some features are model-dependent.

The roomy interior has new seats with wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. A series of innovative technologies ensure the health and well-being of all occupants, say the company. Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality removing allergens and unpleasant odours. The system now also features a filtration unit which captures ultra-fine particles. This system is activated by simply pressing the ‘Purify’ button.

Driving The Jaguar F-Pace

This is quite an experience in that, for a big car, the drive is very sporting. As might be expected, the standard suspension set-up is firm around town, but it's not harsh by any means. This is a car for the open road and once on the go the whole vehicle settles down, the ride improving with well controlled handling and very little lean into bends. Just right for an all-rounder. Optionally, there's also a more sophisticated adaptive set-up available, called ‘Adaptive Dynamics’. Which is available as an option on some models and is a worthwhile addition. Obviously, all-wheel-drive is standard across the range.

Power is supplied through an interesting range of Ingenium engines all with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As well as three mild-hybrid diesel and two mild-hybrid petrol engines with a range of strong power outputs, the Jaguar F-Pace is also now available with the P400e plug-in hybrid power-train. This will be of interest to business users as a VAT-qualifying car as it comes with a 2.0 litre petrol engine and an electric motor, providing a combined 399bhp, and is capable of up to 33 miles of electric-only driving. Power, economy and low emissions in one package. For drivers who like their engines regular, there’s a turbo-petrol option too.

Are They Reliable?

There have been no horror stories and buyer response is that they are happy with this excellent choice. Any early ‘new model’ teething trouble have long since been ironed out and, new or used, the jaguar F-Pace makes for a great buy for owners who like the convenience of an SUV combined with the latest technology and sports-car-like performance. Get in touch to find out more.