JAG SUV LOOKS GREAT, BUT ONLY FROM OUTSIDE
Automaker dials back a bit too much on its trademark opulence with all-new entry-lux crossover, David Booth and Brian Harper argue.
David Booth: The anticipation was palpable. Jaguar was building its first SUV, the promise of F-Type handling, Defender offroad savoir faire and Ian Callum styling genius plainly too much to resist. The big question, of course, is now that you — Jaguar fan and the most circumspect of road testers — and I have finally got our greedy little mitts on one, does it actuality meet expectations? Well, does it, Brian?
Brian Harper: Why yes it does, David, and thank you for asking. The engineers and designers at Jaguar have, for the most part, done an excellent job transplanting the brand’s sports-car DNA into a crossover. It might not be quite as capable as Porsche’s Macan, but it’s not far off the mark.
And not a moment too soon. I believe this past June was the first full month that dealerships had product, and already the F-Pace is the bestselling vehicle in Jaguar’s model lineup.
DB: I do have some concerns regarding the F-Pace we drove. Nonetheless, before I head off in full diatribe, let’s credit what is right about the F-Pace. First, it’s beautiful, Ian Callum seemingly unable to pen anything less than a Ruthian home run. Jaguar’s supercharged V-6 is the most sonorous of V-6s — save for Maserati’s — though the F-Pace’s is not the aural tour de force that the F-Type is.
BH: I was actually a bit disappointed with the F-Pace’s exhaust sound. Where the F-Type can sound like the gates of hell have been opened when given the boot, the crossover was more muted and less hooligan. Then again, we were driving the 340-horsepower — from a supercharged 3.0-litre V-6 R- Sport and not the full-tilt S with its 380-hp motor. Fortunately, it still takes off like a bottle rocket.
OK, now let’s get down to brass tacks. The F-Pace starts at $49,900 and the R- Sport we tested was about $69,000. I don’t think we’re going to disagree about the F-Pace’s performance bona fides or its handling. However, I’m guessing we’re either going to butt heads on the goodies that bump up its price, or the Jaguar’s cabin environment.
DB: Succinctly said. I was extremely disappointed in the F- Pace’s interior. It’s just so ordinary. Even back in the bad old days of overheating E-Types and transmission-destroying XJ- Ss, you could rely on Jaguar to craft the most opulent of interiors. Not the F-Pace. Most of the interior switchgear looks like it was liberated from a Ford, the media system is Honda CR-V small and the tachometer and speedometer gauge cluster decidedly analogue retro. Even the roof liner is decidedly cheap. Thankfully, the leather is top quality.
BH: While I don’t disagree with you completely, some context is called for. Yes, anyone expecting Jaguar’s traditional precepts of luxury will be disappointed. The cabin itself, though functional and complete, is entirely conventional. But keep in mind, David, that Jaguar has gone downmarket with the F-Pace and the equally new XE sport sedan.
DB: It’s all well and good to move the F-Pace down-market. Indeed, I think it’s a smart move. It’s just that any number of far more mainstream CUVs feel as luxurious, or more so, than the F-Pace. Our tester still costs — down-market intentions or no — $69,000, after all.
Looking at its current success, the customers clamouring for F-Paces don’t seem to care. And I wish Jaguar the best of luck. After years of building extraordinary products that were routinely ignored by skeptical consumers, it deserves all the success an outwardly gorgeous SUV will bring it. Nonetheless, it doesn’t alter my contention that what was once extraordinary — Jaguar’s ability to craft interiors second to none — is now ordinary.
BH: Agreed, the cabin is not the F-Pace’s best feature, though I’m not as underwhelmed as you are. Here’s my take: The upscale compact crossover segment already has a full list of players. In coming late to this party, Jaguar needed to arrive with something other than good. I believe it succeeded. The F-Pace has looks, handling, performance, and even — courtesy of the diesel engine — fuel efficiency. And it’s competitively priced. For someone looking for a dynamic crossover, the F-Pace is the real deal.
DB: Agreed. But, Jaguar had a chance to completely lock out the competition if it had done a proper job on the interior. As it is, they left the door open, mainly because of a lack of attention in an area where they usually excel.