2017 Jaguar XE - Review

►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

(View Full Photos)

► PRICE :

2.0L Turbocharged I-4, 240hp   $34,900

2.0L Turbocharged I-4, 180hp   $36,400

3.0L Supercharged V6, 340hp   $41,700

Every now and again, an upstart luxury sport sedan comes along to challenge the status quo. But the challenge is usually unsuccessful, simply because the established German players are so good at what they do. Nonetheless, we think a happier ending is in store for the all-new 2017 Jaguar XE. The venerable British carmaker has taken dead aim at the segment stalwarts, and the result is a fully competitive sedan with thrilling performance and head-turning style to boot.

The fact that the XE looks as good, if not better, than its rivals can be seen in photos. Where its inner beauty lies, however, is in the driving experience it provides. Its superlative balance between sharp, engaging handling and a comfortable, composed ride is among the absolute best in the entry-level sport sedan segment. This is a car that sets out to make a connection with the driver in a way that competitors have increasingly failed to do.

Another key to its success could be its diverse range of compelling engines. The most popular will likely be the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (240 horsepower), but there's also a fuel-sipping turbodiesel four (with a whopping 318 pound-feet of torque) and a stirring supercharged V6 (with 340 hp). The latter two are available with all-wheel drive.

Inside, the XE certainly isn't lacking on the feature content front, but its space and quality leave much to be desired. In particular, the cabin's materials and construction trail those of most competitors by a considerable margin. It feels closer to a Ford Fusion (an admittedly high-quality midsize sedan) than a Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

As such, we think the 2017 Jaguar XE is best suited to those who want to drive an engaging car and look great doing it. It's something fun, something different, and it stands out in a good way. However, there's no getting around the fact that its well-rounded German competitors will probably be a better fit for more car shoppers. These include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. Taking a look at the Lexus IS or the Cadillac ATS (similar to the XE in many ways) is also a good idea. Inevitably, Jaguar finally has a car that competes in this group, and we think it's definitely worth a test drive.(View Full Photos)

EXTERIOR

Design-wise, the XE is everything we expected from a sports sedan aimed at the BMW 3er. It has a long hood, a short rear end and coupe-like roofline that is apparently inspired by the XF. Overall, the sedan’s lines are deeply sculpted, although the profile lines are rather soft. The front end is highlighted by narrow headlamps and the large grille, while prominent air dams — likely reserved only for the XE S — occupy most of the bumper.

Around back, the XE borrows yet again from the XF, especially in the taillight and bumper areas. That said, it’s more than obvious that Brits sacrificed the XF’s elegant lines in favor of a sportier appearance. The brand-new design comes with an impressive drag coefficient that sits at only 0.26.

The standard model rides on 17-inch wheels, but options include anything from 18- to 20-inch rollers. Various wheel designs are also available.

Just like the rest of the Jaguar lineup, the XE has been developed using stiff, bonded and riveted aluminum structures, an aerospace-inspired technology that leads to impressive weight loss. Designed around a new modular platform, the XE’s structure is mostly made of lightweight 6000-series aluminum. Specifically, 75 percent of the unibody is crafted from the lightweight metal, which enables it to deliver extraordinary torsional stiffness.

Additionally, the sedan also makes use of a new grade of high-strength aluminum that features a high level of recycled material. Dubbed RC 5754, the new material will expand across the Jaguar lineup by 2020.(View Full Photos)

INTERIOR

The compact’s cabin is clean to look at, but in doesn’t appear to lack the luxury needed to compete against its German rivals. Sure, it lacks the presence of the Mercedes Mercedes -Benz C-Class’ cockpit, but its driver-focused character becomes obvious once you look at the center console separating the front seats. Although sporty, the interior exudes a sense of high-quality thanks to its traditional wood veneers, aluminum and piano-black inserts and finishes.

The brand new XE is available with one of two brand-new infotainment systems – dubbed InControl Touch and InControl Touch Pro. InControl Touch has an eight-inch touchscreen and supports Bluetooth, audio streaming and Bluetooth connectivity. Navigation and voice control is also standard on the InControl Touch system.

