THE CAT’S MEOW
For 2017, Jaguar leaps into the compact luxury SUV fray with its spacious and sporty-performing 2017 F-Pace
Jaguar might be late to the luxury SUV party, but it was well worth the wait. Despite its somewhat bizarre name — F-Pace— this sensuously handsome vehicle has the goods to quickly claw its way into the hearts of shoppers in this elite category.
Being a Jaguar, you’d expect quick acceleration, superb handling and braking, and a comfortable cabin fitted with high-quality materials. And that’s just what you’d find.
Powering most F-Paces (a diesel option is available) is a potent supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. Thrust from 340 horsepower lets this cat really scat, abetted by a superslick eight-speed automatic transmission that snaps off nearly imperceptible shifts up or down as needed.
Adding to the vehicle’s sporting nature is a glorious exhaust note that rises to a muffled yowl as the tach climbs. Yet when merely zipping along the interstate, the engine emits a contented purr.
It only takes a moment behind the wheel to realize the near-perfect handling balance and suspension tuning that give the new Jag its sport cred. It corners flatly, much like a good sport sedan rather than a relatively tall sport ute. Those is search of a buttery smooth ride might find it a tad stiff, however.
The light-but-sharp steering transmits plenty of road feedback, while the powerful brakes slough off excess speed with perfectly linear pedal feel.
Inside, there’s surprisingly generous space for both passengers and cargo. Leather seating surfaces, black with tan stitching in our Prestige model, swathe comfortably hugging buckets up front. Rear-seat riders enjoy generous leg room on the power-reclining as well as heated bench (the optional Comfort and Convenience Package).
The dash design takes a fairly low-key approach, with little flash or bling to distract the driver. But it is thoroughly comprehensive, with large white-on-black gauges and many of the current convenience and comfort features controlled via a large, quick-responding touchscreen.
With Jaguar’s linkage to Land Rover (both owned by India’s Tata Motors), it’s no surprise the F-Pace uses its generous ground clearance and borrowed tech bits to deliver real ability off the beaten path.
Quick, sporty, comfortable: The F-Pace is the cat’s meow.