The Face of Success

When it comes to developing a car, passion and practicality are often at odds. Lean too close to the former, and you’re left with something that excels in certain situations but fails in most others. Lean too close to the latter and driving dynamics and styling tend to suffer.

Enter the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE. Despite being the automaker’s first attempt at a luxury crossover, it’s exceptionally fun to drive, stylish, and plenty spacious, making it one of the top new choices and a new model that its competitors should most definitely be worried about. 

Performance

Jaguar approached the crowded crossover segment from a different angle, and that’s apparent from the powertrains on hand for the 2017 F-PACE. 

The first-ever Jaguar crossover SUV launches with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that’s already used in numerous other Jaguar models, as well as those of sister brand Land Rover. Buyers can choose between a base version with 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque and a version with 380 hp (torque remains unchanged). Both versions are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive.

The 340-hp version does 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, while the 380-hp does the deed in 5.1 seconds. Both supercharged models top out at 155 mph. The all-wheel drive system on all F-PACE models sends most power to the rear wheels for better handling. It’s also integrated with the Jaguar Adaptive Surface Response system, which ties in the throttle mapping, transmission, and stability control to adapt to different conditions.

Later this year, a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel four-cylinder will be added to the lineup. Diesels have never been as popular in the U.S. as they are in Europe, but Jaguar chose this one to provide good fuel economy without sacrificing performance. The engine produces 180 hp and 318 lb-ft of torque, which is again sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While less powerful than the gasoline V6, the diesel will still sprint to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 129 mph. 

Features

The 2017 Jaguar F-PACE is a five-door, five-seat crossover SUV. In fact, it’s the first-ever Jaguar SUV. It launches with six trim levels, priced from $40,990.*

Befitting a luxury vehicle, the base F-PACE comes well equipped, with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, 11-speaker Meridian® audio system, LED daytime running lights, HD Radio®, sliding panoramic roof, power tailgate, 40/20/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and power-adjustable front seats.

The F-PACE Premium includes all of the applicable standard features from the base model and adds 19-inch wheels, front-seat and exterior mirror memory, a rearview camera, and auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors. The F-PACE Prestige includes all of those features, Taurus leather seats, heated front seats and steering wheel, Jaguar InControl Apps™ connectivity, power lumbar for the front seats, interior mood lighting, front and rear parking aids, keyless entry, and navigation.

Further up the hierarchy, the F-PACE R-Sport incorporates the standard equipment from the preceding models, along with 20-inch wheels, a body kit, full LED headlights, fog lights, sport seats, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and other features.

For 2017, the penultimate F-PACE model is the F-PACE S, which adds the 380-hp supercharged V6 engine, Adaptive Dynamics with Configurable Dynamic Mode, Adaptive Surface Response, a distinctive body kit, red brake calipers, and more.

To celebrate the launch of this all-new model, Jaguar also offers an F-PACE First Edition for 2017. This limited-edition model includes all of the previously mentioned standard equipment, plus 22-inch wheels, gesture-controlled tailgate head-up display, 17-speaker Meridian® Digital surround sound system, four-zone automatic climate control, reclining heated rear seats, unique interior with Houndstooth-embossed Windsor leather sport seats, and the most advanced version of the Jaguar InControl® infotainment system.

Design

The F-PACE is based on the Jaguar C-X17 concept car, retaining much of its athletic character. It features plenty of the handsome styling elements that define the Jaguar XE and XF sedans, and rides on the new Jaguar Lightweight Aluminum Architecture, making it among the lightest vehicles in its class. The exterior styling is nice and boasts some elements from the F-TYPE sports car at the rear.

The interior also features the handsome design language of other recent Jaguar models, making the F-PACE feel like more than just another crossover. It’s loaded with technology, including the latest version of the Jaguar InControl® infotainment system with InControl® Apps smartphone connectivity, and InControl® Remote functionality that allows iOS and Android users to control certain vehicle functions remotely through an app.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, park-assist system, lane-keep assist with Drive Condition Monitoring, Blind Spot Monitor with Close Vehicle Sensing, Reverse Traffic Detection, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Traffic Sign Recognition with Adaptive Speed Limiter.

Verdict 

For a company that’s never made an SUV before, Jaguar certainly seems to have the fundamentals of the game down. The 2017 Jaguar F-PACE looks like a compelling first entry into a crowded and competitive segment.

Be sure to contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516 to be among the first to test drive the all-new Jaguar F-PACE.

*Price shown is Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Total Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price includes $995 destination/handling charge and may include optional equipment but excludes tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.

Image Credit: Jaguar