Jaguar I-PACE Review
Read Caroline's Jaguar I-PACE review for everything you need to know about buying Jaguar's electric car in Ireland.
Jaguar has long been the purveyor of exotic sports cars and luxurious saloons. Staying relevant in today's market brought Jaguar into the realm of SUVs with the launch of the F-PACE and E-PACE.
So when talk in the motor industry went electric, it was only right that Jaguar should follow suit. The brand's racing division joined the Formula E motorsport championship for electric cars. And gave the world the first Jaguar electric car - the I-PACE.
The Jaguar I-PACE first went on sale in Ireland in 2018, which is ages ago in EV terms. A lot has happened in the interim. There are many new premium electric cars and SUVs vying for a growing market.
So what does the Jaguar I-PACE have to offer and is it still relevant in an industry that is moving so fast?
What's so special about the Jaguar I-PACE?
2019 World Car of the Year. European Car of the Year in the same year. The I-PACE was a much-anticipated car, the first electric vehicle from a brand that has committed to producing just electric cars from 2025. But things move so fast in the automotive world that prestigious accolades will only get you so far...
Yet there's just something about a Jaguar. A brand that is still so clearly inspired by their sports car roots. Meeting the I-PACE for the first time is quite an experience. Jaguar would probably like you to think of the I-PACE as an SUV, since the market loves SUVs.
But it's much more car-like than that. And all the more stunning for it. The I-PACE is a beautiful piece of design, and looks sporty, elegant and dynamic from every angle - exactly how a Jaguar should be.
Powering the I-PACE is a 90 kWh battery, which is key to the car's ability to stay relevant in the market today - it has a WLTP range of 470 km, yet in real world driving the I-PACE easily passes the 300 km benchmark that makes life with an EV more comfortable between charges.
Jaguar I-PACE Black - what's new?
On test for Changing Lanes was the new Jaguar I-PACE Black finished in eye-catching Caesium Blue. While the I-PACE range starts in Ireland from €76,890, we think the I-PACE Black is considerable 'good value' at €78,400 with more equipment and smart black detailing.
The Black enhances the exclusivity of the I-PACE with gloss black door mirror caps as well as gloss black finish to the grille, side window surrounds and rear badges. It also enhances the I-PACE's already generous standard specification with a full panoramic roof, rear privacy glass and 20-inch black alloy wheels.
Inside the I-PACE welcomes passengers with a full leather interior. The cabin is slick and high quality - reassuringly premium in a classic Jaguar way. It's great to see that there has been no compromise to quality in the quest to bring this car to market and it's stayed modern, even after four years.
Much of that is down to the integration of Jaguar's 'Pivi Pro' infotainment system with 10" screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It works seamlessly, while there is also a digital display for the driver. A Meridian™ Sound System adds premium sound to the cabin of the I-PACE.
Is it practical?
The I-PACE is spacious up front and the platform yields generous interior space for passengers too. There are two large footwells in the rear and enough headroom for adults too despite those sports car looks.
The boot opens via a powered tailgate in a practical hatchback style. The I-PACE can stow away an impressive 656 litres.
There's also a small 'frunk' under the front bonnet for charging cables for example.
The I-PACE was future proofed with a 11kW onboard charger, which allows for faster AC charging. A full charge of the 90 kWh battery can be got in 8 hours or in just under 13 hours with a 7kW wallbox at home.
The Jaguar can also avail of up to 104 kW DC rapid charging. Some rivals do offer faster DC charging these days, though of course that's only possible with the right infrastructure. So the Jaguar can still make the most of more plentiful 50 kW and 100 kW chargers on the public charge network.
Driving the I-PACE
The I-PACE uses a 90 kWh battery with a healthy 400 hp from two electric motors and whopping 696 Nm of torque. Bespoke EV aluminium architecture delivers Jaguar’s most torsionally rigid body structure, with 50:50 weight distribution and all wheel drive performance.
This is an elegant electric car that gives a sports car feel behind the wheel. The I-PACE is a delight to drive, swift and agile with lots of grip and emotion that really helps it to stand out. Optional electronic air suspension (€1,765) gives this car an exquisite ride quality no matter the road surface. The car is easy to control and guide over the tarmac.