InControl Touch Pro is far more advanced than the basic system, featuring a quad-core processor and high-speed solid state drive. Added to that, the system is connected to the vehicle with ultra-fast Ethernet networking cable. According to Jaguar the system is up to five times faster technology in competing models. The system is controlled by a 10.2-inch touchscreen that can be customized with widgets and custom home screens. It is also capable of multi-tasking like most smartphones, which means media can be streamed on half of the screen and navigation on the other half. The system is also equipped with dead-reckoning functionality that can analyze sensor data and accurately provide directions, even if GPS signal is lost during a commute.(View Full Photos)

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2017

► Make:Jaguar

► Model:XE

► Price:$ 34900

► Engine:V6

► Transmission:ZF 8HP45 8-speed automatic

► Horsepower @ RPM:340 @ 6500

► Torque @ RPM:332 @ 4500

► Displacement:3.0 L

► 0-60 time:4.9 sec.

► Top Speed:155 mph (Est.)

FEATURES

Jaguar sells the XE in trim packages based on powertrain choice—so first, you'll pick between gas and diesel, 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder, rear- and all-wheel drive.

We give the Jaguar XE an 8 out of 10, for its good options list, infotainment, and its warranty and service plan.

The gas-powered turbo-4 only comes in base, Premium, and Prestige trim, with rear-wheel drive. Diesel XEs come in either drivetrain configuration, and in all trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport. V-6 models cannot be ordered in base trim.

Base prices start from $35,895 on a base gas-powered XE, to $37,395 for the diesel sedan, to $42,695 for the XE 35t; to a gulpworthy $52,695 for XE 35t R-Sport with all-wheel drive.

Base cars get 17-inch wheels; power features; cruise control; automatic climate control; eight-way power front seats; fixed rear seat; paddle shift controls; synthetic leather; sunroof; LED taillights; and keyless ignition. At this level, there's no rearview camera, no leather, no split-folding rear seat—but all cars come with Jaguar EliteCare, which offers bumper-to-bumper warranty and maintenance for 5 years or 60,000 miles. It's a serious reason to consider Jaguar above its luxury rivals.

► Jaguar XE option packages

Other features are bundled into those trim packages. Premium models get a folding rear seat; rearview camera; a 380-watt audio system with 11 speakers; and either 17- or 18-inch wheels, depending on whether they're fitted with or 4-cylinder or the 6-cylinder.

The Prestige package is the one we'd start with. It adds navigation with voice control; metallic trim; leather; power front seats; heated steering wheel; keyless entry; 18-inch wheels (4-cylinders); 19-inch wheels (V-6); and heated front seats.

The spicier R-Sport adds blind-spot monitors; parking sensors; forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking; lane-departure warnings with active lane control; satellite radio; automatic high beams; LED daytime running lights; sport seats; an R-Sport front and rear bumpers and side sills.

Notable options in packages include heated seats, steering wheel, and windshield (base and Premium); blind-spot monitors and parking sensors (Premium and Prestige); cooled front and heated rear seats and a power trunklid (Prestige and R-Sport); surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise, and parking assist (R-Sport); and InControl Touch Pro with 825-watt audio (Prestige and R-Sport).

Stand-alone options include that rearview camera; satellite radio; InControl Touch navigation; a head-up display; and adaptive driving modes.

► Jaguar XE infotainment and audio

Jaguar brings its latest InControl infotainment system to the XE in two flavors. There's a standard version with an 8.0-inch touchscreen and Bluetooth with audio streaming, and USB connectivity. InControl Pro ups the screen size to 10.2 inches and adds SD card navigation, mobile hotspot capability, and access via a remote app that lets drivers perform some functions from their smartphone, such as remote starting and locking or unlocking the vehicle.

InControl Pro is also able to stream audio directly from apps on a connected Android or Apple smartphone; Spotify is a new addition to the roster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not yet a part of the firmware, however.

