Jaguar F-Pace SUV review

After a long history of building sports cars and luxury models, the Jaguar F-Pace became the first SUV ever built by the British marque, and it has proved to be a great success. It was certainly necessary, because in recent years there’s been a growing trend towards SUV ownership, and models from rival manufacturers, like the Porsche Macan, BMW X4 and Mercedes GLC were hoovering up sales. Not only that, but new models like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio keep arriving, too.

For 2021, the F-Pace came in for a major overhaul, even if exterior changes were fairly subtle. Most were concentrated at the nose, where a new grille and slim headlights with 'double J' LED running lights inspired by the all-electric Jaguar I-Pace were introduced. There was also a new set of rear lights. Otherwise, Jaguar wisely decided not to fiddle too much with the SUV's already attractive proportions.

There were bigger changes inside, where the infotainment setup, steering wheel and controls were all updated. The old InControl system was replaced with Pivi Pro, which features a responsive and attractive glass 11.4-inch central display, making it one of the best systems on the market.

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Much of the technology found in the F-Pace is shared with the Jaguar XE and Jaguar XF saloons and the Ingenium engine range. The extensive engine line-up includes a 2.0-litre petrol providing 247bhp and a 161 or 201bhp diesel of the same size. There's also a 3.0-litre diesel or petrol and a flagship SVR version with a 542bhp 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine. Alternatively, eco-conscious and business drivers may prefer the P400e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with CO2 emissions of just 49-57g/km of CO2.

If fuel-efficiency is the priority, the entry-level, rear-wheel-drive F-Pace D165 with a 161bhp diesel engine is capable of up to 45.4mpg (depending on wheels and options) and 163-176g/km of CO2. Formerly, this would have been the best choice for company-car drivers, but its relatively high emissions and stricter limits means it actually sits in the highest BiK bands. Instead, they may want to consider the P400e PHEV.

Private buyers are likely to go for the high-performance version of the same 2.0-litre diesel instead, particularly as it returns identical fuel economy. If you want an F-Pace that feels as fast as it looks, there’s also a 3.0-litre diesel with 297bhp, getting from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.

Petrol models are thirstier, but offer more of a sporting feel. Even the 247bhp P250 will give most hot hatchbacks a stern test at the drag strip with a 7.3-second 0-62mph time. The range-topping 542bhp supercharged V8 SVR model is faster still, recording a 0-62mph time of four seconds, making it quicker than some sports cars in a straight line.

Every version is now fitted with four-wheel drive, and this is sure to help in slippery conditions, should you find yourself in a grass car park or wintry weather. And while the F-Pace isn’t really meant for off-road driving, Jaguar has been able to borrow a lot of know-how from sister brand Land Rover to help tune its software and hardware. Still, the F-Pace's limited ground clearance, large alloy wheels and sports tyres mean a Land Rover Discovery Sport is a better bet if you live somewhere really rugged.

Jaguar has made good on its traditional promise of suspension supple enough to retain a good ride and isolate unwanted noise from reaching occupants, without the car wallowing in corners as a result. The 2.0-litre diesel can sound a little strident under hard acceleration, but it’s not too intrusive and settles to a smooth hum at cruising speeds.

The F-Pace also boasts a 613-litre boot – bigger than the Macan’s and only 20 litres smaller than you’ll find in a Porsche Cayenne from the class above. It’s easy to make the boot larger, too, with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, also allowing longer items like snowboards or skis to fit through the middle with four people in the car.

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The F-Pace scored well when independently crash-tested by Euro NCAP, received the same five stars as the Jaguar XF, thanks to its strong body shell and comprehensive safety kit such as traffic-sign recognition and autonomous emergency braking, which can bring the car safely to a halt if a hazard is detected in its path. Meanwhile, Jaguar’s decent finish of 12th out of 30 manufacturers in our 2020 Driver Power survey means satisfaction should be assured.

The small, upmarket SUV class might already have been competitive, but the F-Pace has made it even fiercer. It’s an attractive model that drives like a sports saloon and is offered with a wide range of engines and trims, making it difficult for many customers to overlook, even those not previously considering a car in its class. Versions with a 2.0-litre engine offer a strong blend of value, performance and relatively low running costs, while sporty looks and plentiful equipment suit the F-Pace and should appeal to future owners, boosting residual values. While it has a high list price, the P400e is arguably the pick of the range, particularly for business drivers.