Jaguar made news last year by introducing its formidable and efficient new gasoline-powered Ingenium turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to its gorgeous 2018 F-Type sports…

2018 Jaguar XE and F-Pace add new 2.0L turbo and drop price

2018 Jaguar XE
The XE is one of many 2018 Jaguar models to benefit from a new gasoline-powered turbo-four and price-drop. (Photo: Jaguar)

Jaguar made news last year by introducing its formidable and efficient new gasoline-powered Ingenium turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to its gorgeous 2018 F-Type sports car, which allowed for significantly reduced base pricing of $68,500, a $10k advantage. Now two versions of that new engine are available in the 2018 XE and 2018 F-Pace, which has also allowed reduced pricing that targets a much broader range of luxury consumers.

The 2018 Jaguar XE comes to market with a new base price of $43,900 (plus freight and fees) compared to $45,000 for last year’s base 20d turbo-diesel version, saving entry-level buyers $1,100 off the top, albeit the XE 20d now moves up in price by $900 to $45,900. Likewise, the popular F-Pace compact SUV gets a $650 price drop from $50,900 last year to $50,250 this year, while the 20d turbo-diesel’s MSRP increases slightly by $350 to $51,250.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
The new base F-Pace uses the same 247-hp 2.0-litre turbo-four as the new base XE. (Photo: Jaguar)

Along with the reduced pricing comes dramatically improved performance in base trim, the 20d highly efficient yet not as quick as the new gasoline-powered turbo four. The zero to 100km/h sprint time in the base XE 25t AWD drops to just 6.2 seconds from 7.9 seconds for the XE 20d AWD, whereas both are limited to a top speed of 195 km/h, but top speed increases to 217 km/h with the F-Pace 25t AWD compared to 208 km/h in the F-Pace 20d AWD, while sprinting from standstill to 100km/h is reduced from 8.7 seconds to 6.8.

This newfound energy is due to differences in the way gasoline and diesel engines make their power and torque, in this case the 25t good for 247 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1,200 to 4,500 rpm, while the 20d makes 180 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 318 lb-ft of torque from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm, in both the XE and F-Pace.

2018 Jaguar XE
The new turbocharged four-cylinder makes the XE 25t AWD and F-Pace 25t AWD quicker than the 20d turbo-diesel. (Photo: Jaguar)

The tradeoff is fuel-efficiency, with the XE 25t AWD estimated to achieve a Transport Canada five-cycle fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100km in the city, 6.9 on the highway and 8.5 combined, and the XE 20d AWD good for a claimed 7.8 city, 5.8 highway and 6.9 combined. Similarly, the larger and heavier F-Pace 25t AWD is rated at 10.7 L/100km city, 8.8 highway and 9.9 combined, whereas the F-Pace 20d AWD gets an estimated 8.9 city, 7.2 highway and 8.1 combined.

As part of Jaguar’s value proposition, both the XE and F-Pace receive standard all-wheel drive in Canada, while this all-weather advantage is also joined up to a highly efficient, quick-shifting eight-speed ZF automatic that includes the brand’s unique rotating dial gear selector and shift paddles on the steering wheel.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
A high-output 296-hp version of the same 2.0-litre turbo-four is available in both models. (Photo: Jaguar)

A further scan of both models’ standard equipment lists adds to the value equation, with base Premium trim including dual tailpipes with chromed finishers, metal treadplates with Jaguar script, an electromechanical parking brake, a HomeLink garage door opener, JaguarDrive Control that adjusts steering and throttle mapping for Normal, Eco, Dynamic or Rain Ice Snow modes, rain-sensing wipers, touch-sensitive JaguarSense switchgear for the LED overhead lights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming and power-folding heatable side mirrors with approach lights, driver’s memory for the powered seats and side mirrors, dual-zone auto climate control, a large 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, a backup camera, 11-speaker 380-watt Meridian audio, Bluetooth phone connectivity with audio streaming, more convenient 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, hill launch assist, All Surface Progress Control for greater control in slippery conditions, brake-system applied torque vectoring to improve handling and stability, tire pressure monitoring, and much more.

