2018 Jaguar E-Pace review
Jaguar is stretching out its claws to take on the compact SUV market.
And it makes sense given its first attempt at an SUV, the F-Pace, quickly became the brand's best-selling vehicle ever. There seems to be an attraction to unconventional vehicle offerings from traditional sports-car only makers and Jaguar’s tapping into it at a rate of knots, even if it means making do with what it’s got.
Based on the same chassis and sharing a similar size body as the Range Rover Evoque, the E-Pace brings a more compact premium SUV into a segment filled with players such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and upcoming Volvo XC40.
But this isn’t just a whittled-down lookalike of the bigger cat.
Unlike many SUV line-ups that plonk the same head and tail on differing sized bodies, the E-Pace takes its influence from the F-Type coupe. And there's more than just a subtle hint of shared design on its nose and rear over much shorter overhangs.
Inside is equally inspired by the sport car’s design and the E-Pace is a genuinely different prospect to the larger SUV in more ways than one.
Underneath its skin is some leading tech such as a modified version of the GKN all-wheel drive system used in the Ford Focus RS hot hatch and a tuned integral-link rear suspension setup that promises a well sorted ride with some sporty character.
But the lack of a genuine compact car platform comes at a cost, and the E-Pace's steel chassis is heavy - heavier than even the bigger, aluminium-based F-Pace - tipping the scales at nearly 1900kg and about 300kg more than most rivals. Jaguar takes a positive approach, however, and says it won’t bother buyers enticed by the premium badge with a sub-$50K price tag. And they’re probably right.
Pricing starts at $47,750 for the entry-grade E-Pace which gets essential safety items such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a reverse camera. Other standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric cloth, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker sound system and LED headlights.
Moving up in spec, the S grade brings nicer leather trim with electric seats, 18-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, 360-degree parking aid and satellite navigation that’s likely to be the popular option.
The second-highest SE trim is equipped with larger 19-inch alloys, 11-speaker Meridian sound system, auto high beam and powered tailgate, while the top-spec HSE brings 21-inch alloys, perforated Windsor leather trim, keyless entry and gesture control for the tailgate.
Inside, the design is unmistakably Jaguar, and the quality of most materials and finishes on switches and touch-points are on par with European rivals. Borrowing from the F-Type further is a driver-focused cockpit that uses the same joystick-style gearshift and passenger side grab handle which opens up the relatively narrow cabin, though the passenger side doesn’t feel claustrophobic despite the long handle arching down its side.
There’s also plenty of storage space available and the centre console bin is versatile, with enough space for two 1.5-litre bottles laying down and multiple cradles for slotting in mobile devices.
A lengthened wheelbase over the Evoque adds some practical leg space in the rear, which is enough for kids on a long trip or for adults on shorter jaunts, and a relatively deep 484 litre boot offers practical dimensions for hauling gear.
Interior design on the E-Pace is a refreshing change from the usual gang, offering more elegance than its sterile peers, though not everything is as intuitive.
The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment takes up most of the centre console and has a nice-looking interface but the lack of a separate rotary controller and connectivity such as Apple CarPlay does make some of the menu diving more clunky than it needs to be.
HSE variants also come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that brings more information underneath the driver’s nose but it isn’t yet a match for Audi’s crisp virtual cockpit.
There’s plenty of other tech to like though, such as 4G-powered wifi hotspot, one USB port for every occupant and Jaguar’s activity wristband which allows locking the key fob inside the car as long as the driver is wearing it.
And if the safe trim options aren’t appealing enough, a sportier look can be optioned with the R-Dynamic package that adds body coloured bumper inserts, gloss black grille with satin chrome surround, fog lights, sating chrome side vents, different steering wheel design with paddle shifters, alloy pedals, black headliner and ebony sports mesh seats with contrasting stitching.
Despite its name, there’s not a whiff of electric power in the line-up, and the range is powered exclusively by three diesel and two petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engines.
The D150, D180 and D240 produce 110kW/380Nm, 132kW/430Nm and 177kW/500Nm respectively, while the P240 and range-topping P300 produce 183kW/365Nm and 221kW/400Nm. All engines are mated to a nine-speed ZF automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Our road test vehicles consisted of only the most powerful petrol and diesel variants in S-grade trim with R-Dynamic package, and being the most powerful engines in the line-up they were also equipped with the GKN all-wheel drive system borrowed from the hot RS.
The rest of the line-up uses a simpler Haldex all-wheel drive system to move power between the front and rear axle, but both can disconnect from the rear entirely for more economical highway driving. The modified GKN system differs in that it can move up to 50 per cent of torque to the rear wheels and up to 100 per cent to either wheel after that, giving more rear bias and effective torque vectoring when pushing along that Jaguar says matches its sports car heritage.
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Backing up those claims the E-Pace was launched on the well-trodden rally stages of Corsica, an island renowned for having some of the most exciting and challenging roads in the world, and a demanding test for an over 1800kg SUV.
Despite a lack of raucous sound from either engine both motors overcome any worries about hefty weight. The P300 is particularly lively and eager and will power off the line with everything but a screech when planted. It can be calm too, and the nine-speed auto has more than enough gears for gentle town driving and cruising on the highway, with the final cog sitting around 1400rpm at 100km/h and returning a claimed combined fuel consumption of 6.2L and 8.0L per 100km for both the diesel and petrol.
But it’s the diesel which shone in the steep hills with its higher torque output that was at ease at all times. The nine-speed wasn’t as sharp to engage in some situations behind the oiler but it was only in the upper reaches of the rev range that it was really hesitant.
Reaching corners, the E-Pace turns-in accurately if a little light in steering feel, with surprising composure for its weight. The fixed damper suspension fitted was firm though (adaptive dampers will be available) so there’s some compromise in ride quality, particularly on the 20-inch alloys which can transmit a brittle response over rough roads, and the 21-inch alloy wheels may only exacerbate it further.
It's also equipped to tackle light off-road duties, with a 204mm clearance and adaptive off-road cruise control mode which works at speeds of up to 35km/h that we didn’t get to test.
But pushing through some of the island’s famous stage roads the E-Pace was fun and engaging as the Focus RS-derived driveline shoved torque to the rear in a predictable manner. The brakes don’t offer much resistance and tire on faster downhill sections, but short of being a performance SUV there’s still an enjoyable character for keen drivers.
And for everyone else? This is a gentler, more affordable Jaguar that will do everything an inner leafy suburbs and weekend road trip bus needs to do. The pitch is that it’s a unique offering with a premium badge and a raft of trim level options to satisfy almost any curiosity.
2018 Jaguar E-Pace Price and Specifications
Price: From $47,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel and petrol
Power: 110kW, 132kW, 177kW (diesel) and 183kW, 221kW (petrol)
Torque: 380Nm, 430Nm, 500Nm (diesel) and 365Nm, 400Nm (petrol)
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
Fuel use: 5.6L-8.0L/100km