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Configurator Challenge: Jaguar E-Pace

How would you spec your crossover putty-tat?


Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our new configurator challenge, we're going to let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer's website to create their ideal spec of a certain model.

For this edition of the Configurator Challenge, we're designing the perfect Jaguar E-Pace.

Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you'd like to see next!



Mandy Turner, Road Tester & Podcast Host

When it comes to SUVs, I don’t like to stand out too much, but I also don’t want to blend in with the rest of Australia. That is why I went with the E-Pace HSE R-Dynamic P250 in Borasco Grey. It’s the right shade to hide dirt, but also light enough to still show off the vehicle's curves.

Although I do travel to the country every now and again, power is more of a priority, hence why I went with the 2.0-litre 183kW turbocharged petrol engine over the diesel.

I chose the bigger 21-inch ‘Style 5053’ wheels as there will be no off-roading going on, and they just seem to go well with the exterior paint.

Don’t get me wrong, black wheels do look great, but I passed on the Black Exterior Pack which would’ve matched them. The reason? I just love as much chrome as possible, which is why I chose the chrome side window surrounds as well.

The Matrix LED headlights present a much cleaner look, don’t you think? *tilts head to the side*

Panoramic sunroofs belong in SUVs, so it was a no-brainer with this one, and getting some vitamin D is never a bad thing.

Black interiors are just boring, so I went for the Ebony/Eclipse interior and Light Oyster Morzine headlining. The colour scheme makes it look a little more premium.

Some other options I ticked were 18-way electric heated, memory front seats because heated seats are a blessing in winter.

I love my music, so this E-Pace will be bopping down the road with DAB radio and the optional 825W Meridian Surround Sound System with 15 speakers.

A head-up display and 360-degree surround camera are two things I can’t live without in cars these days, so those options have also been added. My guilty pleasure option? I ticked the configurable ambient interior lighting – because rainbow colours. And it's something to mess around with while stuck at the traffic lights.

Even though I prefer wagons over SUVs, I would be happy to drive this new addition to the Jaguar family in this spec.



James Wong, Journalist

This week we've got a couple of firsts – it's an SUV and my specification isn't green. I've gone for a look more about understated luxury rather than trying to grab people's attention.

In terms of trim level, I went for the E-Pace SE with the 183kW/365Nm 'P250' 2.0-litre turbo petrol, because most British cars are best served in mid-tier 'SE' spec and the P250 engine is a good balance of performance and economy without breaking the bank.

Annoyingly, the E-Pace isn't available in British Racing Green on the online configurator, which is one of my favourite colours especially for a British car, so I've gone for this lovely Caesium Blue metallic. I switched out the standard turbine alloys for these 19-inch five-spoke rims in Satin Dark Grey, because they look a little sportier and the chubbier tyres mean ride comfort won't be compromised.

I've also ticked the boxes for a fixed panoramic roof and a black contrasting roof panel, which I think goes well with the dark alloy wheel finish and the Black Exterior Pack – which adds gloss black accents for the side vents, window surrounds and grille. You may also notice the red-painted brake calipers, which are probably silly on a car like this but they add a nice contrast to the blue body and dark wheels.

For the interior, I've opted for the Light Oyster Windsor leather trim with Lunar/Light Oyster interior colour scheme, which also has a lovely diamond pattern for the seat inserts, combined with the Ebony Morzine black headliner. The front pews are also 18-way power adjustable, heated and cooled, while also having a memory function.

The steering wheel has been upgraded to soft-grain leather for a more premium look and feel, and I've also added a head-up display and the 12.3-inch digital driver's instrument colour – though the images don't show the latter, unfortunately.

Further options? Boxes ticked include de-badging for the engine designation because 'P250' looks weird, carpet mats, configurable ambient interior lighting, DAB radio, a 360-degree camera system, a gesture-operated power tailgate – because what if I'm holding the kids and need to open the boot – keyless entry (shouldn't that be standard?), and gloss-black roof rails.

Sure, my choices may not be as exciting as some of my colleagues, but the Wongy-spec E-Pace makes for a comfortable, practical and understated compact family hauler.


Scott Collie, Journalist

My car isn't blue this week, and it's not a comfort-focused specification. It's a murdered-out, top-spec take on Jaguar's (very cool) compact crossover, fit for rappers and yummy mummies alike.

I've opted for the most powerful petrol 'P300' powertrain, making 221kW and 400Nm. Unlike sensible James, my E-Pace is the more expensive HSE R Dynamic specification, too. The exterior is finished in Santorini Black, perfectly matched with black 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers.

As you'd hope, all the exterior chrome has been subbed for gloss black. Even the Matrix LED headlights are dark – except for when you turn them on. Then they're super bright, but that's kinda the point.

Because this is meant to be semi-practical, the car has gloss-black roof rails and privacy glass. The former opens the door for all manner of ski, surf or bike-based fun, the latter to keep friends (I'm too young for kids at the moment) cool in summer.

Where the exterior is all-black, my cabin is light and airy. The 18-way adjustable heated sports seats and dash are both trimmed in Light Oyster Windsor leather, while the headlining has been specced to match. It's welcoming in a way most British cars (and people?) aren't.

On the options front, my Jaguar has been de-badged – no-one needs to know how much it cost – carpet floor mats, and the full suite of adaptive dynamics systems. As a modern Jaguar, it's meant to be sporty. The adaptive systems give it the best possible chance.

I skipped DAB radio and the head-up display, because both are frivolous and rarely used, while the 360-degree camera also missed the cut. It's a small SUV, not a dual-cab monster. Learn how to park.

All told, you're left with a sharp-looking, sharp-driving compact Jaguar SUV. The only option it's missing? If there was an option box to turn it into a Volvo XC40, I would've ticked it.


Next week's Configurator Challenge will feature the Lexus LC. Stay tuned!

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