2018 Jaguar XE
Jaguar’s standard and optional features lists continue to provide good value. (Photo: Jaguar)

In addition, the base Jaguar F-Pace Premium includes 19-inch alloys instead of 18s for the XE, standard proximity-sensing keyless entry and ignition, a powered liftgate, satellite instead of HD radio, a reversible load floor that switches from luxury carpeting to a rubberized surface, and more.

Both new engines are available with Jaguar’s base Premium, mid-range Prestige and performance-oriented R-Sport trims, with features included in these upper trims including full LED headlights, leather upholstery, a heatable powered steering wheel, heated seats, a head-up display, navigation, advanced driver assistance systems, and much more.

2018 Jaguar F-Pace
All-wheel drive continues to be standard on both XE and the more off-road oriented F-Pace. (Photo: Jaguar)

An even more potent version of the 2.0-litre Ingenium turbo-four can be had in all of the above trims as well as with the top-line Portfolio model, this engine putting out 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque for a 5.5-second sprint from zero to 100km/h and top speed once again capped off at 195 km/h in the XE 30t AWD, plus a charge from standstill to 100km/h of 6.0 seconds and top speed of 233 km/h in the F-Pace 30t AWD. Despite the much-improved performance fuel economy is minimally affected, with the XE 30t AWD estimated to consume 11.8 L/100km in the city, 8.2 on the highway and 10.2 combined, and the F-Pace 30t AWD rated at 10.9 city, 8.7 city and 9.9 combined.

2018 Jaguar XE
Jaguar uses an intelligent space-saving dial-type gear selector finished in beautiful knurled metal, plus steering wheel paddles on most of its models. (Photo: Jaguar)

Of note, both XE and F-Pace can also be had with a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 that’s good for 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, making the so-named XE S AWD a noticeable 0.3-seconds quicker from zero to 100km/h than the XE 30t AWD, with a quickest time of 5.2 seconds albeit no faster in its overall top speed, while the F-Pace S AWD takes a full half-second off of its zero to 100km/h launch time at just 5.5 seconds, before arriving at a higher terminal velocity of 250 km/h.

Like all Jaguars, the XE and F-Pace are built using lightweight, recyclable aluminum body panels, internal framework and chassis components, setting them apart from the majority of their competitors.

The XE is Jaguar’s entry-level sport-luxury sedan, positioned below the mid-size XF, which also gets both base and high-output versions of the new four-cylinder engine, and full-size XJ flagship model, whereas the F-Pace sits above the all-new 2018 E-Pace subcompact SUV, which is now Jaguar’s entry-level model at just $42,700, and also incorporates the two new turbo-four engines.

Jaguar has already proven it’s fully capable of producing a sport utility vehicle worthy of pulling eyeballs as it runs rings around much of the competition, but the impressive F-Pace is on the large…

New Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV promises big performance

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The 2018 Jaguar E-Pace compact SUV certainly has styling on its side. (Photo: Jaguar)

Jaguar has already proven it’s fully capable of producing a sport utility vehicle worthy of pulling eyeballs as it runs rings around much of the competition, but the impressive F-Pace is on the large side of compact, leaving lots of room below for a smaller, more affordable entry-level SUV to conquest upwardly mobile buyers entering the luxury realms. So, say hello to the new E-Pace, the subcompact premium SUV segment’s newest arrival.

Speaking of pulling eyeballs, stunt driver Terry Grant did just that in a new E-Pace as he performed a Guinness World Record setting 15-metre (50-foot) 270-degree “barrel roll” jump for the SUV’s global reveal at the London ExCel Centre (see photo gallery above and video below).

