Jaguar F-Pace SUV R-Sport test drive review
Please take note that this is the very first SUV from Jaguar. They have given us countless luxury sedans, sport sedans and unforgettable sports cars. Now comes a SUV with a lot of Jaguar sporting DNA infused into its drivetrain.
It would be fair to say that Jaguar Cars might need to remove the Cars in their name now as the SUV range might expand to include a smaller sibling very soon. We are confident in their prediction as we have seen this with Porsche. A German sports car company that changed its fortunes with the introduction of the Cayenne SUV years ago and now they have a very popular Macan compact SUV.
Jaguar will definitely follow along soon with a compact SUV to challenge the Macan and its immediate relative, the Evoque. Meanwhile while waiting for the new Jaguar compact SUV to come along we take this latest ‘leaping cat’ for a quick test drive.
Handsome SUV
The F-Pace does not share its platform with any current Jaguar car. Its all new and carries a profile very much like the XF, with some added steroids. Its muscular and intimidating from all angles. Designed by the same team as the C-X17 concept vehicle, the F-PACE remains true to the aesthetic of the award-winning concept. Thanks to the flexibility of the Jaguar Lightweight Aluminum Architecture, designers could work hand in hand with the engineers to determine key dimensions such as the wheelbase and track, delivering the proportions and elegant lines that distinguish it instantly as a Jaguar vehicle.
The influence of the F-TYPE is instantly apparent at the rear of the F-PACE, from the design of the LED tail-lights to its muscular rear haunches. The rakish angle of the rear window belies the load space behind it. Jaguar design cues extend to the silhouette of the F-PACE, with a sleek roofline as well as short front and rear overhangs that reflect the vehicle’s agile response. The vehicle’s stance is further emphasized with the fitment of optional 22-inch diameter wheels.
Outside, the taut surfaces and clean lines of the bodysides are formed from a single sheet of aluminum – building upon the brand’s decades-long expertise in designing, engineering and manufacturing vehicles using this lightweight material. The bold, upright front grille is assertive, but also contributes to the aerodynamic efficiency of the performance SUV. The Jaguar signature power bulge extends the full length of the aluminum hood emphasizing the vehicle’s performance capabilities. Altogether, the exterior design cues from the bodyside, hood, front and rear help underscore the vehicle’s athleticism as a performance SUV.
The sleek headlights, available with adaptive full-LED technology2, feature daytime running lights with the signature Jaguar ‘J’ Blade design. The slender LED fog lights available on R-Sport trim levels were developed in-house and use TV screen optics and light tubes to deliver compact packaging, as well as an exceptionally smooth, homogeneous light source.
Luxury Inside
The F-PACE is a five seater and features a spacious, luxurious interior which utilizes premium materials, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that gives every Jaguar vehicle its unique sense of occasion.
The ‘Sports Command’ driving position in the F-PACE provides authoritative, confidence-inspiring outward visibility2, while retaining the Jaguar-specific sports car feel; the dramatic curve of the front door top is incorporated into the dash fascia enhancing the cockpit-like feel. leather sports seats are shaped to provide exceptional comfort and support; they are available with 14 different adjustments plus heating and cooling functions. A range of contemporary trim options are also available, including authentic metal finishes such as Meshed Aluminum and beautiful crafted veneers such as Satin Grey Ash.
The instrument panel, similar to those found in the new XE and XF, features two large, deeply-hooded analogue dials and a central TFT display, or an optional 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster featuring the choice of four visual themes and full-screen navigation9. Ambient lighting, especially with the 10-color option, further enhances the sense of luxury.
The long, 113-inch (2,874mm) wheelbase makes ingress and egress to and from the rear seats easy, while the seat base itself was designed to allow passengers to sit further outboard; resulting in more space for three occupants to fit in the second row. The positioning of the seats, together with the height of the beltline, means that even small children enjoy a good view out. The available four-zone climate control system with B-pillar vents and the electric recline function of the rear seats adds to the passenger experience.
Driver and front seat passengers will also enjoy a center console that offers a 12V socket and up to two USB ports. The rear console can feature up to two more 12V sockets or two additional USB ports.
The focus on package efficiency also means that the F-PACE has a loadspace volume of 33.5-cu.ft. with a width of 1,255mm. The 40:20:40 split rear seats allow through-loading and when folded flat, the luggage compartment offers up to 63.5-cu.ft. of space. Packaging is further enhanced by the low loading height and flat floor. The floor itself is reversible: one side is carpeted, the other rubberized – making it ideal for sports equipment or pets. The lightweight composite tailgate benefits from power opening and closing functions, and optional gesture control for hands-free operation.
On The Road
Despite its ‘high-stepping’ stance, the F-Pace is an easy car to get in and out of. Wide front and rear doors make it easy for all driver sizes. Inside, this F-Pace looks, feels and smells just like any Jaguar car. Beautifully finished, with contoured soft leather seats complemented by high quality cabin trim and headlining.
Start the engine and the V6 fires up instantaneously. At idle you do not hear the engine and the refinement is like with the XJ-L, but if you squeeze the throttle the engine responds instantly. Even before the smooth V6 is fully into its stride, the power ‘on tap’ is very impressive. Press hard on the accelerator and you won’t need telling twice that the F-Pace is all about quick agile movements. The engine growls as you hit the higher revolutions and the steering returns a firm authoritative handling.
Jaguar F-Pace SUV R-Sport Specifications
Engine: V6-Cylinder Supercharged
Capacity: 2995cc
Power: 340bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 4500rpm
Transmission: 8-speed Sequential Shift
0-100km/h: 5.8secs
Top speed: 250km/h
Price: From RM658,800.00 as tested
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