In our experience, the InControl systems are pretty and have a lovely touch-and-swipe functionality, with smart ideas like star-based favorites accessible across the system. We've also experienced glitchy Bluetooth streaming, stiff radio toggles on the steering wheel, and thin and reedy sound from the Meridian sound systems. In the end, we give it credit for big displays and lots of functions; just double-step the smartphone systems and we'll be happy.(View Full Photos)

STYLING

The 2017 Jaguar XE is a small luxury sedan offered in four main trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige and R-Sport. Each can be paired with multiple engines, denoted in the model name by 25t (gasoline four-cylinder), 20d (diesel four-cylinder) or 35t (gasoline six-cylinder). Specifically, the base XE comes in 25t or 20d specification, while the Premium and Prestige are offered with all three engines, and the R-Sport comes in 20d or 35t form. Note too that every XE with the 35t engine includes a sport-tuned suspension, which is also included with the XE 20d R-Sport (rear-wheel-drive only).

The base XE starts with 17-inch wheels, three selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco and Dynamic), automatic wipers, automatic engine stop-start for conserving fuel at rest, an electronic parking brake, remote keyless entry, push-button start, a dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, the 8-inch InControl touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system with HD radio, a USB media port and an auxiliary audio jack. A navigation system with InControl Apps is optional.

The Premium adds different 17-inch wheels (or 18-inch wheels if you get the XE 35t), power-folding and auto-dimming side mirrors, driver memory settings, a rearview camera, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback and an 11-speaker Meridian audio system with a subwoofer.

Going with the Prestige further equips the XE with 18-inch wheels (19-inchers for the XE 35t), metal doorsill inserts, keyless entry and ignition, ambient interior lighting, a power-adjustable and heated steering wheel, heated front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment, upgraded leather upholstery and the navigation system with InControl Apps.

Finally, there's the R-Sport with its own wheel designs (18-inch wheels for the XE 20d, 19s for the XE 35t), adaptive xenon headlights with washers, LED running lights, automatic high beams, a rear spoiler, distinctive exterior trim details, sport front seats, an imitation-leather-wrapped instrument panel, satellite radio and a number of safety technologies (see Safety section for details).

Some of the higher trims' standard features are offered on lower trims as options. Additionally, the Prestige and R-Sport trims offer Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics (adaptive suspension dampers and adjustable drive settings), a Black Design package (gloss-black exterior trim), a Comfort and Convenience package (ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power rear sunshade, power trunklid), a Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with advanced automatic emergency braking, surround-view parking camera, automated parking system, traffic sign recognition) and a Technology Pack (mobile 3G Wi-Fi hot spot, CD/DVD player, the 10.2-inch InControl Pro touchscreen and a 17-speaker Meridian audio system).

Further standalone options include some of the items from the above packages plus 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and a handful of special interior trim and veneer selections.(View Full Photos)

SUSPENSION

To enable the XE to become a suitable competitor for the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, Jaguar has developed a brand-new suspension for the sedan. On the rear, the XE is fitted with an integral-link suspension system that brings major improvements over the conventional, multi-link design, according to Jaguar Jaguar . Specifically, the system is tuned to provide better lateral and longitudinal stiffness, which will translate into sharper response and handling, and a more comfortable ride. With many of its components forged or hollow-cast in aluminum, the integral-link suspension is also lighter than a multi-link unit.

Up front, the XE gains a double-wishbone suspension based on the design implemented on the F-Type sports car. The unit is mounted to a subframe with aluminum towers and includes many components found in both the F-Type and the XFR sedan. Also made from cast and forged aluminum, the front suspension provides the XE with additional stiffness and XFR-like agility, while reducing overall weight.

Helping the brand-new suspension provide the necessary grip on slippery surfaces is Jaguar’s all-new All Surface Progress Control feature. Brand-new in its class according to the Brits, the technology works like a low-speed, cruise-control system and prevents the vehicle from skidding in slippery road conditions.(View Full Photos)

POWERTRAIN & EFFICIENCY

Power for the range-topping XE S comes from the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 used throughout the Jaguar range. It excels in delivering its power, and it’s instantaneous, seamless, and strong all the way to the 7000-rpm redline. Given its 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, we predict a zero-to-60-mph run near the head of the pack at 4.7 seconds. The excellent ZF eight-speed automatic—also used by BMW and Audi—is another reminder that no automaker should waste the time or money trying to develop something quicker, smoother, or smarter, because it’s likely an impossible task.

The V-6 engine is neither as honeyed nor as musical as the Audi S4’s engine of similar configuration, displacement, and output. But even if the Jag engine doesn’t achieve the same level of polish, the NVH team has done an admirable job of burying the unpleasant sounds and vibrations behind insulation and bushings. At full throttle, the supercharger is barely audible and the engine plays a subtler variation of the six-cylinder F-type’s rasp.