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The 2018 E-Pace with stunt driver Terry Grant behind the wheel set a new Guinness World Record for longest barrel roll during its global launch. (Photo: Jaguar)

As you might have expected, such handling chops were procured from a modified version of Jaguar Land Rover’s “D8” platform architecture, which already supports the similarly sized Range Rover Evoque and considerably larger Land Rover Discovery Sport.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace looks good standing still too. (Photo: Jaguar)

To be clear, the new E-Pace measures 4,395 millimetres (173.0 inches) long, 1,984 mm (78.1 inches) wide with the side mirrors folded, 2,088 mm (82.2 inches) wide with those mirrors extended, 1,649 mm (64.9 inches) tall, and rides on a 2,681-mm (105.6-inch) wheelbase. That makes it 24 mm (0.9 inches) longer than the Evoque with a 21-mm (0.8-inch) longer wheelbase, as well as 84 mm (3.3 inches) wider and 14 mm (0.5 inches) taller than Range Rover’s smallest, while it’s 195 mm (7.7 inches) shorter than the Discovery Sport with a 60-mm (2.3-inch) shorter wheelbase, plus 85 mm (3.3 inches) narrower and 75 mm (2.9 inches) closer to the ground—and we’re not talking ground clearance which measures a considerable 204 mm (8.0 inches).

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace is only fractionally larger than the Range Rover Evoque. (Photo: Jaguar)

Likewise, the E-Pace can haul up to 577 litres (20.4 cubic feet) of cargo under the cargo cover behind its rear seatbacks, which makes it two litres (0.1 cubic feet) more accommodating than the Evoque and 349 litres (12.3 cubic feet) less so than the Discovery Sport. The E-Pace has 685 litres (24.2 cubic feet) of cargo space when including the area above the cargo cover, while if you fold its 60/40-split rear seatbacks down it can manage up to 1,487 litres (52.5 cubic feet) of gear, which once again is exactly two litres (0.1 cubic feet) more than the Evoque albeit 407 litres (14.4 cubic feet) less than the Disco Sport. In other words, the E-Pace is more squarely in the subcompact luxury SUV camp than the compact, which is exactly where Jaguar needs it.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace promises strong performance from both of its four-cylinder turbocharged engines. (Photo: Jaguar)

While the E-Pace shares some architectural underpinnings with the Evoque, the rear suspensions are totally unique. Due to Jaguar’s on-road performance demands, the E-Pace incorporates a downsized version of the F-Pace’ rear suspension design, while aluminum steering knuckles and aluminum front suspension components improve geometry while lowering unsprung weight. Specifically, the E-Pace uses a McPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms, coil springs, passive shock absorbers, and a passive anti-roll bar, plus an integral multi-link rear setup with coil springs, passive dampers and a passive anti-roll bar.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
Lightweight aluminum in the unique E-Pace suspension aids handling. (Photo: Jaguar)

Additionally, the electric rack and pinion steering system has been solidly mounted to the SUV for increased feel. That said the E-Pace is less aluminum-intensive as the rest of Jaguar’s lineup, although the fenders and tailgate are formed from the lightweight metal in order to reduce its curb weight to a manageable 1,893 kilograms (4,173 pounds), which is still quite considerable for such a small vehicle.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
With up to 296-hp available, most subcompact luxury SUV competitors will be seeing the tail end of the E-Pace more often than not. (Photo: Jaguar)

Still, the new E-Pace should be one of the subcompact luxury SUV segment’s more exhilarating performers. For starters, the transverse-mounted base 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium engine in the E-Pace P250 AWD model makes 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque from only 1,200 rpm, whereas the even sportier R-Dynamic P300 AWD variant uses the 296-horsepower version of the same mill that’s capable of 295 lb-ft of torque from just 1,500 rpm, both mated to a state-of-the-art ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic transmission with optional paddle shifters. Jaguar promises 7.0 seconds to 100km/h and a top speed of 230-km/h in the base model, and a more energetic 6.4 seconds to the 100km/h mark along with a higher 243 km/h terminal velocity in the R-Dynamic, which is formidable performance for the class.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
Fuel economy should be an E-Pace strong point. (Photo: Jaguar)

Of note, Jaguar’s internal fuel economy tests of the base 246 horsepower E-Pace resulted in 10.2 L/100km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, though take heed no official fuel economy results have been announced.