All wheel drive allows for a tidy put down of power with little drama or fuss. The I-PACE feels comparably light and agile on the road to some electric premium SUV rivals. Like it will dance a bit for you and play like a classic Jaguar. The accelerator pedal also appears well modulated with a feeling of acceleration and going through gears making the car more interesting than many.
Then pop it into dynamic mode and all those thrills are accompanied by a more aggressive 'engine note'. More a growl then than a purr from this cat!
Did you like it?
The Jaguar I-PACE is a gorgeous thing. It feels wrong to call it an SUV or even a crossover, though everything seems to sell faster these days with that tag.
If you spent years looking at a Jaguar saloon, the I-PACE is a refreshing and modern design.
Inside the Jaguar still feels modern and current, with a suitably luxurious feel and impressive digital technology.
Where the I-PACE really shines is from behind the wheel where Jaguar has made a really engaging and emotive drive worthy of the legendary badge.
Some EVs are more efficient and have more range for less money. But this one still outpaces many rivals with its design, class and sports car feel. For that reason the I-PACE is one of my favourite premium electric cars.
Model tested: Jaguar I-PACE Black
Price: €78,400
Battery: 90 kWh
Power: 400 hp
Torque: 696 Nm
0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Motor tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes
Jaguar Partner With Google To Measure Dublin Air Quality
Jaguar Land Rover has partnered with Google to integrate the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE with air quality measuring sensors and Street View mapping technology.
The I-PACE is the first all-electric Google Street View vehicle and will be used to measure street-by-street air quality in Dublin including nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, and fine particles (PM2.5). It will also help update Google Maps.
The Jaguar I-PACE has been equipped with specialised mobile air sensors developed by Aclima and has launched in Dublin to capture data over the next 12 months. Google’s scientific research partners will analyse the data and develop maps of street-level air pollution.
Jaguar Land Rover engineers have worked to integrate Google Street View technology into the vehicle, including new roof mountings for the Street View camera, new rear-window glass which allows for wiring and redesigned interior switchgear to incorporate Google Street View controls. With a focus on air quality, the I-PACE offers cabin air ionisation and PM2.5 filtration to enhance occupant comfort and well-being.
Elena Allen, Project Manager for Business Development at Jaguar Land Rover said: “The integration of Google Street View technology with the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE is the perfect solution for measuring air quality. We are delighted to support this project as it aligns with our own journey to becoming an electric-first business and achieving net zero carbon by 2039. Partnerships like this are one of the ways we can achieve our sustainability goals and make a positive impact on society.”
Google has partnered with Dublin City Council, as part of its Environmental Insights Explorer’s air quality programme to map hyperlocal air quality insights for cities to take action on their climate and health.
Google and Dublin City Council hope access to this data will help scientists, researchers and policymakers as they study air quality, as well as encourage people to make small but informed daily changes to help improve it.
Paddy Flynn, Vice President of Geo Operations at Google, said: “Air quality is a serious concern, especially for cities, but there is a gap in terms of localised data and insights available to both decision makers and citizens. As part of this project, we’re using technology to capture this important data and make it accessible so that together with Dublin City Council, we can drive solution planning.”
Jaguar XF Updated For 2021
Jaguar Ireland has confirmed that an updated Jaguar XF will go on sale here, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.
The latest version of Jaguar's luxury sports saloon will have enhanced exterior design, new interior design, advanced connectivity and the addition of mild hybrid technology.
A new front bumper, LED headlights, new grille and new rear bumper will deliver a more assertive presence while inside there is an all new interior with new technologies including Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro dual-sim infotainment accessed through an all-new 11.4-inch HD curved glass touchscreen. 'Over the air' software updates will ensure latest vehicle systems and infotainment are installed seamlessly and remotely.
The engine line-up will be revised with the addition of mild hybrid technology to the diesel. The 2.0-litre diesel MHEV will put out 204PS, with 24PS more than the engine it replaces. Emissions have been reduced to 130g/km and fuel economy improved to a quoted 4.9l/100km. 250PS and 300PS Ingenium petrol engines will also be available. Every XF features an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with all-wheel drive; rear wheel drive as standard.
The brand says occupant well being has also been enhanced with innovative Active Road Noise Cancellation, and cabin air ionisation to capture ultrafine particles and allergens.
The brand has also confirmed that the Jaguar XE will now feature mild hybrid technology in the diesel range. Read our latest review of the Jaguar XE compact sports saloon.
