Jaguar’s F-Pace hasn’t created itself a success story here in India, ever since its launch back in 2016. When we drove it back then it impressed us with the performance from its 295bhp diesel V6, but the price tag that crossed 1 crore rupees, drove away a lot of customers from showrooms. And while there was a cheaper 4-cylinder diesel model on offer, customers didn’t take to it because they didn’t feel like they were getting enough SUV for the money. The reason being, it was a CBU import. In 2017, Jaguar decided to launch the F-Pace as a locally-assembled product. A price drop was obvious, making it more appealing, also because Jaguar gave it more features. There was no massive V6 engine on offer, but the SUV retained its fun-to-drive characteristics. However, the 2.0-litre diesel engine didn’t quite have the punch to match the pace.
The Jaguar F-Pace gets a new 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol engine developing 246bhp and 365Nm of torque that was first seen in the Range Rover Velar. With the current trend of petrol cars getting popular, this might just be right formula for this SUV. Apart from the price, the 25t is similar to the 20d. Both models are sold in the Prestige variant but the petrol version is 40,000 rupees cheaper. It gets features like a panoramic sunroof, lane-keeping assist, adaptive LED headlamps, digital instrument cluster, 380W Meridian hi-fi audio, four-zone climate control and 19-inch wheels. However, you get limited powered seat adjustment and a powered tail gate. Plastic quality could’ve been better in certain areas.
We personally think the new 2.0-litre petrol is perfect for the Jaguar F-Pace. The responses are much quicker, it has a strong mid-range and is always willing to rev, making it a hoot to drive. The petrol Jaguar F-Pace is noticeably quicker than the diesel model. It also pulls well for something that is so huge. However, the 8-speed automatic transmission can prove to be quite jerky at low speeds. This is mostly evident when you dab on the accelerator at standstill and watch it make slow progress. Otherwise, the transmission is fantastic, swapping between ratios effortlessly.
Dynamic mode enhances engine responses and helps the steering weigh up, but you notice the real difference when you put the ‘box in S. The engine gets locked at higher revs, meaning turbo lag won’t have to be encountered. However, fuel efficiency takes a hit, but if frugality still matters to you, then Eco mode helps dull the responses a bit, which in turn, helps you save on fuel. The engine isn’t the most refined and you’ll note it the moment you start up the engine. A slight boom is evident but it settles down. It smoothens out as you pick up pace, but the competition is still more refined. Start pushing the motor and once you’ve passed 3000rpm, the engine sounds sporty. However, most buyers interested in this sort of SUV aren’t looking for something like this.
Engine, Transmission, and features
About the Engine
In terms of dynamics, Jaguar Cars have ensured the F-Pace is one of the best-handling SUVs in the segment. Given its girth, it handles very well and we can hand it to the well-calibrated steering and suspension. You don’t get adaptive dampers, but Jaguar Cars have equipped the SUV with torque vectoring which works quietly in the background, helping the F-Pace with being agile. Body roll is surprisingly well contained and the steering is nice and sharp. The ride quality may be a little on the firm side, but not to the extent of making the passengers uncomfortable.
In a very short span, the F-Pace has gone from being an expensive SUV to an exciting one, that too at its current price. If you love driving, the F-Pace is hard to ignore, and it’s quite a looker to be honest. We wish they brought in a powerful version of the SUV; perhaps it would serve a market that’s looking for a hardcore petrol SUV. Not all is perfect with the F-Pace, but there’s no denying the fact you get a lot of SUV for your money. Jaguar, we want the latest model of the F-Pace in India. Because, chances are, it could perhaps be the best in its segment. Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars, only at autoX.
