Hot on the heels of the Land Rover Defender P400e, Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e and Range Rover Evoque P300e, Jaguar has added a plug-in hybrid version of the F-PACE SUV to its catalogue. Sporting a low-key exterior makeover, a newly refreshed interior and that all-important PHEV powertrain, the new F-PACE will help JLR bring down its fleet CO2 and should prove popular in the company car market.
If you caught our story about the new Land Rover Defender P400e less than a week ago, the figures for the F-PACE's powertrain will look very familiar.
Powering the Jaguar F-PACE P400e is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which is good for 296bhp, backed up by a 141bhp electric motor, sending drive to all four wheels via an eight speed auto gearbox. Total system output is a hefty 398bhp with 472lb-ft of torque, enabling the F-PACE to justify the “performance SUV” name by hitting 62mph in five seconds flat. Top speed hasn't been confirmed, but the immediate torque and accelerative nature of the powertrain is a more meaningful measure in the real world.
Taking care of electricity storage is a 17.1kWh battery which provides the P400e with an electric range of 33 miles. As you'd expect, this means it is by far and away the most efficient car in the model line-up, with official emissions as low as 49g/km (sneaking it below the BIK-friendly 50g/km mark), and 130.2mpg in efficiency. Fast Charging at 32kW DC delivers 0-80 per cent charge in 30 minutes while a domestic 7kW wall-box can provide a charge of 0-80 per cent in as little as one hour 40 minutes.
The new exterior design is a refresh rather than a significant overhaul. Up front, it features a new sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge and smoother, more precisely defined surfaces. An enlarged grille features Jaguar’s heritage logo-inspired ‘diamond’ detailing, while the side vents also now feature the brand emblem. A new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details visually widen the new F-PACE for a more dynamic presence.
New all-LED quad headlights with signature 'Double J' daytime running lights are standard across the range. They can be specified with optional pixel LED technology for more brightness and beam adaptability through the Adaptive Driving Beam feature. Auto High Beam assist is another option, which uses a forward-facing camera to flick between high and low beams when required.
At the rear there are new slimline lights which feature Jag's 'double chicane' graphic, first seen on the I-PACE. New bumpers and a redesigned tailgate add to the dynamic appearance that Jaguar is going for with the F-PACE.
Dominating the front of the car is a brand new, centrally-mounted 11.4 inch curved glass HD touchscreen through which major functions are controlled through the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. A simplified menu structure means that 90 per cent of common tasks can be completed in two taps or less, making it far safer and more user-friendly. Furthermore, at three times brighter than the previous unit it should be easier to see.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable two smartphones to be connected simultaneously, whilst wireless charging for smartphones is available. Over-the-air updates keep the infotainment and major car software updated to the latest versions at all times, negating the requirement to visit the dealer.
Also new for the F-PACE interior are the door casings which have better storage for drinks bottles and other items. New seats provide better cushioning and, where specified, massage, heating and cooling options. The cabin's air purification system has also been enhanced to feature PM2.5 filtration, reducing allergens, ultra-fine particles and reducing unpleasant odours from the outside world.
The base-spec Jaguar F-PACE P400e Auto S starts at £56,060 and will be a popular choice given that it's the only version that sneaks under 50g/km. The SE costs £58,975 and HSE £62,175. For the more dynamically-styled R-Design cars, the S costs from £57,155, SE from £60,070 and HSE £64,490. It's available to order right now.
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