Jaguar launched into the rapidly growing and highly competitive luxury SUV marketplace with their all-new, first ever SUV entry – the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace, which was inspired by the acclaimed CX17 concept show vehicle.
The Jaguar F-Pace serves up a tempting menu, with three engine variants and five models to choose from: Luxury; Premium; Prestige; R-Sport; and S.
The engine choices include a 2.0-liter diesel, inline four-cylinder and two 3.0-liter V-6s with Roots-type twin-vortex superchargers, one that delivers 340 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 352 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, while the other is tweaked to crank out 40 additional horses (380), but with the same torque output as the 340-horse version. The two petrol or gasoline engines gear their motive force to Jaguar’s intelligent AWD system through an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. All engines come with auto stop/start technology.
The exterior styling of the new F-Pace is influenced by Jaguar’s F-Type series, from its adaptive LED headlamps, hood (bonnet) bulge to the pronounced rear haunches and tail light assemblies. The F-Pace displays the same athleticism, strength and energetic purity of form as the F-Type, exuding a sense of motion, even when standing still. The stance of the Jaguar F-Pace is low for reduced drag and increased stability, while still managing to deliver a 25.5 degree approach angle and a departure angle ranging from 25.7 to 26 degrees depending on spare tire size and towing equipment. The ramp breakover angle is 20.8 degrees. The F-Pace features 80 percent lightweight aluminum architecture for both strength and rigidity.
The cabin is comfortable and luxurious providing a sports command driving position along with an impressively versatile seating capability and the ability to adapt to a variety of cargo requirements. Switchgear and controls are logically and conveniently placed for optimum user-friendliness, and the F-Pace is loaded with connected technologies and infotainment through Jaguar’s InControl Touch with an 8-inch touch-screen and InControl Touch Pro with a 10.2-inch touch-screen featuring multi-touch gestures and a customizable home screen. A virtual 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster is provided with full-screen navigation display.
Other InControl options include SD navigation, apps, WiFi and SiriusXM satellite radio. An optional wearable Activity Key is available for $400 that is a robust, waterproof, pliable and secure wristband that replaces the key fob. The Activity Key locks and unlocks the vehicle by making contact with the tailgate lock. The conventional key fob may left in the car when locked, and is deactivated, and even should the vehicle be broken into, it will not start without the Activity Key.
Advanced driver assistance features include: autonomous emergency braking; lane keep assist and driver condition monitor; traffic sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter; blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection; park assist; surround camera system; and adaptive cruise control with queue assist.
During the national press introduction, my driving partner and I experienced both wheel and seat time in two versions of the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace: an F-Pace S priced at $61,895 with an exterior finish of glacier white metallic and a brogue and jet toned interior with light oyster stitching; and an F-Pace 35t R-Sport with a dark sapphire metallic exterior and a jet interior with light oyster stitching. Its price tag as equipped was $63,095.
The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace SUV is an ideal vehicle in any of its trim levels for individuals and families with active lifestyles and impeccable taste. It is off road capable, but is certainly not intended for serious rock crawling maneuvers – after all, why risk damage to a beautifully designed SUV? Base pricing ranges from $40,990 to $56,700 But of course you can up the ante by adding optional equipment and features. A fully loaded limited first year production First Edition F-Pace is priced at $69,700.
The new F-Pace drives, handles and rides like a luxury sport sedan, with comfortable seating for five adults and room for their gear. The F-Type derived chassis technologies including torque vectoring, adaptive dynamics and configurable dynamics allow for a tunable and rewarding driving experience. The AWD system delivers a varying of grip levels in a variety of scenarios, which may be further enhanced by an available adaptive surface response feature. Intelligent driveline dynamics provides all-wheel drivability with rear-wheel drive character. Another feature, all-surface progress control, allows the driver to set and monitor uphill and downhill speed during off-road excursions.
In the final analysis, the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace ranks as a highly desirable and stylish SUV. Jaguar has hit a home run in their first at bat in this category.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace S and 35t R-Sport AWD
Base Price: $56,700. – S / $55,300. – 35t R-Sport
Price as Tested: $61,895. – S / $63,095. – R-Sport
Engine Type and Size: 3.0-liter DOHC, 24 valve, Roots-type twin vortex supercharged V6 with dual independent variable cam timing and Direct injection.
Horsepower (bhp): 380 @ 6,500 rpm – S / 340 @ 6,500 35t R-Sport
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 332 @ 4,500 rpm – S and 35t R-Sport
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / AWD
Suspension: Front – Double wishbone with Adaptive Dynamics.
Rear – Integral Link with Adaptive Dynamics.
Brakes: Power-assisted four-wheel discs with ABS, Torque Vectoring, DSC, TC, RSC and ADSR.
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 AT 255/50 R20 mounted on 5-double-spoke silver painted alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 113.2 inches
Length Overall: 186.3 inches
Width: 85.6 inches – with mirrors (81.5-inches without)
Height: 65.0 inches
Curb Weight: 4,015 lbs. – 35t R-Sport / S –TBD.
Turning Circle: 38.9 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 16.6 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 18 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: 0.36
0 – 60 mph: 5.1 seconds – S / 5.4 seconds 35t R-Sport
Top Speed =155 mph