The 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder is our first taste of Jaguar’s new Ingenium engine family, which will sever the final ties with Ford Motor Company once it’s been fully adopted. The characteristic diesel clatter is suppressed so well that the compression-ignition engine might be more refined than the V-6—at least relative to its peers. In the diesel, the eight forward gears do a fine job of keeping the engine parked in the window between the 317-lb-ft torque peak at 1750 rpm and the maximum power output of 180 horsepower at 4000 rpm.

Pirelli P7 Cinturato tires—which have compromised several BMW 3-series in our tests—dampen that wonderful steering feel found in the XE S, but the chassis motions are otherwise every bit as competent. Besides, the diesel has its own noble purpose. The EPA highway number should easily top 40 mpg, counteracting the thirst of an M3-fighting XE R-S performance model—not yet officially confirmed but we’ve heard it’s a go—for the purposes of corporate fuel-economy accounting.

The diesel’s aluminum block also will form the foundation for a gas-burning Ingenium four-cylinder. That turbocharged 2.0-liter will ultimately make up the bulk of U.S. sales, but we’ll have to wait about six months after the XE’s spring 2016 launch for its arrival. All-wheel drive will be optional with any engine, and we’re promised a six-speed manual for either of the four-cylinder engines, albeit only with rear-wheel drive.(View Full Photos)

ENGINE

Three engines are available for the 2017 Jaguar. The base powerplant is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline 4-cylinder that makes 240 horsepower and is offered in RWD. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine is optional, and can be had with traction-enhancing AWD. It makes 60 less horsepower but generates tremendous torque: 318 lb-ft. The top performer for the 2017 model year is the XE 35t, which features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 of 340 horsepower. Like the diesel, it can be had with RWD or AWD. Interestingly, a RWD V6 Jaguar XE has the same fuel economy ratings as a 4-cylinder gasoline model, but we found that the more powerful engine encouraged vigorous driving -- and thus diminished fuel economy. All engines are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

240 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm

251 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-4,000 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (automatic)

► 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel

180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm

318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6

340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm

332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 mpg (RWD), 20/29 mpg (AWD)

SAFETY

Since neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS has crash-tested the Jaguar XE, we're holding off on assigning it a safety score.

All XE sedans get the usual airbags and stability control.

The XE also offers a passel of active safety equipment in the name of accident prevention. A traction-control system uses sensors to apply power gently and precisely below 19 mph for smoother launches.

Other safety features will include adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitors, parking assist, a laser-projected head-up display, and an autonomous braking system that uses stereo cameras for obstacle detection. Most of these are only available on the most expensive XE R-Sport model.

However, the XE does not have a rearview camera in base trim cars. Outward vision is an issue: the view over the driver's shoulder is almost completely blocked by the wide B-pillar, and the rear glass is slim. 

We'll update this page when more data is available.(View Full Photos)

VIDEO

Video by : Motormouth Canada
(View Full Photos)

►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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2017 Jaguar F- Pace

►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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► PRICE :

Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD $40,990

Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD Premium $44,200

Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD Prestige $48,700

Jaguar F-Pace 20d AWD R-Sport $53,900

Jaguar F-Pace 35t AWD $42,390

Jaguar F-Pace 35t AWD Premium $45,600

Jaguar F-Pace 35t AWD Prestige $50,100

Jaguar F-Pace 35t AWD R-Sport $55,300

Jaguar F-Pace S $56,700

All right, you can stop gnashing your teeth. Yes, yet another fabled luxury brand has succumbed to car buyers' seemingly unquenchable desire for luxury SUVs. But after driving the 2017 F-Pace, I can happily confirm that Jaguar hasn't brokered a deal with the devil, nor is it suffering through some sort of existential crisis. Upscale car companies -- even those best-known for sporting cars -- can offer an SUV without losing their souls in the bargain.

