JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Just launched is the latest version of Jaguar’s F-Pace SUV with a revised shell, choice of battery drive, conventional four- or six-cylinder propulsion, and the latest in infotainment.
The first F-Pace was shown in July 2015 at Germany’s Frankfurt auto show but didn’t reach South Africa until June 2016
The latest version has a revised exterior, all-new interior, latest generation Pivi Pro infotainment and the choice of in-line four- or six-cylinder engines – as well as PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) technology.
The new exterior design, Jaguar says, has given the F-Pace SUV ”a cleaner, more assured, presence” thanks to a reshaped bonnet, wider ”power bulge” and more-efined surfaces.
DARK MESH DETAIL
The new bonnet shape is said to ”contribute to a more striking finish by reducing the number of shutlines on the front of the car”.
The larger grille follows Jaguar’s ‘diamond’ detailing; the side vents now carry the iconic ”leaping leopard” and a new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details, Jaguar adds, ”visually widen the new F-Pace”.
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Very slim all-diode quad headlights/running lights can be ordered with Pixel diode technology and the headlights are self-adjusting according to the road level and approaching vehicles. The system can create light-beam patterns by selecting various diode segments yet will not distract other drivers.
Some models have self-dipping headlights.
The tail-lights display Jaguar’s double chicane graphic and the tail hatch has, Jaguar says, ”been sculpted to add visual drama”. R-Dynamic spec adds design elements ”for a more performance-focused look” – or customers can opt for a Black Exterior Pack.
The revised cabin focuses on a central 30cm, curved-glass, high-definition touchscreen to controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, with wood veneer. Laser-etched mid-line speaker frets and a metallic rotary controller ”epitomise attention to detail”.
The drive selector features an upper section finished with what Jaguar calls ”cricket-ball stitching” and new door casings carry lots of stowage beneath the powered windows for passengers whose thicker cushions include massage function, heating, and cooling.
The new F-Pace is available with P400e PHEV propulsion or a straight four- or six-cylinder diesel Ingenium engine spinning all-wheel drive through an eight-speed auto transmissions.
Here’s the full range for South Africa…
Diesel
147kW two-litre, four-cylinder, turbo, eight-speed auto AWD
221kW three-litre, six-cylinder, turbo, eight-speed auto AWD
Petrol
184kW two-litre, four-cylinder, turbo, eight-speed auto AWD
297kW PHEV two-litre, four-cylinder, turbo, eight-speed auto AWD
The new PHEV model can produce a combined 297kW and 640Nm from its petrol engine and 76kW electric motor for a 0-100km/h time of 5.3sec. Fully charged, the P400e can travel about 50km on battery power alone.
Your call on whether you get to the office and home without a recharge…
EIGHT-SPEED AUTO
A next-generation 147kW two-litre, four-cylinder, Ingenium diesel engine joins the line-up, while an in-line six diesel producing 221kW/700Nm delivers acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.4sec.
Finally, the two-litre, four-cylinder, Ingenium petrol can make 184kW/365Nm to haul to 100km/h in 7.3sec.
Each engine drives through an eight-speed autobox; paddles on the steering-wheel lets the driver play manual shifting.
The infotainment system two simultaneous phone connections and fast-charging.
ALL-ROUND SEEING EYE
Possibly the most useful addition is a monitor system to warn of approaching traffic – from buses to bicyclists – for exiting occupants. (If that had been around 40 years ago our motorcyclist editor might still have a complete right knee!)
Jaguar’s latest 3D Surround Camera technology delivers more detail when manoeuvring, exiting into a main road or accessing a tight parking slot.
Customers can choose from S, SE R-Dynamic or HSE R-Dynamic trim levels.
- The new Jaguar F-Pace is scheduled for South African launch in early 2021. Prices then.
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