OutPACING the Market - The New Jaguar E-PACE

With a market now flooded with tight competition from BMW’s X1 and radically different X2, the latter which was launched on the same day, as-well-as Volvo’s XC40, the E-PACE does stand out, taking design cues from its larger F-PACE sibling, and the strikingly beautiful F-TYPE, the new E-PACE features muscular proportions and with powerful haunches, and makes their new compact SUV perhaps the ideal luxury compact to own.

Powered by their new all-aluminium 2.0 Ingenium engine, fitted with variable geometry turbochargers, intended to deliver maximum fuel efficiency with performance, on tap, there is 365Nm of twist from just 1,200rpm, and 249PS which makes for an engaging drive from standstill. Mated to a 9-speed automatic built by ZF, the new E-PACE is surefooted with permanent all-wheel drive.

In ensuring better fuel economy and balance, the E-PACE benefits from weight savings with the use of lightweight aluminium on the bonnet, roof panel and tailgate. The car’s crossbeam structure (something which you will not see) is a magnesium casting, which delivers strength, with the benefit of added weight savings.

Weight shedding aside, the E-PACE shows off a stylishly designed interior and featuring class-leading stowage, and also offers an innovative Luggage Compartment Kit, preventing items in the boot from moving around when driving.

The 10-inch touchscreen for the Touch Pro infotainment system is also well thought through, with Jaguar reducing the number of hard switches while tactile and intuitive rotary dials operate the climate control functions. The dash features a fresh forward-sloping design, and for more sporty appeal, a conventional gearshift lever.

Eye-pleasing goodies include inspiration taken from race circuit chicanes, which can be seen in the light signature of the rear LED lamps. Rotary dials at the centre of the lower dash are inspired by Leica camera controls, and bits of play with the ‘Jaguar Cub’ graphic on the obscuration band of the windscreen, and is also integrated into the puddle lamps, to project the graphic onto the ground.

With the E-PACE securing the base of their SUV range, we wait in anticipation for larger SUVs down the road.

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