In fact, they'd better. Reading today's market, modern luxury automakers almost don't seem to have a prayer of long-term profitability if they lack a high-rider or three in their portfolio. Jaguar knows this all too well. It's completely reinvented itself over the last eight years, and despite building some utterly beguiling cars, disappointingly few buyers have been paying attention. Last year, Jaguar sales actually slipped by eight percent in a white-hot market that climbed six percent. Across all model lines, Jag sold just 14,466 vehicles in North America in 2015. Meanwhile, its all-SUV, all-the-time sibling, Land Rover, saw sales skyrocket by 37 percent, selling over 70,500 units.

Jaguar may not yearn to be all things to all people like some of its European contemporaries, but clearly it needs the F-Pace rather badly.

Good thing it looks so stylish, right? The F-Pace crossover has adopted the upright, rounded rectangular grille, fast roofline and piercing horizontal light fixtures of Jag's F-Type and its all-new XE and XF sedans, all of which are very fine things indeed. Those individual bits and the English marque's overall styling language actually lend themselves beautifully to a taller, two-box SUV format (certainly better than Porsche's did when it grafted the nose of a 911 onto its ungainly first-generation Cayenne). In the metal, the F-Pace looks taut, handsome and more than a little snarly.

Jaguar officials tell me their new baby is "closest in personality" to BMW's X4 and Porsche's Macan, but its 186.3-inch length, 76.2-inch width and 113.1-inch wheelbase means it's slightly longer and wider than those vehicles. With its larger-than-average interior, the F-Pace arguably straddles crossover segments, and its performance matches up surprisingly well with lower-end examples of bigger, costlier SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne and even the Maserati Levante.

At launch, five primary trim levels will be available, with three engine choices sprinkled among them: Base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport and S. The latter arrives with a 380-horsepower, 3.0-liter supercharged V-6, and models below the S snug either Jag's 180-hp, 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel four-cylinder or a slightly detuned, 340-hp version of the 3.0-liter gas engine between their front fenders. In addition, a special First Edition model will be available in the early going. Just 275 examples are headed to the States, so it's a good bet that all of them are spoken for.

EXTERIOR

Our rendering of the Jaguar F-Pace was pretty spot-on compared to the real deal, which is to say that Jaguar didn’t get too ambitious in giving the SUV a completely unique look. The headlights, for instance, carry the signature ‘J’ Blade design, which can also be found on the 2017 Jaguar XE and 2016 Jaguar XF . Even the gaping grille and the large air intakes were carried over from Jag’s lineup of sedans.

The side of the F-Pace isn’t spectacular by any means. With the exception of a pair of side gills that extend over the front doors, and an inverted crease in the bodywork that gives the SUV an agile stance, the side profile is about as clean and as unassuming as it’s going to get in the SUV segment.

Move to the back and it’s more of the same in the sense that Jaguar didn’t try to do anything spectacular or controversial with the design, opting again for something a little more consistent with its range of sedans.

INTERIOR

The interior of the F-Pace also draws plenty of similarities from its sedan siblings as far as the focus on luxury and refinement are concerned. The luxurious feel is defined by the range of contemporary trim options available for the SUV. Depending on the trim, customers can choose from authentic metal finishes like meshed aluminum to more crafted veneers like Satin Grey Ash.

The SUV’s instrument panel is also similar to the ones found in the XE and XF sedans. It’s made up of two analogue dials and a central FT display as part of the standalone configuration. Potential owners do have the option of getting a larger 12.3-inch virtual instrument cluster that comes with four different visual themes, full-screen navigation, and crystal clear HD. Just below the large display are a series of buttons that are laid out cleanly, keeping the design of the entire center console tight and with minimal clutter.

Space is also a source of pride for the F-Pace as Jaguar made sure to have enough of it to comfortably seat five. The leather sports seats are designed with comfort and support in mind, with 14 different adjustments plus heating and cooling functions. Even with this kind of seating layout, the F-Pace still has room to accommodate 23.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seats flat and the space increases to an impressive 61.4 cubic feet.

SPECIFICATION

► Year:2017

► Make:Jaguar

► Model:F-Pace

► Price:$ 40990

► Engine:inline-4

► Transmission:8-speed automatic

► Horsepower @ RPM:180 @ 4000

► Torque @ RPM:318 @ 1750

► Displacement:2.0 L

► 0-60 time:8.2 sec. (Est.)

► Top Speed:129 mph

FEATURES

Jaguar offers the F-Pace in four trim levels called base, Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport, respectively.

