Jaguar F-PACE

The cabin feels more like a dated sports car than a modern luxury vehicle. This is largely because of its two-tone color scheme, analog gauges, and small display. The vibrant “Mars Red” theme with contrasting red and black colors is a standout, but it’s a love-it-or-hate-it affair.

The cheap plastics from the outgoing model are gone. Controls are neatly organized on the dashboard; some of which have been mounted to the steering wheel while others were relocated for easy accessibility.

The F-Pace is also equipped with the latest ‘Electronic Vehicle Architecture’ which supports various smart features. These include infotainment, navigation, dual SIM connectivity, and live traffic updates among many others.

Its seats are surprisingly spacious for a crossover.  Even more impressive is the 650-litre boot space which is not only expandable with folding rear seats; it’s also among the largest in its class.

Jaguar’s first SUV shares its aluminum platform with the Jaguar XE. Some of the sedan’s styling is carried over to the F-Pace. The recently refreshed model, however, features a more refined exterior. It’s wider, less bulky, and appears better planted to the ground.

Its front grille gets a new mesh design with diamond-shaped details and chrome finishing. The headlights are slimmer and showcase Jaguar’s signature ‘double J’ lighting.

The F-Pace also receives new bumpers, wider air intakes, and taillights similar to the Jaguar I-Pace. Base trims get 19-inch alloy wheels as a standard, while HSE trims get larger 21-inch wheels.

Jaguar cars are well-known for their performance and the F-Pace is no exception. It’s slick and agile, able to handle corners and tight spaces as efficiently as the Jaguar XE. Steering is accurate and there’s minimal body roll when driving along twisting roads.

NVH insulation is exceptional even when driving at top speeds. The ride does tend to get bouncy if you drive fast across bumpy roads.

Mild hybrid variants of the Jaguar F-Pace are available in 6 Ingenium engines. Choices include a 2.0L diesel engine with 163 hp and 380 Nm torque; a 2.0L diesel engine with 204 hp and 430 Nm torque; a 2.0L gas engine with 250 hp and 365 Nm torque; a 3.0L diesel engine with 300 hp and 650 Nm torque; a 3.0L gas engine with 340 hp and 480 Nm; and a 3.0L gas engine with 400 hp and 550 Nm torque.

If you opt for the plug-in hybrid, its package will include a 2.0L gas engine with 404 hp and 640 Nm torque. Meanwhile, the range-topping Jaguar F-Pace SVR touts a 5.0L V8 Supercharged engine with 550 hp and 680 Nm torque.

It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.3 to 8.0 seconds with top speeds ranging from 210 to 283 kmph. Automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard regardless of the model.

The F-Pace is equipped with basic safety features as well as advanced systems that ensure everyone’s safety. These include lane-keep assist, blind-spot and rear traffic monitoring, parking sensors, 360-degree surround view, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Brakes are responsive. With high-speed emergency braking enabled, the F-Pace can come to a full stop even after blazing through the highway.

The F-Pace may be a newcomer but it is backed by Jaguar’s years of experience. As such, the automaker was able to build a high-performing vehicle with the practicality of a sedan and a midsize SUV. From the design and layout, to the availability of features – you can tell that the Jaguar F-Pace was thoughtfully crafted. It’s well worth your money even though it’s pricey.