DRIVES AN SUV Jaguar gives the F-Pace new face

EDWARD STEPHENS THAT STANDS OUT FROM THE CROWD

WITH SUV models now dominating our roads at the expense of saloons and even hatchbacks it’s difficult for manufacturers to stand out in the crowd.

But while many of the latest creations blend in, Jaguar’s F-Pace is one SUV that still always seems to get a second look.

It’s a large car even by SUV standards but despite its size and high stance it’s also both dramatic and curvaceous, which is probably why it‘s now the company‘s number one seller.

And in a effort to maintain its popularity it’s recently had some cosmetic surgery with front end changes which include fitting new powerful but slimmer headlights and a change of grille.

Nothing too dramatic mind, just enough to make it look fresher.

At the same time all F-Pace models

now have automatic gearboxes and come with all-wheel-drive.

And while there are big moves to electric and hybrids the F-Pace is still very much available with diesel power.

The model driven here is powered by a 2.0-litre, 163bhp power plant mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

And while it’s not the fastest car off the blocks it will still hit 62 miles per hour in a very respectable 9.9 seconds and go on to a top speed of 121 mph.

And the bonus of this engine is it will return well over 40 miles to the gallon all day.

At the same time it’s delightfully torquey with super pulling power and best of all it’s quiet. If you didn’t know it was a diesel it would be hard to convince you.

If you want to liven things up a little you have the choice of slipping this big Jag into Sport mode or use the paddles behind the steering wheel to send the rev counter into the red at each change.

Inside there’s an abundance of space for five people and the cabin has a nice upmarket feel to it thanks to the very stylish dashboard and leather seats.

The latter can be heated at the touch of a dial on the fascia and adjusted for comfort by a multiplicity of switches on the squab.

And for winter days the steering wheel can also be heated, as can the windscreen.

An 11.4-inch touchscreen sits in the middle of the dashboard to control most of the onboard features including the satellite navigation system.

And the size of the screen allows the rear view camera to give you two views when reversing, one showing what’s behind you and the other a bird’s eye view from above which makes the manoeuvre simple despite the Jaguar’s bulky rear end and relatively small rear window.

On the road the new F-Pace’s ride offers a nice blend of comfort while still maintaining that sporting bias with impressive grip.

There is some role on fast corners but it’s all nicely controllable allowing you take advantage of the marque’s pedigree while still keeping your passengers happy.

On the practical side there are some 670 litres of cargo space beneath the electrically powered tailgate and the rear seat has a 40/20/40 split for flexibility.

With so many impressive and varied features it’s hardly surprising that the F-Pace remains the company‘s best seller.

And the bonus of this engine is it will return well over 40 miles to the gallon