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2019 Jaguar F-PACE 35T S AWD

Peter Barnwell
Jaguar F Pace 3.5t S

Overview

When Jaguar launched the all new F-PACE late in 2015 they signalled that they were ready to take on the other prestige brands. Including the sister brand Range Rover. Jaguar’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture is shared with some Range Rover models, Jaguar, as you would expect, launched a stunningly beautiful vehicle that quickly became a segment leader.

External

In a word, beautiful. F-PACE has got the lines and proportions spot on. The F-PACE continues the design flair of the F Type sports car. The Jaguar DNA is obvious as is the purity of the design with F-TYPE-inspired features such as the powerful rear haunches, fender vents and distinctive tail light graphics. There is a bold front grille and muscular with elements such as slender full-LED headlights, forged 22-inch wheels running 255/50 R20 tyres and short front overhang.

Features such as the vent detail in the rear of the front fenders, the sway along the lower edge of the door sills, the almost coupe lines, all add to the visual appeal.

Internal

My first impression sitting inside is that the driver has absolute focus from the vehicle. That doesn’t mean the other occupants are left behind, but you immediately feel part of the vehicle as the driver. The air conditioned leather front sports seats are amazing, with multiple electronic adjustments for comfort. Four way lumbar adjustment support is spot on and there is plenty of seat slide for taller drivers as well as head room.

Everything is sleek with an understated elegance. A thick leather steering wheel perfectly frames the three dial instrument binnacle. The large centre dial is the speedo, the right the temperature gauges and the left is the MFD which is customisable and menu driven. White on black dials are crisp and the clarity excellent. There is an Optional 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display with four visual themes and full-screen navigation display, supplemented by optional laser head-up display.

The sleek theme continues with digital controls sitting behind the circular transmission controls and up the centre stack. The stack also houses the Touch Pro: advanced infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen which, once you get used to it, is intuitive to use and probably has more functions than most drivers will use.

Rear occupants have two comfortable, individually sculptured seats, with reclining backrests. Taller passengers may feel the curved ‘C’ pillar is intrusive when getting in and out, however there is good head, shoulder and derriere room with adequate knee and leg room.

The seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for maximum flexibility and add to the impressive boot capacity of 500 plus litres. Overall storage is good, with decent cup holders for front occupants, medium size centre console and glove box and fold down arm rest for rear passengers with cup holders. There is also a little spot in front of the transmission lever for phones.

Features

Whether you want to start the engine using a smartphone app, have a navigation system that can tell your contacts when you’ll arrive for your meeting, connect up to eight devices using the Wi-Fi hotspot, or just stream your favourite playlists, played through a stunning audio system, – the F-PACE delivers.

Touch Pro system features a 10-inch Touchscreen and, like a tablet, there are no buttons: in their place are soft keys integrated into the bottom section of the Touchscreen, making interaction smooth and seamless and customisation convenient.

Drivers can use their iOS and Android smartphones and the Remote app to connect with the F-PACE from anywhere in the world. Remote Premium goes much further. In addition to this technology, there is a long list of standard features, matched by an equally long list of options.

Drive and Engine

The F-PACE 35t S is powered an all-aluminium 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine which is shared with the F-TYPE sports car. This produces power of 280kW/450Nm. The engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and torque on demand all-wheel drive. The 280kW (380PS) engine is exclusive to the F-PACE S model and can launch it from 0-100km/h in only 5.5 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

Performance is characterised by the immediate throttle response throughout the rev range, linear power delivery and unique intake and exhaust sound. Configurable Dynamics, first developed for the F-TYPE, enables the driver to tailor the vehicle’s character by individually selecting dynamic or normal modes for the throttle mapping, transmission shift strategy, steering feel and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics system, all using the central touchscreen.

The chassis dynamics handled everything asked of it without fuss, the balance between steering input and throttle input allowed me to have complete control at all times and revel in that direct responsiveness.

Safety

The F-PACE offers all of the technologies needed to make journeys easier and safer, from traction systems to get you moving on low friction surfaces to Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist to reduce driver fatigue. The collection of safety technologies have resulted in the F-PACE being awarded the full five-star safety rating from testing body ANCAP.

Some key features include; All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), Low Friction Launch (LFL), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Forward Traffic Detection, Forward Vehicle Guidance is fitted as part of the optional 360º Surround Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Reverse Traffic Detection, Park Assist

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Summary

Jaguar F-PACE is all about the driving experience for the family. It brings all the Jaguar DNA into an SUV body that is popular with families. It will comfortably fit four with luggage and transport them in luxury, comfort and style. It will do all this while providing the driver with a thoroughly engaging driving experience. It is also exceptionally fast point to point. In short it fits the brief of a prestige AWD SUV perfectly.

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Facts and Figures: 2019 Jaguar F Pace 35T S

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

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