Test Drive: Jaguar F-Pace

Let us not beat around the bush the Jaguar F-Pace is a great looking crossover SUV. Not only that but it's a great looking car. There's no disputing the fact that the first SUV in the history of Jaguar has some serious presence.

Jaguar F-Pace S 30d in Glacier White

What a bold move by Jaguar to enter a car into the small luxury crossover segment which is completely dominated by Germans. The established BMW X3 and Audi Q5 have been recently challenged by the Porsche Macan and the Mercedes GLC. And now Jaguar has entered these unexplored waters. Jaguar started reinventing itself around ten years ago with the XF, therefore it makes sense that they would leave their comfort zone and try something new with the F-Pace.

The brilliance of the exterior continues on the inside. It is a close to perfect blend of style, technology and user friendliness. You slide in your drivers seat like a hand into a fencing glove. You immediately feel at home. The commanding feature of the interior is the 10.2-inch touch-screen infotainment unit. It' s an option but it needs to be selected since the standard 8-inch unit is not going to cut it. It is easy to use as well if your familiar with the android operating system. With the upgrade you also get the 12.3-inch customizable virtual cock pit. The interior is rather dark if not fitted with the lighter aluminium trim. But I still wouldn't call it gloomy. Also the buttons for the JaguarDrive-control drive mode system, which comes as standard to all trim levels, are slightly in an unergonomical position. Remember also that the gear-selector rises up from the center console when you turn on the ignition. Best unnecessary feature ever created.

The interior of an F-Pace 20d R-sport with the upgraded infotainment

The digital dials

There are six trim levels available, Pure, Prestige, R-Sport, Business AWD, Portfolio and S. The Business is only available for the 2.0 litre all-wheel drive version and the S only for the larger 3.0 litre V6 diesel and petrol engines. The one I drove had the highest spec S trim level. With which you get large 20-inch alloys and the S-body kit which has some Satin Chrome detailed bumpers and side skirts. Even though the S is almost fully loaded you still have to pay extra for the excellent 10.2-inch infotainment and virtual cock pit. And don't forget the obligatory S-badges.

The F-pace is available with an adequate selection of engines. A basic 2.0 litre turbodiesel with either rear or all-wheel drive developing 180 PS and 430 Nm of torque. It is probably the choice of many for it's superior fuel consumption to the V6 alternatives. The supercharged petrol 3.0 litre V6 is the same unit as in the F-Type with either 340 or 380 PS. That will make this big cat go at some serious speed towards the horizon. I drove the 3.0 litre V6 turbodiesel and what an engine it is. Developing 300 PS and 700 Nm of torque it is probably the best diesel I've driven. It is responsive, refined and characterful. Words that are not often used to describe one engine. Together with the magnificent 8-speed automatic it hurls the car to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. This engine is not available with the 6-speed manual but I'm not complaining.

F-Type styled tail-lights now standard across the Jaguar range

Jaguar promises the F-Pace to be sporty. I sort of ignored that and expected it to feel as big as it is and not to feel as sporty as it looks. Goodness how wrong I was. The tall Jaaag sticks to the road like a stressed squirrel hangs on to a tree trunk. Somehow it manages to feel so low-down that you only remember how high up you are when you approach a saloon and suddenly notice you can see over it. Body roll is almost non-existent and the steering feels light and quick. Take this car to your annual skiing trip to the Alps and you will be able to haul all your equipment around while enjoying the legendary mountain roads.

Jaguar has created something very special here. After my short test drive I exited the car and quickly announced that it was the best car I've ever driven. I honestly believe that the F-Pace is all the car you'd want and need.

Front of the R-Sport trim

PS. Oh yeah, the practicality. I can confirm that three adults fit in the back rather nicely and that the boot is large enough for your dogs to join you on your Alpine adventure. If you want seven seats buy the Discovery Sport.