WASHINGTON — The Jaguar name is known as the British version of luxury, with small to large sedans and some stunning coupes and convertibles in the mix. The one thing missing from the portfolio has been a crossover or SUV.
Well, times are changing: Jaguar has introduced its new F-Pace five-seat SUV, with a starting price around $42,000 and a choice of a diesel or several supercharged V6 engines. Late to the crowded luxury SUV market, Jaguar had to come out with something that stands out, and at first glance, it’s mission accomplished.
The styling is very interesting. I am smitten with this stylish Ute. It’s easy to look at and instantly recognized as a Jaguar.
The front-end styling that has more of the sedan look of the XJ, or a more modern take on the classic Jaguar style. I drove a loaded $64,385 top trim level called the F-Pace 35t R-Sport that adds a bit of flash, with touches such as blacked-out trim and grills and special front and rear bumpers. Larger 20-inch wheels are standard with this model and heighten its curb appeal.
I’m not usually a huge fan of white cars because of the extra cleaning, but the Glacier white — a $550 option — and the black design package that blacks out the side trim and vents really set off the car. The view from the side does stand out, with interesting shapes and curves not usually associated with the SUV lately.
Luckily, it drives as nicely as it looks. The power from the supercharged V6 with 340 hp is good for most drivers. There is an S version, with 40 more horses under the hood, but it will cost you. I was surprised that it is very nice to drive, with really good handling for a tall SUV. There is plenty of ground clearance here, so maybe some off-roading could be done. Some drivers might find the ride firm, but I enjoyed the nearly flat cornering with no SUV roll or lean.
That supercharged V6 has a nice sound and you can hear it working away. Fuel economy isn’t the best, but I had no problem beating the combined 20 mpg with my 22.6 mpg over my week of mixed driving in this AWD ride. There is a diesel version for those who are set on getting better gas mileage.
Inside might not be as flashy as the exterior, but it’s a very nice place to ride. The materials look and feel nice to the touch. Standard seats for the R-Sport trim level are heated with quality leather and 14-way adjustments. The $1,800 Comfort and Convenience package on this F-Pace added cooled seats and heated rear seats plus electric reclining and remote release for quick storage of the seat backs. Rear-seat space is really good and the cargo area is very large for this class.
The Active Key is a neat option: You leave the keys hidden in the car, and wear a small arm band that will lock and unlock the car when you touch a certain part of the car.
My tester had the Technology package, which adds a large 10-inch center screen that works really well. The regular instrument panel is changed to a virtual screen. It’s not as sharp as the Audi, but it’s a nice one. There is also Wi-Fi and an 825-watt Meridian surround-sound system with good clarity.
I was a little skeptical when I heard there was going to be a Jaguar SUV, but after driving it, I am singing a different tune. It’s not only a pretty face but a solid luxury SUV that’s fun to drive and very competitive on pricing.
If you’re looking to stand out in the crowded small luxury class, it’s time to drive the British alternative. The Jaguar F-Pace 35t R-Sport is a hard name to remember but provides a driving experience that’s hard to forget.