Base models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sliding sunroof, black cladding on the doors, cruise control, a 380-watt sound system with 11 speakers, power front seats, shift paddles, rain-sensing wipers, one-touch up/down windows, heated door mirrors, automatic headlights, a power tailgate, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 40/20/40-split rear seats, air vents for the rear passengers, shopping bag hooks in the trunk, dual-zone A/C, Bluetooth connectivity, HD Radio, and keyless start.

Stepping up to the Premium trim brings 19-inch alloy wheels, a memory function for the front seats, auto-dimming door mirrors, a color-coded touch screen surround, a rear-view camera, and a HomeLink transceiver.

Prestige models benefit from leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, navigation, Jaguar's InControl Apps tech, four-way lumbar adjustment for the front occupants, keyless entry, parking sensors on both ends, and ambient lighting.

The R-Sport model gains 20-inch alloys, a full body kit that brings a more muscular look, front fog lights, LED headlights, satin chrome trim, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, lane keeping assist, a blind spot monitoring system, autonomous emergency front braking, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

The list of options includes several equipment packages. Notably, the Cold Climate Package bundles a heated front windshield, heated washer nozzles, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Vision Package brings Xenon headlights, a blind spot monitoring system, headlight washers, front parking sensors, and rear cross traffic alert. Finally, the Black Package adds gloss black trim all around.

Standalone options include a hitch, heated washer nozzles, a full-size spare, luggage rails, and a Wi-Fi connection.

STYLING

The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace is a compact luxury SUV that seats five passengers. There are five trim levels: base, Premium, Prestige, R-Sport and S. All but the S are available with a choice of engine (specified 20d or 35t). There is also a loaded version of the S known as the First Edition, only 275 of which are bound for the United States.

The base F-Pace comes standard with all-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels, a power liftgate, cruise control, an automatic speed limiter, rear privacy glass, LED running lights, automatic wipers, keyless ignition and entry, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, LuxTec simulated leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, InControl Protect emergency communication services, the InControl Touch 8-inch touchscreen electronics interface, Bluetooth phone and audio, and an 11-speaker Meridian sound system with a USB port, a media player interface, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player. A rearview camera and satellite radio can be added separately.

The Premium adds 19-inch wheels, the rearview camera, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors and driver memory functions. The Vision package adds automatic bi-xenon headlamps with auto-leveling and washers, front and rear parking sensors, and a blind-spot warning system. Both the base and Premium F-Pace models can be bolstered with a Cold package that adds heated front and rear seats, a heated windshield and a heated steering wheel that features upgraded leather. They can also be equipped with a navigation system integrated into the InControl Touch system.

The F-Pace Prestige adds most of the above optional equipment plus front and rear parking sensors, the Cold package equipment, leather upholstery, four-way front seat power lumbar, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a folding rear armrest, voice controls and smartphone apps. It does not include the blind-spot warning system, which is instead included in the Prestige Vision package, which also includes adaptive LED headlamps.

The R-Sport adds 20-inch wheels, special styling elements, the Prestige's optional equipment, foglamps, lane-keeping assist, an automatic emergency braking system, automatic high beams, more aggressively bolstered front seats with power-adjustable thigh support, and a simulated leather-trimmed instrument panel.

The F-Pace S is similarly equipped but comes with 40 extra horsepower, an adaptive suspension (optional on the Prestige and R-Sport) and different styling elements.

The Prestige, R-Sport and S can be equipped with the Comfort & Convenience package, which adds ventilated front seats, power-reclining rear seats, a remote release for the folding rear seats and a hands-free gesture-activated power liftgate. The Technology package adds a full LCD screen instrument cluster, 3G onboard WiFi, a 17-speaker Meridian surround-sound audio system, and a different, upgraded InControl Pro 10-inch touchscreen interface with configurable menu screens and improved functionality. They can also be equipped with a head-up display, roof rails and an "Activity Key" waterproof bracelet that allows you to unlock the car with the key still inside.

The R-Sport and S can be equipped with the Luxury Interior Upgrade package that includes four-zone automatic climate control, additional rear seat air vents, upgraded carpets and headliner, 10-color interior ambient lighting and a cooled glove compartment. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, speed limit notification, three additional parking cameras and an automatic parking system (parallel, perpendicular and exit). They can also be equipped with 22-inch wheels.

