Jaguar's F-Pace is traditionally one of the quieter and more entertaining cars of its kind, but it's in one of the fastest-moving sectors. Premium SUV buyers want the latest and greatest in terms of technology, design, and refinement, and while the F-Pace didn't tick all the boxes when it launched in 2017, it's at the forefront of its class today thanks to a substantial update in 2020.
The F-Pace is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines – including mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid units. The 2020 facelift also brings a completely revitalized interior and a new technology interface – all of which are major improvements over the previous car.
Combined with its excellent driving dynamics and sleek design, the F-Pace is highly sought after, and with a range so varied that it offers a PHEV on one end and a powerful 542bhp SVR model on the other, it's unrivalled. the premium SUV market is unattractive.
So the Jag is the winner, which is unfortunate for several reasons as there are no immediate plans to replace it. Rather, it will be the final development of brilliant engineering before the brand goes all-electric ahead of its 2025 relaunch. However, right here, right now, the F-Pace is a very strong competitor in its segment with no obvious or major weaknesses, making it now the ideal time to enjoy this kind of combustion-powered Jag while we still can.
The entry-level D200 diesel engine is equipped with a mild hybrid-assisted 2-litre Ingenium unit. Move up to the D300 and two additional cylinders will be included. In terms of petrol options, there's the P250 four-cylinder, the P400 straight-six mild hybrid petrol, and finally, the P400e plug-in hybrid which pairs a turbo four with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The SVR still features a supercharged 5-litre V8 petrol, and it doesn't get any worse.
Jaguar F-Pace in detail
Performance and 0-100 km/h time – The six- and eight-cylinder options offer excellent performance, while the four-cylinder options are inferior, except for the PHEV.
Engine, gearbox, and technical highlights – The four-cylinder option isn't great, but the six-pot engine makes up for it. The PHEV is also solid.
Ride and handling – The excellent chassis remains – polished, precise, and perfectly suited to the UK.
MPG and running costs – Comparable to its competitors in terms of economy, it could be said to be quite good for an SUV but far from extraordinary.
Interior and technology – Much better than the launch car, plush, luxurious, and highly detailed. Technology is good too.
Design – The F-Pace's sound aesthetic remains largely the same in 2023, with enough detail improvements to keep it looking fresh.
Price, specifications, and rivals
The F-Pace may look similar to the model launched in 2017, but the latest lineup has taken some pretty solid leaps, starting with the availability of an engine lineup that's almost completely updated, but no less varied than before. There are five powertrains available (plus the supercharged V8 found in the SVR) made up of four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel. All F-Pace comes standard with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission as well.
The standard F-Pace is offered in four trim levels, starting from R-Dynamic S (£48,770), R-Dynamic SE Black (£53,360), R-Dynamic HSE Black (£57,915) and up to the £69,475 400 Sport with straight-six petrol mild hybrid. The base car comes with a curved touchscreen Pivi Pro infotainment system, LED headlights, 19-inch wheels, and dark exterior accents, with higher trims adding larger wheels (up to 22 inches), black styling elements, heated and ventilated seats, and other luxuries.
It has plenty of rivals, from the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC – of the three, the Audi Q5 feels the most dated and doesn't ride with the same polish as the Jag, with the BMW running it closest in this department. The Porsche Macan and Alfa Romeo Stelvio are two other driver-oriented options, but each has its compromises – namely the Porsche's thirsty engine range (no diesel or hybrid) and the Alfa's basic interior design, jumpy ride, and disappointing petrol engines.