Jaguar XE Chequered Flag (2020) Review
Caroline drives the 2020 Jaguar XE.
We review the 2020 Jaguar XE Chequered Flag edition with great anticipation that soon turned to a real grá for this lithe and lovely cat. Fresh from a 2019 facelift, Jaguar’s compact saloon invites more customers to the brand with contemporary luxury and first class engineering.
Jaguar Ireland is turning our attention in the direction of the Chequered Flag edition of the XE. It adds an impressive list of standard equipment along with some sporty styling additions, all available from a competitive €47,005.
What's so special about the Jaguar XE?
Let’s rewind a little to put this XE into some context. Jaguar is a small brand compared to the other heavy hitters in the premium segment but buyers of premium cars should do themselves a favour and check out what’s available from the brand. To date, Changing Lanes has spent time with Jaguar's new breed of SUVs; that will be the ground-breaking F-PACE of 2016 and the E-PACE follow up of 2017.
But what about the classic Jaguar saloon? The XE was in fact an all-new model for the brand back in 2014, joining the XF and XJ in Jaguar’s premium saloon range. Just like competitor brands, the XE was about attracting younger buyers to the brand with a modern compact saloon that oozed class and sporty appeal. Let’s remember this is the brand that lives by the tagline ‘The Art of Performance’.
What's new for the 2020 Jaguar XE?
The Jaguar XE has great presence on the road and the 2019 facelift offers some satisfactory updates to appearance to keep things modern. New front and rear bumpers feature as do all-LED headlights and tail-lights with distinctive ‘J-blade’ LED signatures. Chequered Flag editions get black 18” alloys and exterior pack.
However, it’s inside where the XE really does sell itself beautifully. Open the door and you will be met by a stylish and classy cabin full of leather and other contemporary magic. We loved our test car's cream leather and panelling. The contour-hugging front seats are mounted low, creating a sports-car like driving position. The raised centre console also adds to the sportiness.
The 2019 facelift reaped dividends for the brand in this segment. Soft-touch materials, premium veneers and all-new door trims feature as does a revised centre console, new gear shift selector, and a new steering wheel shared with the I-PACE electric SUV. It features hidden-until-lit graphics and tactile switches for intuitive control of key functions.
More technology for the interior
The Chequered Flag edition also benefits from a swish new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with 10" touchscreen. Apple Car Play and Android Auto sync easily but the native system is quite impressive. The twin-screen system also includes a 5.5" lower touchscreen with two physical dials for things like ventilation and other functions. It looks great and it is actually one of the easiest on the market to use. Wireless phone charging is available for the first time too.
Other standard features on the Jaguar XE Chequered Flag are 14-way electric heated front seats, illuminated metal tread plates, configurable ambient lighting, front and rear parking sensors and reverse camera.
In Ireland the Jaguar XE is available at present with petrol and diesel engines form the brand’s Ingenium range of engines. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel puts out a healthy 180 hp. There is also a 2.0-litre petrol available with 250 or 300 hp.
On the road in the Jaguar XE!
Jaguar has a fantastic heritage in motorsport and building performance-oriented road cars. Yet can they package this supremacy in a compact saloon? We were keen to find out. In fact the XE appears to do it better than any rival in its current iteration. Much of the on-road performance is down to the Jaguar XE’s lightweight aluminium intensive body structure. Aluminium makes up 75 per cent of the body and combines with classic sporty rear wheel drive and sophisticated integral link rear suspension. The XE is the most agile in its class, a playful mate for keen drivers. The steering is wonderfully weighted with loads of precision and steering feel. No interruptions, this car is an excellent communicator on the road.
Jaguar has achieved a fine balance between comfort and performance in the XE. Despite a sporty oriented drive this car covers the road phenomenally well. Automatic transmission comes as standard and we liked the slickness of shifts in association with the 2.0-litre diesel in our test car. This engine is another fine point. Refinement is very good and performance, one of the best. It’s swift and responsive with 430 Nm of torque, achieving 0 to 100 kmh in 8.1 seconds. Over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was a competitive 5.5 l per 100 km.
