Jaguar’s F-Pace blends luxury, utility and an engaging drive
Refreshed for 2021, Jaguar’s F-Pace is as exciting as ever – a great-looking, modern crossover with thrilling and engaging driving dynamics. Its flowing lines, curvaceous styling, aggressive grille and massive 22-inch rims make for a very athletic style statement.
The build quality and the choice of gorgeous materials – a stunning mix of open-pore wood, metal trim and stitched leather panels – are immediately apparent when getting into the F-Pace.
The beautifully upholstered and perforated leather seats are heated, ventilated and very comfortable; both front seats have memory settings.
The large touchscreen has a unique layout. It looks fantastic, is very responsive and handles the F-Pace’s navigation system, phone and vehicle settings, as well as the outstanding Meridian sound system. Even the speaker grilles are works of art!
The two-tone interior carries on through the whole vehicle, so passengers in the rear will enjoy the styling as well. The two outboard rear passengers will be happy with plenty of head and leg room and comfortable heated seats. Rear passengers get adjustable air vents and charging plugs, and the massive panoramic sunroof extends over the rear seating area, making the space wonderfully airy.
The powered liftgate reveals the large trunk with a nice high load floor. If you need more room, the rear seats split and fold down adding plenty of cargo space.
Lurking under the shapely hood is a 3L turbocharged and supercharged inline-6 with a mild hybrid assist system putting out 395 HP and an astonishing 406 lb-ft of torque; the latter available at a low 2,000 RPM. All that power is routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all four corners via an all-wheel drive system.
There is no shortage of power. The F-Pace 400 pulls hard off the line reaching 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Even at highway speeds, accessing extra power to pass is quick and effortless. An added bonus – whenever you’re on the gas pedal with some urgency, the engine note is absolutely intoxicating!
The transmission, which has a Sport mode and can be shifted manually using the paddles, is smooth and intelligent. You can also choose between different driving modes: Eco, Rain/Ice/Snow, Comfort and Dynamic. The all-wheel drive system makes quick work of snowy, slippery surfaces, and remains invisible on dry roads.
The suspension is definitely tuned toward the sportier side of the spectrum. The result is a firm ride and outstanding driving characteristics – corners and curves are handled with surprising athleticism and ease.
There’s plenty of driver assistance technology – from blind-spot detection, a back-up camera, collision warning and braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and plenty more. It all works nicely and is completely unobtrusive.
The F-Pace is modern, muscular and luxurious. Combining a sumptuous British interior, the latest technology and heart-pounding performance is just a jab of the gas pedal away. The F-Pace is a world-class all-around SUV.
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