Jaguar F-PACE – power and efficiency

THE big guns at Jaguar certainly weren’t going to sit back and bask in the reflected glory of their first SUV, the F-PACE, being named 2017 World Car of the Year.

So they decided to give the model, also a global design champion, an extra dose of power and efficiency.

It came courtesy of a new 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine developing 300PS – and 400Nm of torque for extremely smart acceleration.

Enough in fact to power the F-PACE from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds with a Combind fuel economy figure of 37 miles per gallon.

But then Jaguar always needed something to make a fast impact, a spectacular impression with its first venture onto the SUV scene.

And from the word go the F-PACE has proved a vehicle that looks lean and mean yet covers the practical bases of economy, space and comfort.

With a price tag starting at £34,775 and offering a choice of petrol or diesel engines plus five trim grades, the car was inspired by the F-TYPE coupe.

Buyers are also getting a five-door SUV that cossets five passengers in upmarket comfort with class-leading rear knee-room plus a cavernous luggage compartment – 650 litres to be precise, and 1,740 with the rear seats folded.

There’s certainly plenty of room to stretch your legs out in the back – provided you’re not stuck in the centre rear seat – ample space up front and a commanding, comfortable driving position.

The tested R-SPORT version was tastefully appointed too with large perforated leather seats – adjustable 10 ways – a panoramic glass sliding roof and 22-inch 15-spoke gloss black alloy wheels with satin black inserts.

A choice of 2.0 and 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines plus a fiery 5.0 V8 are up for grabs, though a desirable balance of performance and economy comes via the tested 300PS petrol version complete with all-wheel drive.

It works extremely well with the F-PACE, an agile and balanced vehicle that’s supple over bumps and broken surfaces in town and on country lanes and a real joy to drive on faster roads and motorways.

Equipment includes stuff like Jaguar’s easy-to-navigate InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.

There’s also All-Surface Progress Control to enable smooth driveaway on low friction surfaces along with a full suite of the latest occupant and pedestrian safety systems.

Fork out on extras and you can add no end of desirable kit like Navigation Pro with an 825-Watt Meridian Surround Sound system at £2,670, an advance parking assist pack with surround camera for £1,930, a blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection at £525 and a head up display pack at £1,270.

So there’s plenty going for the F-PACE in that it brings together the best of both worlds.

It works for people wanting the image, style and performance of a dynamic, sporty SUV and the more practical elements of space, economy and comfort.