- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0DTT, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
221kW, 700Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4WD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2017)
Jaguar F-Pace S 2018 she says, he says review
- Elegant looks
- Agile dynamics
- Powerful engine
- Limited standard features
- Expensive options
- Questionable reliability
She: When Jaguar launched its first SUV in 2016, it turned plenty of heads, including mine. Not surprisingly, the F-Pace quickly became the British brand’s best-selling vehicle and in 2017 received World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year honours. This is still a really, really, ridiculously good-looking machine. Does it have a ‘wow’ factor for you Dave?
He: The F-Pace is so hot right now, treading a line between luxury car elegance and SUV purposefulness few models can match. But there’s more to life than being “really, really, ridiculously good-looking”, and the Brit delivers by being one of the best cars to drive in its class, thanks largely to its lightweight architecture. We tested the SUV in range-topping F-Pace S form, what did you make of it?
She: I love the 3.0 litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engine. It feels incredible and all that torque makes the F-Pace feel powerful and effortless. The SUV’s suspension shares the same DNA as the F-Type, enabling relatively sporty dynamics and handling. For a large SUV, it takes corners smoothly and is generally quiet. The eight-speed automatic isn't the sharpest but it feels enjoyable and luxurious to drive. I also like how the start/stop button pulses at 72 beats per minute, the resting heart rate of a Jaguar cat. It adds a stirring touch. How did you find the F-Pace to drive?
He: You’re right to say that engine is a gem, serving up 221kW and 700Nm outputs that make it genuinely quick on the open road and able to hit 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds. The motor is smooth and tractable, with a fine partner in that paddle-shift auto. Better still, the F-Pace’s crisp steering and quick reactions make it an engaging performer when cornering - I took it away for a weekend in the country and came away impressed by the Jag’s behaviour on tarmac and dirt, feeling more like a high-riding performance sedan than a distant Range Rover relative. It’s also lovely to look at inside and out, and a relaxing place to unwind.
She: I agree, the interior looks premium and you can see the XE and XF influences but the cabin doesn’t look as luxurious as the high-tech Land Rover Velar. However, the F-Pace is both comfortable and practical, with lots of space in the front, back and boot. It’s good to see loads of standard features including cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning systems. But this test car is also loaded with endless options including a sliding panoramic roof for $4,330. It looks stunning but those added extras can spiral out of control.
He: You’re not kidding. The infotainment system on our example cost as much as a new car, bringing kit such as a 12.3-inch digital dash and 10.2-inch central widescreen display ($5170) with a TV tuner ($2160), dual-view touchscreen ($1800), a digital radio ($930), 360-degree camera pack ($3550) and connect pro pack including clever apps and a Wi-Fi hotspot ($1750). There is more than $45,000 of extras all told, which seems a little excessive. That said, some of the features are really handy, such as the $2490 cold climate pack with a heated steering wheel, seats and windscreen - the latter melted through heavy, icy frost in a few seconds, allowing me to hit the road without delay.
She: The Jaguar does cost a significant amount of money and you still don’t get Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or wireless charging, which is becoming standard these days (along with digital radio). In saying that, I still love the F-Pace and would probably buy one if I was filthy rich. It combines style, performance and luxury with killer looks.
He: While the F-Pace is stylish, athletic and attractive, I've had a tricky history with gremlins in Jaguar Land Rover test cars and would hesistate before snapping one of these up. Then again, the brand does offer a five-year warranty from time to time, offering peace of mind for potential customers.
2018 Jaguar F-Pace S pricing and specifications:
Price: From $101,795 plus on-road costs
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo diesel
Power: 221kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 700Nm at 1500-1750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive
Fuel use: 6.0L/100km