Building on the success of Jaguar’s best-selling first SUV, the F-Pace, it was only a matter of time before a sibling “cub” was unleashed.
Based on the same chassis as the Evoque, the new E-Pace is set to take the SUV market by storm. But don’t be fooled by the “E” in the name – it’s neither electric nor hybrid.
It will be the first Jaguar built outside the UK, with the production line in Austria and China.
Dubbed “the cub” by engineers, the all-wheel-drive E-Pace carries a silhouette design of a Jaguar and cub on the lower windscreen. And there’s even an image beamed from the wing mirrors’ puddle lamps on the First Edition model.
At its unveiling, stunt driver Terry Grant performed the corkscrew barrel-roll made famous in James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, so the new E-Pace has a lot to live up to.
Borrowing traits from the sporty F-Type, including front-end styling, low aero-dynamics and cabin touches, the E-Pace is a sleek and stylish addition to the Jaguar line-up – and the firm are predicting their new five-seater will attract nine out of 10 new customers to the brand.
From the Jaguar growl as you fire up the ignition to the choice of a smooth ZF nine-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox, the E-Pace can reach 0-62mph in under seven seconds.
It has a commanding drive position, with comfortable supportive sport seats, ensuring both on or off-road driving are capably executed.
There are five Ingenium four-cylinder turbo-charged powertrains available – two petrols: the 250PS, 36mpg, 143mph; and the 35mpg, 151mph with 300PS.
The three diesels include a 150PS front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, delivering 50-60mpg and 120mph; the mid-spec 180PS with 50mpg and 127mph; and the 240PS offering 45mpg and 139mph.
Most diesels emit less than 150g/km of CO2, with the petrols emitting 174g/km and 181g/km.
The £28,500 entry model comes with heated windscreen, 17in alloys, dual climate control, front and rear sensors, a rear-view camera and a 10in touch pro infotainment screen.
The £32,600 S trim gives you 18in alloys, leather upholstery, navigation, 4G wifi hotspot and front electric seats.
The £38,680 SE adds 19in alloys, cruise control, 14-way memory front seats, powered tailgate and Meridian sound system.
And the £41,450 HSE brings 20in alloys, 12.3in interactive driver instrument display and keyless entry.
The cabin feels premium, as you would expect from Jaguar, with nice stitching and leather finishes. Touches also include an optional head-up display.
With confident steering and brakes, responsive power and little body roll – thanks to an adaptive dynamics system – the E-Pace is a surprisingly agile car to drive, both in town and on the motorway.
It comes with JaguarDrive control, providing four driver settings, each subtly changing the steering and throttle. Safety features include lane-keep assist, autonomous braking and traffic sign recognition.
With plenty of toys, tech and kit, the refined E-Pace is sure to keep both driver and passengers happy. And there’s plenty of storage space for gadgets and bottles, plus a great boot.
The new cub is a stylish, practical and family-friendly SUV – a purrfect addition to the Jaguar line-up.
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