Enthusiastic drivers will also find a Dynamic mode that amplifies the car’s sporting character, with faster gear shifts, sharper throttle response and increased steering weighting. We kept the car in Comfort most of the time and we were happy with the experience behind the wheel. Other modes include Eco or Rain, Ice, Snow Mode. Jaguar also includes All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) in the spec, a useful driver aid based on Jaguar Land Rover’s experience in off-road traction systems. It’s like a low speed cruise control system and helps XE drivers to electronically gain traction in seconds, ideal for use on low-grip surfaces, such as snow-covered roads.
Did you like it all?
So was there anything we didn’t like about this car? With the XE there is a compromise to be made on interior and boot space. This is the smallest car in its class when it comes to interior space. Rear legroom is on the tight side compared to rivals. The saloon style boot restricts practicality somewhat. There is over 410 litres available, but like for like, it is less than what you find in rivals.
The Jaguar XE is a smooth operator that comes up behind you, overtakes you and you never realised it was just so good. Seductive looks and the prestige of the Jaguar badge should put it on your shortlist as a mid size sports saloon. Yes we can call it a legitimate sports saloon because it really does feel like one. Even with a four cylinder diesel engine!
Once you get behind the wheel you will love the Jaguar for its classy interior and incredible on the road performance and agility. The 2019 facelift keeps the XE very competitive in its segment with the addition of the latest infotainment. The Chequered Flag edition is very tempting for the level of standard kit and price; when you compare it to rivals of similar spec it seems well-priced.
The XE feels smaller inside than rivals but if space is not a priority, then enjoy one of the most fun and sporty compact saloons on the market right now.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Jaguar XE 2.0 D Chequered Flag
Price: €47,005
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 180 hp
Torque: 430 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 228 km/h
Fuel economy: 4.9 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 130 g/km
Motor Tax: €270 per year
Jaguar I-PACE Is European Car Of The Year 2019
The all-electric Jaguar I-PACE has been voted European Car of the Year 2019.
This is the first time a Jaguar has won the coveted prize. The Jaguar I-PACE won the title ahead of competition from the Alpine A110, Citroën C5 Aircross, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 508.
Results of the 2019 vote:
- Jaguar I-Pace: 250 points
- Alpine A110: 250 points
- Kia Ceed: 247 points
- Ford Focus: 235 points
- Citroën C5 Aircross: 210 points
- Peugeot 508: 192 points
- Mercedes-Benz A-class: 116 points
For the first time in the history of the awards, two cars had the same number of winning points: the Alpine A110 and the Jaguar I-Pace. The Jaguar was placed in the number 1 slot more often than the Alpine (Jaguar I-Pace: 18, Alpine A110: 16 times), and so was declared the winner.
The European Car of the Year jury is made up of 60 motoring journalists from 23 countries, and the award recognises technical innovation, design, performance, efficiency and value for money.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “For our first electric vehicle to also be the first Jaguar to win European Car of the Year gives us a huge sense of pride."
“I-PACE was designed and engineered in the UK from a clean sheet of paper. It is the most technologically advanced battery electric vehicle. It’s a true game-changer. Winning European Car of the Year is an honour and real recognition of what our world-class team has delivered.”
The Jaguar I-PACE has already 8,000 customer deliveries to date, with 75 per cent of them in Europe. The electric powertrain and bespoke aluminium architecture offer sports car performance and SUV practicality.
The I-PACE has received 55 awards worldwide since it was revealed a year ago, including German, Norwegian and UK Car of the Year, BBC TopGear magazine EV of the Year, China Green Car of the Year, and Autobest’s ECOBEST Award.
Jaguar E-Pace Review
Caroline reviews the Jaguar E-PACE.
In 2017 Jaguar expanded their SUV range with the new Jaguar E-PACE. After the success of the Jaguar F-PACE, the E-PACE is a more compact SUV in the Jaguar range with pricing starting from €36,000. Indeed, the E-PACE is the most compact car Jaguar has ever built.
On the outside, Jaguar has done an excellent job to make a compact SUV that still has great proportions and stance, though the overall look is softer and less aggressive than the F-PACE. It's great to see Jaguar finally stepping into this segment, as the E-PACE looks like something truly different to German and Scandinavian rivals.
Inside, the cabin quality is mostly good with soft touch materials but there are cheaper parts to it also. The interior doesn't 'hug' you with the same plushness that you might find in a Jaguar saloon. Still, there's prestige in that steering wheel embossed with Jaguar logo and slipping into the E-PACE's leather seats is hardly undignified.
