JAGUAR E-PACE

The E-pace compact SUV, to be launched here in March, bears a clear family resemblance to the F-type sports car: just look at those short overhangs, powerful haunches and sweeping roofline. For an even more aggressive look, there are optional 21-inch wheels. On the inside, it’s heavy on connectivity tech, with a nextgeneration touchscreen infotainment system that connects customers to apps such as Spotify, through Jaguar Land Rover’s Incontrol apps. There are up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections, as well as a 4G Wi-fi hotspot for up to eight devices.

All South African models will feature standard all-wheel drive based on Jaguar’s Active Driveline technology. The five Ingenium engines (two petrol, three diesel) start with a 110 kw diesel that delivers consumption of 5,6 litres/ 100km to a high-performance turbo petrol capable of doing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6,4 sec.

One step up from the base E-pace version is the R-dynamic range and there are four trim levels to choose from: Standard, S, SE and HSE. Like its stablemates, the E-pace will be offered as standard with the Jaguar Five-year Care Plan: a five-year/ 100 000 km service plan, a five-year/ 100 000km maintenance plan and a five-year/100 000 km warranty. Prices range up to a shade under R900 000, which is what you’ll pay for the 184 kw petrol-engined the flagship First Edition version, available only during its first year on sale.