The First Edition includes every option possible plus special paint selections, houndstooth interior trim and upgraded leather upholstery with a special houndstooth embossment

PERFORMANCE

Jaguar's parent company already sells plenty of SUVs under its other imprint—maybe you've heard of it, Land Rover?—so the F-Pace has both an overlapping SUV mission and the permission to strike out in a far more performance-oriented direction.

Which it does. With its lighter-weight aluminum body, gobs of supercharged horsepower, and sedan-like road manners, the F-Pace is one of our favorite crossover SUVs to drive quickly, right up there with the Porsche Macan. We give it an 8 for performance, crediting a great drivetrain and its blend of off-road ability and on-road agility for an "exceptional" point.

Power for the F-Pace comes from a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. On most versions it makes 340 horsepower; on the F-Pace S, it's tuned for 380 hp, a 0-60 mph time of about 5 seconds, and a top speed of 155 miles per hour, according to Jaguar.

In either trim, the supercharged V-6 makes no bones about its sporting intentions. It's quick, and the exhaust sounds want you to know it, and that can wear on passengers after a few hundred miles of driving.

Taking the road less traveled—less and less after a worldwide scandal—Jaguar also offers the F-Pace with a turbodiesel inline-4. With 180 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque, it's estimated for a 60-mph run of about 8 seconds, and fuel economy of 33 mpg on the highway

With the turbodiesel, the F-Pace is more relaxed and less vocal. Passing power isn’t overwhelming, but it's the obvious choice if you'll do any light off-roading in this luxury crossover; it'll idle at 800 rpm all day as the F-Pace works its way off pavement, even way off.

► Jaguar F-Pace: traction and all-wheel-drive systems :

An 8-speed automatic with a rotary shift control and, on S models, paddle shift controls, is standard on the F-Pace. It's a perfect companion to both powerplants, with a few ratios devoted to low-end grunt and a couple enabling smooth high-speed cruising.

The F-Pace is the first Jaguar to offer standard all-wheel drive. It’s a new chain-driven system that lets power split from a heavy rear bias to a neutral split from the front to the rear wheels. The setup can constantly vary which wheels get power, based on acceleration and cornering forces.

It's a key part of delivering real off-road ability in the F-Pace. Even though it's fitted normally with 18-, 20-inch tires, the F-Pace can pick its way around rocks and mud thanks to some Land Rover-like specs. (Opting for the 22-inch wheels gets a standard set of summer tires, which is not necessarily ideal for bouldering, but you're welcome to it and please, send video if you do.)

The F-Pace has up to 8.4 inches of ground clearance, and approach and departure angles of 25.5 degrees and 25.7 degrees, front and rear. It can wade through water up to 20.7 inches high.

The SUV also gets a programmable driving-mode system that lets the driver tailor throttle delivery, shift timing, and traction-control settings based on the driving surfaces. Select snow/ice, wet pavement/gravel, or a deep-snow mode, and the F-Pace adjusts its power delivery accordingly.

On our first drive in the Balkan country of Montenegro, the F-Pace moved assertively over old Prussian roads cut into stony ground. Its electronics handled hillclimbs and descents flawlessly, with the turbodiesels getting the easy nod for extreme low-end smoothness.

► Jaguar F-Pace ride and handling :

It can go decent distances into the deep, but the F-Pace is no Land Rover. It's set up to be a practical Jaguar, which means ride and handling take priority over rock climbing and mud-running.

The F-Pace's hardware is based on the stuff that underpins the XF and XE sedans, with some reworking to accommodate its wagon body and higher weight. Most of the mass in its front control arms and rear independent suspension comes from aluminum pieces, for less weight and more responsive handling. Monotube dampers are standard, but the F-Pace also offers adaptive air dampers as an option. 

Steering is variable-ratio, driven by electric motors, tunable in the F-Pace's driving modes. The brakes can simulate torque vectoring by clamping on an inside wheel to tighten the cornering line.

All told, the road-biased handling gives Jaguar an SUV that's on par with Porsche's Macan. Its linear, progressive steering and tightly controlled body motions have a Germanic flair. Its stiff body and firm suspension mean the tires work hard to keep its 4,000 pounds of curb weight in place, but it rarely feels overly heavy or dull.

