Jaguar E-Pace

Step into the cabin, and you will feel that there is not much visual drama in the Jaguar E-Pace like in other Jaguar cars. Don’t get us wrong, the cabin is high on quality of materials and fit and finish, it’s just that the layout of the dashboard looks a bit boring by Jaguar’s own high set standards.

The driver’s cockpit, however, tries to look very much inviting with its three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel with broad spokes and a 12.3-inch high definition TFT coloured instrument console with the heads-up display above.

The wraparound theme for the centre console of the dashboard makes the dashboard look large and wide. However, the layout for the 10-inch rectangular touchscreen infotainment system and round dials for climate control below it looking tad too simple, and so does the centre transmission tunnel. Though, the Jaguar E-Pace offers a variety of world-class features and enough space for five passengers on board, despite its compact size.

Going by its design and silhouette, the Jaguar E-Pace looks totally like a scaled-down version of the bigger F-Pace SUV, with smaller dimensions and slightly curvy design elements differentiating it from its elder sibling.

At the front, the Jaguar E-Pace shares its big grille with rounded edges and honeycomb pattern on the inside from the other Jaguar offerings, thus making it look familiar. The sweptback full LED headlamps with L-shaped daytime running LEDs on outer edges look inspired from that of the pre-facelift F-Type sports car, and go well with the curvy design of the SUV. The front bumper here gets large air dams on both centre as well as sides, with tiny and slim fog lamps positioned at the bottom corners of the bumper.

The side profile of the Jaguar E-Pace looks smooth and curvaceous, thanks to the liquid flow like theme for the flowing bonnet design and roofline. The converging ends of the window frame towards the rear give it a flavour of a coupe, while the prominent haunch above the rear wheel arch adds to the muscularity of the E-Pace.

The rear profile shares much with the other Jaguar offerings as well, with sleek LED tail lamps with tapered edges towards inside. The sloping windshield and large roof spoiler make it look indeed sporty when viewed from the rear.

The Jaguar E-Pace is armed with all-wheel-drive as well as active driveline technology as standard, with the latter having the options of varying traction, stability and composure as per varying driving conditions. The low traction launch system, as well as all surface progress control, tries to maintain traction and constant stability across varying surfaces as well.

While the Jaguar E-Pace is available with a host of engine options to choose from globally, the Philippines-spec model gets the sole choice of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine is coupled to a 9-speed automatic transmission, the engine is capable of putting up 150 PS of maximum power output and 380 Nm of peak torque output.

The Jaguar E-Pace covers the basics of premium safety features by having a kit like front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, driver condition monitor, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors with reverse camera, hill launch assist and electronic parking brake.

The Jaguar E-Pace might not have the traditional stance of a conventional SUV, but then its heightened stance and luxurious appeal in and out makes it look trendy and desirable. The performance and driving dynamics are adequate enough to make it an enjoyable vehicle to drive.