Jaguar E-Pace

Jaguar E-Pace Design

Based on the same Jaguar Land Rover PTA platform that also underpins the Range Rover Evoque, the Jaguar E-Pace’s taut proportion is exemplified by its long-sculpted bonnet and muscular rear hunches. Like a 4-door sports coupé on stilts, the subtle body contours and low slopping roof line accentuates its coupé-like silhouette.

A pair of sleek LED headlights with signature J-Blade DRL and F-Type inspired slim LED rear lights gives the car a striking on road presence. The very prominent and instantly recognizable front grille with squared out edges no doubt draws inspiration from the Jaguar XE.

Black Exterior Pack adds gloss black honeycomb grille, side vents, and window surrounds. Generously sized 20-inch 6 split-spoke alloy wheels with satin grey diamond turned finish are standard fit and the twin tailpipes with finisher conclude the sporty rear design.

Jaguar E-Pace Dimension

The Jaguar E-pace is the smallest model in Jaguar’s stable of SUV lineup, positioned below both the Jaguar F-Pace and the Jaguar I-Pace. Sharing the same underpinning as the Range Rover Evoque, it comes as no surprise that they both share an identical wheelbase and overall height. The Jaguar however is marginally longer and wider compared to its fellow Briton from Coventry.

Jaguar E-Pace Interior

The Jaguar E-Pace sits taller than your typical compact crossover SUV like the BMW X1 or X2. Despite the classic SUV commanding driving position, you still feel cocooned in the car thanks to the high beltline. Once inside, you will find a familiar Jaguar cabin with contemporary yet elegant interior design.The well-equipped cabin comes fitted with luxurious ebony grained leather upholstery with contrast stitching, light oyster morzine headlining and leather wrapped steering wheel, accented by satin chrome finishes. 

The Jaguar E-Pace makes do without the virtual instrument cluster and Jaguar’s signature rising rotary gear selector found on the more upmarket Jaguar models. Instead, it comes with a two-dial analog instrument cluster with a 5-inch digital multi-info display and F-Type style gear selector.

The standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display takes centre stage on the centre console alongside the interactive side panel for easier multi-tasking. In terms of practicality, the interior also features large glovebox and deep front doorbins that have been sculpted to carry items ranging from phones to 1.5 litre water bottles. Intricate design details such as the Jaguar and cup sketching in the corner of the front windscreen and the subtle Jaguar print in the cubby box and centre console add to the cheeky character of the Jaguar E-Pace.

Jaguar E-Pace Features

As standard, the Jaguar E-Pace comes equipped with automatic LED headlight with signature DRL, Auto High Beam Assist (AHBA), LED taillight, heated memory electric side mirrors with approach light and auto dimming function, rain sensing windscreen wipers, and twin tailpipes with finishers.

On the inside, you get dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, start-up sequence with movement, dials and lighting, overhead lighting console and interior lighting. Other Creature comfort includes keyless entry, powered gesture tailgate, 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Anfroid Auto compatibility, and a 380-Watt Meridian audio system.

Driver assistance features include rear view camera, cruise control with speed limiter, Driver Condition Monitor, Lane Keep Assist, Park Assist, 360 Parking Aid, and Rear Traffic Monitor. Safety wise, the compact crossover SUV comes fitted with ABS with EBD and EBA, front, front side, and full-length side window curtain airbags, as well as rear ISOFIX mounts.

Jaguar E-Pace Driving Performance

Engine

Under the hood is Jaguar’s 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol Ingenium engine, churning out 200 PS at 5,500 RPM and 320 Nm of torque down low from 1,250 RPM. Century sprint is completed in 8.2 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 216 km/h.

Stop/Start technology and smart regenerative charging harvest kinetic energy from braking to charge the battery for maximum economy, especially during urban driving. The low friction, all-aluminium Ingenium engine has stiff cylinder blocks and twin balancer shafts to ensure inherently low levels of vibration, for a smoother day-to-day performance.

The Continuously Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) system varies the extent to which inlet valves are opened, allowing the engine to ‘breathe’ with maximum efficiency, optimising power, and torque. Direct fuel injection from centrally mounted solenoid injectors also ensures precise delivery of fuel for cleaner combustion and higher efficiency.

Transmission

The engine is paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The gear ratios are closely spaced and gear changes are almost imperceptible. The available All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) enables you to set and maintain a steady speed in challenging surfaces and terrains, essentially operating like a cruise control that functions between 1.8 km/h to 30 km/h, making full use of the AWD system.

Active Driveline technology is able to fully disconnect drive to the rear wheels in less demanding driving conditions to improve efficiency, and seamlessly reconnects the drive to the rear of the car within 300 milliseconds when the requirements for AWD are met for increased stability.

Active Driveline also optimises traction and agility while providing rear-wheel drive handling characteristics by allowing up to 100 percent of rear axle drive torque to be distributed to either rear wheel according to available grip.

Jaguar E-Pace Ride Comfort

The Jaguar E-PACE comes equipped with fully independent suspension system with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension design. Aluminium chassis components are used to improve suspension performance by increasing stiffness and reducing unsprung mass. 

The result is a supple and refined ride that deals with road imperfection with great sophistication. Torque Vectoring by Braking provides controlled independent braking on the individual inside front and rear wheels, delivering a sharper and more agile handling through the corners.

Jaguar E-Pace Conclusion

It is a commendable effort for what is Jaguar’s first attempt at a compact crossover SUV. While it does not feel as luxurious or as special as its more upmarket siblings, the ‘entry level’ Jaguar covers all the grounds well enough to compete against its fierce German competition. But if you are looking to spend an upwards of RM 400,000 for a compact crossover SUV, the Range Rover Evoque with its handsome looks and classy interior will certainly give its fellow Briton a good run for their money.