Jaguar reveals E-Pace small SUV

JAGUAR has revealed its brand new E-Pace small SUV in London overnight, with the diminutive high-riding wagon set to take on the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA when it arrives locally in the second quarter next year.

Styling for the E-Pace blends the body shape of the F-Pace SUV with the head and tail-light design of the F-Type sportscar, while its dimensions put it squarely in the premium compact SUV class.

The E-Pace measures 4395mm long, 1649mm tall and 2088mm wide, with a wheelbase of 2681mm.

Luggage space with the rear seats in place measures 577 litres, which can increase to 1234L with the 60:40 rear seats folded.

Jaguar director of design Ian Callum said the E-Pace offered a blend of sporty styling, performance and practicality.

“Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognisable as the sports car of its class,” he said.

“Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle.”While pricing has not yet been confirmed, Jaguar has established the entry-level E-Pace will range from around $48,000 to $85,000 before on-roads and likely following a similar cost structure as its competitors.

It would also make the E-Pace the most affordable vehicle in Jaguar’s range, usurping the XE 20t Prestige mid-size sedan from $60,400 plus on-roads.

The newest member of Jaguar’s range was unveiled with five different powertrains, including three diesel and two petrol variants of the company’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium engine, paired exclusively to a nine-speed ZF transmission.

Kicking off the range is the 110kW/380Nm D150 variant, which is available in front- or all-wheel drive guise.

The D180 all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant bumps power up to 132kW/430Nm, while the AWD-only D240 pumps out a substantial 177kW/500Nm.

Turbo-petrol options come exclusively in AWD configuration and are offered in 183kW/365Nm and 221kW/400Nm states of tune.

Four selectable drive modes are available – normal, dynamic, eco and rain, and ice and snow.

Three model grades will be offered – S, SE and HSE – while an R-Dynamic pack styling pack can enhance the look of the E-Pace through sports seats with contrast stitching, brushed stainless steel treadplates and pedals, and R-Dynamic branded steering wheel and paddle shifters.

Outside, the R-Dynamic pack adds a gloss-black finish to the foglights, grille, rear valance and tailpipes, while the wheelarches are matched to the body colour and satin chrome highlights feature on the side vents and grille surrounds.

Jaguar will also offer a First Edition version made available in the first full year of sales, powered by either the 132kW diesel or 183kW petrol donk.

The First Edition is based on the R-Dynamic SE level of specification, and gains 20-inch satin grey alloy wheels, soft grain Windsor leather interior with suede headlining, unique carpet mats and treadplates, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, head-up display, extra charging points, and loadspace rails.

Offered as standard will be Jaguar’s 10.0-inch Touch Pro infotainment screen, which allows for swipe, pinch and zoom movements as seen on tablets and smartphones. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is available as an option.

Two Meridian audio systems are available, including a 15-speaker 825W surround sound system.

The E-Pace is the first Jaguar model to offer a full-colour head-up display, while other tech features include checking the vehicle’s status remotely, voice recognition and real-time smartphone-integrated traffic updates.

Driver assistance systems include blind spot assist, forward traffic monitor, adaptive headlights and park assist, while additional safety features include six airbags and reinforced A- and B-pillars for greater protection from side impacts.

GoAuto has contacted Jaguar Australia for local timing, pricing and specification, but an arrival in the second quarter of 2018 has been confirmed.

The launch of the E-Pace was kicked off by a Guinness world record stunt by stunt driver Terry Grant, who performed a 270-degree barrel roll jump in the E-pace, proving cats really do land on their feet.