2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Yes, we’re reviewing Jaguar’s F-Pace a little later than expected, but that’s OK because just one year after its debut this svelte SUV has seen some revisions for 2018, notably in its lineup of engines. But before we get on with the new stuff, let’s take a look at what has made the F-Pace an instant hit.

Above all else, I would say the design. Considering that the F-Pace was Jaguar’s first foray into the SUV segment, even before the spanking new E-Pace, the marque has certainly pulled off an astonishing bit of engineering.

From just about any angle, the F-Pace bears a striking similarity to the – dare I say it? – the F-Type. Seriously, despite being a full-fledged SUV, complete with four doors and a liftgate, the F-Pace somehow manages to typify its sports car sibling.

It might have something to do with the long nose or the massive wheels. Even the taillights allude to the F-Type, as does the SUV’s flowing design language. From any angle, the F-Pace looks dynamic, its bold front, imposing grille and sharp creases echoing the sporting elegance of the F-TYPE. Its pronounced rear haunches further accentuate its sporty character and emphasize its LED taillights.

Whatever it is, one thing is for sure: The F-Pace boasts some of the most sensual and cohesive sheet metal found on any SUV with an assertive stance, a teardrop shape and a tapered roofline. And depending on the color and option choices, it can take on a variety of looks ranging from sheer elegance to extreme seduction (the next time you see a black one trimmed with everything in black you’ll understand what I’m talking about).

One of the first things you notice about the F-Pace – that is, once you get past the sheer beauty of the design – is its size.

This SUV sits squarely between a Porsche Macan and a Cayenne, yet despite its girth, it looks compact and slender. That is courtesy of the large-diameter wheels, the relatively low glasshouse, short overhangs and the slanted liftgate design complete with spoiler.

It’s also wide, very wide, which keeps it distinct from many other upright SUVs in its class that look like they would tip over at the first corner they encounter.

But as sporty and sleek as it looks, in the end it’s an SUV with a center of gravity that’s higher than its sports car and sedan counterparts, and will behave as such, even if it has the same suspension layout as the F-Type. It really comes down to simple physics. On the other hand, though this is a Jag that seems to have been injected with some Land Rover DNA, this isn’t the sort of car you want to take into the jungles of the Congo.

What the F-Pace does, and does very well, sits right in the middle of those two extremes. It can easily transport a family of five along with their luggage, albeit a more well-to-do family of five, in complete comfort. Furthermore, with the optional all-wheel-drive – it’s part time, sending half the power to the front in case the rear wheels lose grip – high ground clearance (213 millimeters) and a wading depth of 525 mm, you can be confident you’re not going to get stranded on any washed-out roads in the event of a storm.

But this car’s true purpose is to be practical, enjoyable to drive and seductive to behold. And on all those points it comes off with flying colors. Drive briskly but responsibly, and the F-Pace responds with the dignity its design language alludes to. In fact, its best environment is fast, wide open roads where it can power along in total comfort.

Watch out for the wheels though. Jaguar offers everything from 18-inch rims to 22, and it certainly looks amazing riding on those 22-inchers, but our advice is to downsize because the big rims compromise ride quality and heighten road noise. Still, you don’t have to go down too far – 20-inch rims work just fine.

On the inside, Jaguar has assembled one of its best interiors, and arguably its best to date. It features elements that reflect both the XF and XE, and an exceptional infotainment system with a superb 10.2-inch touchscreen with remarkably sharp graphics.

It’s also nicely designed in terms of ergonomics, seemingly with ease-of-use and mass appeal being the driving forces behind the effort. Its nearly 2-meter width and long wheelbase also afford a spacious interior, with three adults perfectly able to sit in the back with plenty of legroom and headroom. You even get a 650-liter boot space that can expand to 1,740 liters with the rear seatbacks folded.

And all that interior space is also quite comfortable, and remarkably quiet. You won’t get tired any time soon in this car, whether as the driver or the passengers.

Also, all F-Paces come with LED headlights, a power liftgate, electric leather seats and a fixed panoramic

But in the end it all comes down to the engines, and the F-Pace comes with an all new lineup for 2018. The smallest and most economical is the 2.0-liter Ingenium turbo that puts out 250 ponies. For those looking for a bit more pulling power, Jaguar now offers a new 300 horsepower version of that turbocharged 2.0-liter mill, replacing the 340-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter engine.

And if you want to go all out on horsepower, Jaguar is happy accommodate with a 3.0-liter supercharged power plant that’s good for 380 ponies. That can get you from zero to 100 kilometers in 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250. I’m not sure why you’d want to go that fast, but they’re there if you want them.

And all those mills come with the F‑PACE’s highly responsive, smooth and efficient yet imperceptible eight‑speed automatic transmission.

But there’s even more choice. The F-Pace’s Prestige package nets you 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-function Xenon headlights with LED ‘J’ Blade Daytime Running Lights, headlight powerwash, grained leather seats with 10-way power adjustment in front, chrome side window surround, interior mood lighting and gloss figured ebony veneer.

As the name suggests, the R-Sport package affords the F-Pace a decidedly sportier demeanor, adding 19-inch alloys, R-Sport front and rear bumpers, body-colored door claddings with Satin Black finishers, metal treadplates with R-Sport branding and perforated grained leather Sport seat.

The Portfolio package resides at the top of the trim lineup, adding to the already generous offerings of Prestige a host of upgrades that include 19-inch alloys, perforated Windsor leather luxury seats with 20-way electric adjustment and memory in front, chrome side window surround, configurable interior mood lighting and Satin Burr Ash veneer.

And it starts from $64,400 (excluding VAT & Registration) for the F-Pace 2.0. That’s a lot of car for the price, not to mention the sheer sensuality of the design. There’s no question that the F-Pace easily ranks among the loveliest SUVs on the road, and in my opinion presents a benchmark by which to judge its competitors.