Jaguar F-Pace

THE AUTO PAGE

By John Heilig

• MODEL: 2017 Jaguar F-Pace S
• ENGINE: 3.0-liter supercharged V6
• TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 380 hp @ 6,500 rpm/332 lb.-ft. @ 4,500 rpm 
• WHEELBASE: 113.7 in.
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 186.3 x 81.5 x 65.0 in.
• TIRES: P265/40R22 
• CARGO CAPACITY: 33.5 cu. ft. (rear seats up) 
• ECONOMY: 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/19.0 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 16.6 gal. 
• CURB WEIGHT: 3,913 lbs.
• TOWING CAPACITY: 5,290 lbs.
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Cadillac XT5, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes GLE
• STICKER: $57,695 (includes $995 delivery)
• BOTTOM LINE: The all-new Jaguar F-Pace is very Jaguar-like in its overall concept, but it still needs work.

          Almost all the luxury manufacturers in the world today have ventured into the field of sport utilities. Jaguar is one of the late-comers to the segment with the F-Pace, built on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the XF and XE. The result is impressive.

          Despite its platform heritage, the F-Pace has a feel of Jaguar’s “relative,” the Range Rover. The F-Pace rides high, somewhat higher than the American competition, for example. While it is somewhat disconcerting at the start, you get used to it quickly.

          A small point. I felt that the F-Pace had a slight tendency to lean on hard cornering, and I wonder if this was a true sensation or if it was an illusion created by the high ride height. In general, though, ride quality is good, as you would expect from a Jaguar. The suspension tends to soften many minor road imperfections. 

          I also felt the F-Pace had a tendency to wander. It has a lane keeping assist feature that vibrates the wheel when you get too close to either the side lane markers or the center lane markers. 

          Exterior styling is very Jaguar, with leapers front and back and a jaguar head in the center of the large grill on the forceful front end. Hitting the key fob after dark and you notice large puddle lights by the front doors, with “Jaguar” logos in the middle.  

          It is possible to keep the keys locked in the car if you’re going to the gym or for a swim. There is a FitBit-like wrist strap with a sensor on it. All you have to do is wave the sensor at certain locations and the car will lock or unlock. Also, with the wrist strap, your pockets aren’t overloaded with keys.

          Under the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that is rated at 380 horsepower. The engine is quiet most of the time but makes a ruckus on hard acceleration, and since this is a Jag, hard acceleration is part of its DNA.

          Front seats are comfortable. In our test vehicle they were leather with black inserts and red bolsters that made them striking. The four-wheel disc brakes have bright red calipers behind black 22-inch wheels, and they are striking as well.

          Pushing the start/stop button lights up the black dash. As our test unit was configured, there is a large central analog speedometer with a digital speedometer inside it. there is a smaller tachometer to the right with fuel level and water temperature gauges. The engine has start/stop technology like a hybrid. When you come to a stop, the engine shuts down, and restarts when you lift your foot off the brake. 

          The shifter for the transmission is a rotary dial. At the end of your journey, when you shift into “P,” the engine will simply shut down after about five seconds without any action to be taken by the driver. It was disconcerting at first, and I kept re-starting by pushing the S/S button, but I figured it out after a while. 

          The infotainment system screen consists of four quarters, for audio, navigation, phone and HVAC. The navigation screen shows nearby gas stations with a Google-type map. Along the bottom of the screen is a control bar, similar to a MacBook Air.

          Rear legroom is good. The F-Pace is listed as a small SUV, so legroom is in the better part of that segment. Rear seat back angles are adjustable. In addition, there are dual rear HVAC controls and the rear seats are heated. Then rear seat backs fold easily to increase an already good cargo area with a shade. There are four tie-downs on rails in the back to secure cargo. 

          Overall,, the Jaguar F-Pace is a nice vehicle. It needs work to make it a true Jaguar with better ride control. I’m looking forward to the second generation.

(c) 2017 The Auto Page Syndicate