The cabin design is straightforward, with the new Jaguar InControl infotainment system adding the most interest to the cabin. The new 10-inch Touch Pro tablet allows you to touch, pinch, zoom and scroll through all your contacts, music, vehicle and navigation options, while the InControl smartphone app facilitates remote vehicle status checks and locking, as well as journey history.
The nature of this beast is compact and while there is seating for five, realistically the rear will be more comfortable for two. The boot is a good 577 litres with a flat sill for easy loading.
In Ireland, the Jaguar E-PACE is available in front wheel drive and all wheel drive, with the choice of 6-speed manual and 9-speed automatic gearboxes. Engine options include a 2.0-litre diesel with 150bhp, 180bhp or 240bhp or a 2.0-litre petrol with 250bhp or 300bhp.
In essence there are two trim ranges: E-PACE and a sportier styled E-PACE R-Dynamic range. Each comes in base trim, S, SE and HSE. Standard features include 17" alloys, electrically adjustable front seats, LED headlights, Touch Pro 10" infotainment, Emergency Braking, Rear Camera, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Condition Monitor, and Front and Rear Parking Aid.
The model I was test driving was an E-PACE S D150 with 2.0-litre 150bhp diesel, all wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. The list price for this model is €53,450.
Equipment on this model includes 18” alloys, leather upholstery, Connect Pro Pack with Pro Services and WiFi Hotspot, Smartphone Pack with InControl Apps, Park Pack with 360° Parking Aid, Rear Traffic Monitor, Traffic Sign Recognition and Adaptive Speed Limiter.
What's the Jaguar E-PACE like to drive?
On the road, the E-PACE offers a nicely compliant ride, and good refinement and insulation for motorway driving. The handling is good, erring on the sporty side for the segment, though it's a long way off the athleticism and dynamism of the larger F-PACE.
The diesel engine pulls strongly, though the automatic gearbox can be clumsy to change gear at times and there is audible diesel gurgle at idle and around town. There are a number of different driving modes including a Dynamic mode, which adds a pleasant urgency to the acceleration.
The Jaguar E-PACE is a smart, compact SUV delivering Jaguar style along with the sort of refinement and comfort that comes with a premium motor. While some buyers may be disappointed to find that the E-PACE is lacking some of the dynamic appeal and quality that's so evident in Jaguars like the F-PACE and XF saloon, the E-PACE still has plenty to play with in this highly lucrative segment.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Jaguar E-PACE S 2.0D I4 150 PS AWD Auto
Price: €53,450 (Available from €36,000)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 150hp
Torque: 380Nm
0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds
Top speed: 193km/h
CO2 emissions: 147g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year
Jaguar F-Pace Review
The Jaguar F-PACE is Jaguar's first ever SUV and the brand is confidently billing it as ‘the practical sports car’.
On the surface at least, the styling of the new Jaguar F-Pace is every bit as evocative as a classic Jaguar sports car, with a level of drama and dynamism that is missing from many rivals. The big, upright grille and slim LED headlamps make a bold statement, while at the back there are many similarities to be drawn with the F-Type coupé. Not a bad thing at all!
Inside I think the F-Pace is best described as ‘modern luxury with a sports car feel’. The centre console has a slick design built around a touchscreen system to control media, Bluetooth connection and navigation. The cabin is awash with contemporary finishes and the overall quality secures the F-Pace’s position at the premium end of the mid-size SUV segment.
The F-Pace was one of the most hotly anticipated new cars of 2016 and the build-up began long before the car premiered at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Much was made of the F-Pace’s performance pedigree and certainly there is a sense that Jaguar put everything into the development of this car to make it special. The F-Pace has the same lightweight construction as the the XE and XF saloons and so is 80% aluminium. You can really get a sense of that car-like DNA when driving the F-Pace and also in the way you as a driver are positioned in the car in relation to the steering wheel, controls and pedals. The centre tunnel is also quite high for an SUV so it all enhances the sports car feel behind the wheel.
The F-Pace is available in two or four wheel drive and even four wheel drive models operate as rear wheel drive vehicles in normal driving conditions. It is a fantastic SUV to drive. The F-Pace has an athletic and playful character on the road that belies its sheer bulk. The steering is fluid and precise, and torque vectoring comes as standard so you can pull the F-Pace tightly into bends with a great deal of precision and there’s no loss of stability. It’s remarkably flat and balanced through corners for a high riding SUV. The suspension is firm enough to keep it tight in the corners, but there is also compliancy there to keep things mostly smooth and comfortable in the cabin.
