Fantastic 4x4 from Jaguar
JAGUAR’S F-Pace has been carrying all before it in the SUV class, winning many accolades along the way.
And it certainly looks the part out on the road – big and butch with the high driving position so beloved of many drivers today.
I recently spent a week with the 2.0-litre diesel and thoroughly enjoyed everything about it.
But a big slice of what sets it apart from the competition is the beautiful, upmarket ambiance of the luxurious interior.
Sitting into the F-Pace is an occasion – something to be savoured – with leather upholstery and dark wood door cappings in the true English coachbuilding tradition that no-one else seems able to match.
I drove the R-Sport 2.0d with a two-litre diesel engine producing an excellent 180bhp.
Driving all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox, it always seems to be on song, giving very good acceleration from rest or when on the move and yet capable of excellent economy with low emissions.
It feels punchy and responsive throughout the rev range and the excellent gearbox always seems to match it perfectly.
The ride is wonderful – apart from some bump-thump over potholes and drain covers from the huge 20-inch wheels and tyres.
Despite it being an SUV, this is a Jaguar and so good road holding and handling are a must. They are brilliant.
The steering is spot on and full of feel at all speeds and the grip and road holding are superb, with little roll to spoil the balance through fast corners.
The F-Pace is superb and takes its rightful place in the Jaguar line-up.
The Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport 2.0d I drove costs £39,535.