One note: we'd opt into the mid-range 20-inch wheels and tires. With them, the F-Pace is more absorbent, and steering feel is just plain better. There’s not as much wheel mass to overcome, and finer inputs are easier to execute—while the optional 22-inch tires give great grip, at a noticeable cost to ride quality.

DRIVETRAIN

The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace is offered with a pair of powertrain choices, including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel and the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6. The turbodiesel is the one to pick when economy is king, but the F-Type-derived V-6 is the more lively option. The supercharged mill comes in two versions – one making 340 horsepower and the S version making 380 horsepower. Both tunes kick out 332 pound-feet of torque. Mated to the engine is the venerable and omnipresent ZF eight-speed automatic.

My F-Pace S proved plenty powerful for its 4,015-pound curb weight. The sprint to 60 mph is done in 5.1 seconds and its top speed is governed at 155 mph. Around town, the torquey V-6 combined with the low gearing in the transmission’s bottom gears allows for snappy take-offs. The AWD system ensure no wheel spin impedes forward progress. The ZF also allows for paddle shifting, making the F-Pace a more playful toy. Shifts aren’t nearly as fast as the F-Type’s, but it isn’t laggy by any means.

The V-6’s exhaust note is also audible from inside, especially when deep into the throttle. It’s just the right about of sound, though it’s not the melodic sound I’ve come to adore from the F-Type’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8.

Speaking of the AWD system, Jaguar says it developed this system on its own, so it’s not exactly comparable to Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Still, Jaguar’s All Surface Progress Control allows the driver to select from Dynamic, Normal, Eco, and AdSR. That last one is called Adaptive Surface Response and it automatically adapts the throttle response, transmission shifting, and DSC system to the type of surface it detects is rolling under the tires. This is the proper setting for bad weather or light off-roading.

The AdSR system has three pre-set categories it automatically shifts into. The first is for low-traction environments like snow and ice. The second is for medium traction surfaces like wet roads or gravel. The third mode is for high-drag conditions like deep snow, deep gravel, or deep mud. Keep in mind, the F-Pace isn’t Jaguar’s version of the Range Rover Evoque. It’s not meant to tackle the Rubicon Trail.

ENGINE

Powerhouse heritage is already a big part of the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace. At its May 2016 launch, the F-Pace will come with the same 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that's making a legend out of Jag's F-Type sports car. That sweetheart of an engine comes at two levels of boost: 340-horsepower for the non-S models and 380-horsepower for S versions. In September 2016, the F-Pace will add a potent and fuel-miserly 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder available on all but the S models. Fear it not: This Ingenium diesel engine's 318 lb-ft of torque -- produced from just off idle to 2,500 rpm -- pulls the F-Pace off the line and into traffic easily for hours with barely a dent to the fuel gauge. The superb ZF 8-speed automatic comes standard on all models.

► 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4

180 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm

318 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750-2,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6

340 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm

332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg

► 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (F-Pace S & First Edition models)

380 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm

332 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm

EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/23 mpg

SAFETY

Every 2017 F-Pace comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A rearview camera and parking sensors are optional on the base model and standard on all others. Automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist are standard on the R-Sport and S.  A blind-spot and reverse traffic warning system is also standard on those trims and optional on the Premium and Prestige.

FUEL ECONOMY

The 2017 F-Pace is available in two powertrains, a supercharged V-6 that comes in two different power levels: 340 and 380 hp; and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4.

On the gas models, fuel-economy figures are the same. The EPA rates the F-Pace at 18 mpg city, 23 highway, 20 combined. Having a diesel option is all the better. We give it a 7 for gas mileage. 

That's in line with vehicles like the Porsche Macan GTS, rated at 17/23/19 mpg. The Audi Q5 with the supercharged V-6 comes in higher, at 18/26/21 mpg.

Despite the agita experienced by VW Group diesels and delays in EPA certification, Jaguar is selling a turbodiesel inline-4 version of the F-Pace now. The EPA rates that model at 26/33/29 mpg, which is a substantial improvement over its competitors.

VIDEO

By : The fast lane car

►Edited by : Shahen Tharammal

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