In terms of engines, a 2.0-litre diesel with 180hp is the best for economy. For the more performance oriented buyer there is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel (300hp) and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol (380hp). My test car had the 2.0-litre diesel and an automatic transmission. It’s a quick, quiet and smooth combination. 0-100kmh is 8.7 seconds and motor tax is just €280 per year for the four wheel drive model. The official economy is close to 53mpg, while I returned 43mpg during my time with the car.
Elsewhere, the F-Pace is a spacious five seat family car with large footwells and a 650 litre boot. Pricing starts at €44,100 for rear wheel drive models and €47,800 for four wheel drive models. In Ireland, the F-Pace is available in SE, Prestige, R-Sport, S and Portfolio trims. Standard equipment includes keyless start, cruise control, climate control, four electric windows, electric parking brake, 18" alloys, front fog lights, touchscreen infotainment and a host of safety equipment.
The V6 diesels start at €69,700, while the V6 petrols start at €78,000.
The new Jaguar F-Pace lives up to the hype, and really does deliver as a practical, fashionable and quite cool SUV. The 2.0-litre diesel might leave performance oriented buyers wanting but it ticks the boxes for efficiency and competitive pricing, and ensures that this car should easily find its market and really boost Jaguar sales.
But what sets the F-Pace apart is that it is a true driver’s car, and I didn’t think that was always possible with an SUV. The Jaguar F-Pace is an exciting SUV to drive and performs with the poise and intent of a much sportier vehicle. Jaguar has stayed true to their sports car roots in the development of their first ever SUV and it really shows in the new F-Pace.
Now watch my F-Pace video review:
Model tested: Jaguar F-Pace 2.0 AWD Prestige Auto
Price: €56,210 ( Range starts at €44,100)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 180hp
0-100km/h: 8.7 seconds
Economy: 53.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 139g/km
Tax band: €280 per year
Caroline Kidd
Jaguar F-Pace Irish Launch
The new Jaguar F-Pace has arrived in Ireland. Like a lot of people I gasped a little bit when I heard Jaguar would be making an SUV – the first ever for the brand. Jaguar, long the purveyor of luxury saloons and sports cars, was about to put a toe into one of the most lucrative and popular segments of the market, but hardly the sexiest.
Yet I gasped again when I saw the pictures of this new Jag. The F-Pace was a thing of pure beauty even on the pages of a magazine – large, yes – but with styling every bit as evocative as a sports car.
The F-Pace must be one of the most anticipated new cars of recent years. It’s finally landed in Ireland. The F-Pace is classed as a premium mid-size SUV and Jaguar Ireland is pitching it as the ‘practical sports car’.
As such, the sporty BMW X4 and Porsche Macan are the core competitors, though the F-Pace has a considerably lower entry price – 2.0-litre diesel RWD models with a manual gearbox start from €44,100, AWD models from €47,800. Models with automatic gearbox or high performance V6 engines are pricier.
Driving the Jaguar F-Pace
On a test drive, the F-Pace felt sporty and engaging. Even four wheel drive models operate as rear wheel drive vehicles in normal driving circumstances for more agility and fun behind the wheel, only switching to four wheel drive when the car senses the extra traction is needed. The F-Pace has an 80% aluminium structure to keep the overall weight of the car light, but rigid. Torque vectoring comes as standard, which improves cornering performance.
Engine options include the 2.0-litre 180PS Ingenium diesel, 300PS 3.0-litre V6 diesel and 380PS 3.0-litre V6 petrol from the F-Type sports car. The 2.0-litre diesel will meet the needs of most buyers and on a test drive it was quick, smooth and quiet. Mated to a manual transmission on RWD drive models, emissions are just 129g CO2 per km (motor tax €270 per year).
Inside there is seating for five and a huge boot of 650 litres. The cabin is modern luxury with a sports car feel. There are four trim levels – SE, Prestige, Portfolio and R-Sport – and standard equipment levels are high including 18” alloys, keyless start, cruise control, halogen headlights with daytime running lights, front fog lights, space saver spare wheel, four electric windows, dual zone climate control, analogue dials and 5” TFT full colour display, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, autonomous emergency braking, emergency brake assist, lane departure warning and electronic hand brake.
