Jaguar F-Pace Diesel

Jaguar has enjoyed plenty of success with the very good XF and XJ models; but how will they go with their new F-Pace Diesel SUV?  This is a first for Jaguar, so with anticipation I find myself reviewing an SUV with the awesome Jaguar pedigree.  Performance is sure to be good, technology right up there; and there is no doubting the F-Pace has nice styling.

It’s always good to get an idea of what sort of competition the new Jaguar F-Pace Diesel will be up against.  After all, one needs to make a bit of an informed decision regarding what’s out there.  Under the bonnet is always a good place to start, as the power has a lot to do with your everyday drive, what you can tow and how much fun the vehicle is likely to be – especially if you enjoy a quick shuffle through the twisties.  The new Jaguar F-Pace Diesel engines and drive train are already raising eyebrows, of which Jaguar offers two superb diesel engines for the F-Pace SUV.  Rated at 2.0-litres, the 132 kW, four-cylinder turbo-diesel is punchy and refined.  Linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, the fuel efficiency is first class, while the gear changes are silky smooth.  If you are happy with the 208 km/h top speed and 8.7 second sprint from 0-100 km/h, then the 2.0-litre turbo diesel will be more than adequate.  It sips fuel at a rate under 6 litres/100 km, particularly if you drive like me most the time and are light on the right foot.  Volvo’s new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel is a gem, so check this one out as well.

Then there is the Jaguar 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel which is in a league of its own.  With 700 Nm of torque available at 2000 rpm and 221 kW of peak power, this Jaguar F-Pace SUV hauls incredibly well and is very fast.  The Jaguar F-Pace 3.0-litre diesel is at the top of its class for torque output, beating the Audi SQ5, BMW X4 3.0d and Mercedes Benz GLC 250D.  That is no mean feat!  The closest is the Audi SQ5 with 650 Nm.

We all know the sleek F-Pace SUV styling is attractive, but what’s it like inside?  Take a look in the new Jaguar F-Pace cabin and it is a place of beauty and comfort.  F-Pace elegance is evident in the leather crafted seats and interior trim, the simple dash layout, clean instrumentation, woodgrain and chrome; and I would have to say that my tastes put this at the front of the pack for interior design – along with Volvo’s new XC models.  The new Jaguar SUV has an extensive range of handpicked leathers and sophisticated finishes.

Jaguar F-Pace Diesel Interior

Technology is, again, superb.  There are all the excellent mechanical and electronic systems on-board the F-Pace which locate maximum grip for when you are accelerating, cornering, braking, mastering a tricky ascent or manoeuvring down through a steep descent.  Safety technology is first class, with Lane Departure Warning, Park Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Surround Camera System, Trailer Stability Assist, airbags for Africa and DSC.  Safety is at a very high level – just as you would expect from Jaguar.  Light off-road potential is great, and will be ample for most.  Of course, the Land Rover, Range Rover and Jeep SUVs are the better alternatives if you are thinking of taking your machine right off the beaten track and into bush-whacking territory.

For entertainment, the new Jaguar F-Pace Diesel boasts two choices in touch screen technology.  The InControl Touch system is available as standard and includes an 8-inch touchscreen; a 5-inch instrument panel display with analogue dials; an 11-speaker Meridian Digital Sound System (380W); an FM Radio, and iPod, USB, Bluetooth and AUX connection systems.  An upgrade will get you the InControl Touch Pro system that includes: a 10.2-inch touchscreen with multi-touch gestures, a 12.3-inch instrument panel display with virtual dials and full screen 3D Map View, a 17-speker Meridian Digital Sound System (825W), FM Radio, iPod technology, Bluetooth communications and 2 x USB connections.  Also the upgrade gets a 10GB memory, CD and DVD Drive.

The optional Head-Up Display (HUD) uses laser technology to project key information onto the windscreen.  Information like the vehicle speed, navigation and cruise control notifications are clearly projected at eye level.

One of the great things about the new Jaguar F-Pace is the level of space in the rear seat area.  Leg and knee room are 945 mm and 65 mm respectively.  The rear seats also feature a power recline feature.  Luggage and storage space is very good with the 20:40:20 split folding rear seats, and the fancy “Gesture Tailgate” enables the driver to operate the tailgate and load cargo in from the kerbside, without needing to physically touch either the vehicle or the key fob.  There is even a panoramic glass roof option to finish the F-Pace off nicely.

In summary, I think Jaguar has the competition sorted.

The Jaguar F-Pace Diesel model series includes the:

• F-Pace First Edition
• F-Pace R-Sport
• F-Pace S
• F-Pace Prestige
• F-Pace Portfolio

For any more information on the Jaguar F-Pace Diesel or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Jaguar dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!