Review - Jaguar F-Pace

Sports car glamour with extra room

Usually known for its slick sports cars, Jaguar has landed this grand beauty in the SUV market – and it’s going to give rivals a run for their money. Imagine cruising out of the office on a Friday to after-work drinks in this fierce machine, with so much space for all your office needs, an overnight bag thrown in for that weekend road trip and even a kiddy seat or two. Powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6, this champ of a car belts out 280kW and 450Nm, making it (at the time of writing) the second most powerful SUV in this specific class in Australia, behind the Porsche Macan Turbo. The fully digital instrument cluster display is new for Jaguar, which has up until now kept to traditional dials. The loss of tradition is of little consequence, however, as drivers can look forward to an all new level of engagement. You can also personalise the display in your favourite themes and colours, and show various things like the map from the standard sat-nav. 

A solid performer with its classic interior

The cabin, with its attention to detail, is built with the stuff only Jaguar dreams are made of. Not only do you get the brand’s stylish current decor, there’s also the wrap-around dash forming perfectly into the pretty LED-lit door trims. With its built-in sat-nav, you can swipe your way around the menus, with a heap of onboard apps to keep you informed and entertained. The optional Brogue brown leather, against the sleek black exterior, captures the classic luxury sports theme to a tee. And with separate climate control for the rear and an 11-speaker 380W Meridian sound system, this beast will be the envy of all your mates. If the F-PACE has any flaws, they are minor – the optional 22-inch wheels, which are a little overwhelming for the chassis and steering, possibly tarnishes its dynamics. The power window buttons also sit atop the door window sill, which is a little awkward for some.

Our verdict

Overall, the 2016 Jaguar F-PACE S 35t is a classically stylish car with loads of room and power. It can take you from the office to the beach to a girl’s night out with ease. Prices start at a steep $103,420, however buyers can jump into an F-PACE (20d diesel) from as little as $74,340, making the F-PACE one of the more affordable SUVs in its class.

Five specs you need to know

1. Engine: 3.0-litre Supercharged Petrol V6
2. Transmission and drive: Eight-speed auto, All wheel drive
3. ANCAP rating: Five stars
4. Official fuel economy: 7.3L/100km
5. 0-100km/h: 5.7s

Pros:

• Impressive, powerful performance.
• Eye-catching Jaguar design – possibly the sexiest SUV in its class.
• Expansive cargo area (650 litres) to store all your stuff.
• Latest technology with optional ‘Leisure Activity’ key/wrist watch, digital dash, drive modes.

Cons:

• Steep price
• Fairly high fuel economy (11.22L/100km during test).
• Visibility not the best