Anything else?
At the launch, the All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) was demonstrated. To make the most of the available grip, ASPC automatically controls the throttle and the brakes, enabling the vehicle to pull away smoothly: the driver just has to steer. ASPC functions between 3.6km/h and 30km/h, and the driver selects the desired speed using the cruise control switches. ASPC is compatible with rear- and all-wheel drive and is ideal for nervous or inexperienced drivers in low grip situations.
With sales of just under 500,000 cars globally in 2015, the F-Pace will boost Jaguar’s fortunes even more. Closer to home, the new F-Pace gives Jaguar Ireland access to a new burgeoning segment, where their sister brand Land Rover is already reigning supreme with the Discovery Sport.
It’s a segment rife with competition from Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, but the Jaguar’s competitive pricing, good looks and sporty pedigree give it every chance of success.
The F-Pace is in Jaguar dealers now.
Caroline Kidd
Jaguar XF Arrives In Ireland
Jaguar Ireland launched the new XF to the Irish media last Thursday at Carton House, Co. Kildare. The Jaguar XF is the brand’s executive saloon and a rival to the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and comes hot on the wheels of the new XE compact executive saloon launched earlier this year.
When the first generation of the XF was launched back in 2007, it was a radical step forward for Jaguar, the most obvious deviation from Jaguars of old being the bold design that finally threw off any remnants of a fusty old image and a certain 1980’s TV detective.
The new Jaguar XF builds on that and it might be a predictable thing to say, but the new XF is indeed even better-looking than before. Muscular, elegant, sporty – it’s a car you can’t wait to drive.
Inside the new Jaguar XF
Slip in behind the wheel and it’s a blend of old and new. The cream leather seats and interior finish in the Prestige trim car I drove at the launch give the old school luxury feel, but decorative metal dash inserts scream modernity. There are loads of nice design touches on board like the rotary gear selector that rises up from the centre console on start up, and an 8” touchscreen in the centre of the dash that controls infotainment and navigation.
A quick look around the XF before setting off reveals a large, spacious car. The wheelbase is 51mm longer than before, but the XF is actually marginally shorter and lower than the car it replaces. The boot is 540 litres and rear passengers get 15mm more legroom, 24mm more kneeroom and up to 27mm more headroom compared to the outgoing model.
The construction of the old XF was steel-based, but the new XF is now 75% aluminium, which makes the body stiffer and lighter. Jaguar engineers say that they have saved 190kg in weight, the knock-on effect being improved driving dynamics and efficiency.
Jaguar Land Rover’s new 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel has also been added to the range in two different power outputs, 163PS or 180PS, available with a manual or automatic transmission.
The 2.0-litre petrol (240PS) automatic, 3.0-litre V6 diesel (300PS) automatic, and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol (340PS and 380PS) automatic complete the XF range. The 2.0-litre diesel has attractive low emissions and running costs - in its lowest power output and with a manual gearbox, it will return up to 70mpg, and has emissions of just 104g CO2/km.
Driving the new XF
I took the 2.0-litre 180PS automatic for a drive at the launch and from the get-go it’s an exciting car to drive. The XF has a rear wheel drive layout so there is near 50:50 weight distribution over the front and rear axles. It grips the road well and initial impressions are that it's very agile and very powerful, with accurate steering that's noticeably weighty.
For the Irish market, there are four trim levels - XF Business Edition, XF Prestige, XF R-Sport and XF Portfolio – with the entry level 2.0-litre (163PS) diesel manual priced from €43,205. Prestige models start at €45,995, R-Sport start at €47,240 and Portfolio start at €49,280. The XF 'S' sits at the very top of the range with the 3.0-litre V6 380 PS petrol engine borrowed from the F-Type and a list price of €92,350. Only for purists!
Standard equipment includes cruise control and speed limiter, rear parking aid, electric windows and mirrors, 8” touchscreen infotainment and navigation, dual zone climate control, tyre pressure monitor, 17” alloys and lane departure warning system. New XFs come with ‘Jaguar Care’ - a three-year warranty, unlimited mileage servicing and roadside assistance package.
Lighter, more efficient, more space, exciting to drive, better-looking and all without a whiff of 'old money' - if you are in the market for a mid-size executive car, the new Jaguar XF might surprise you!
Caroline Kidd