No doubt the E-Pace’ sleek styling helps to minimize drag and commensurately reduce fuel economy, some of its design cues even taken from the revered F-Type sports car, particularly its sweptback headlight clusters. Its taillights are wholly unique, however, and promised to be Jaguar signatures in the future.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace’ headlights were inspired by the F-Type. (Photo: Jaguar)

Likewise, the E-Pace more closely resembles the F-Type inside thanks to a dual-cockpit front seat layout divided by a wrap-around centre console featuring a prominent flying buttress-style leather-wrapped grab handle on the passenger side, the lower console completed by a regular shift lever rather than Jaguar’s usual rotating dial selector. A large 8.3-litre storage area between the two front seats makes sure a practical element is included in the emotive design.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace interior shares a number of F-Type design cues as well. (Photo: Jaguar)

The driver and front passenger aren’t the only pampered occupants, because the rear seating area appears nicely finished and roomy, while the E-Pace promises to lead competitors in connectivity with up to five USB outlets, four 12-volt sockets, and 4G WiFi that’s capable of supporting up to eight devices, the latter standard on all trim levels above base.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The cockpit is very driver-centric. (Photo: Jaguar)

With a base MSRP of $42,700 plus freight and fees the E-Pace won’t be the most affordable subcompact SUV in its class, but it won’t be lacking features either thanks to standard all-wheel drive, a continuously variable semi-active suspension featuring both passive and adaptive dampers, and braking system-based torque vectoring to aid handling by dragging the inside wheels during turns to increase vehicle rotation and reduce understeer.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
Jaguar promises class-leading infotainment and connectivity. (Photo: Jaguar)

Additional standard features include auto on/off LED headlamps, 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, branded metal treadplates, pushbutton ignition, an electromechanical parking brake, heated power-adjustable side mirrors, a colour multi-information display within the gauge cluster, JaguarDrive dynamic mode selection with four settings including Normal, Dynamic, Eco, and Rain/Ice/Snow that alters throttle response, transmission shift points, climate control efficiency and more, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone auto climate control, 10-inch TouchPro touchscreen infotainment with tablet-style swipe, pinch and zoom gestures, voice activation, a rearview camera, six-speaker 125-watt audio, plus front and rear parking sensors.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace centre console looks surprisingly similar to the F-Type’s. (Photo: Jaguar)

The base E-Pace includes all the expected passive and active safety equipment too, as well as and plenty of advanced driver assistance systems like semiautonomous low-speed cruise control that automatically adjusts engine and brake settings to help drivers maintain control on slippery surfaces, autonomous emergency braking from 5 km/h to 80 km/h for frontal collisions and 5 km/h to 60 km/h for pedestrians, lane keeping assist, All Surface Progress Control, Hill Launch Assist, a Driver Condition Monitor that sounds an alert if the driver is getting drowsy, plus more.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
Standard and optional features are plentiful. (Photo: Jaguar)

The base E-Pace can be upgraded with S and SE option packages too, the former priced at $45,200 and adding unique nine-spoke 18-inch alloys, signature LED daytime running lights on the lower edges of each headlamp, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors with integrated approach lamps, power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, a rear centre armrest, upgraded Navigation Pro infotainment, a Smartphone package and a Connect Pro package, plus a Park package featuring a 360-degree parking monitor and semi-autonomous Park Assist, while the latter $48,200 SE boasts everything from the S as well as a different set of 10-spoke 19-inch alloys, larger 350-mm front brakes, auto high beams, an 11-speaker 380-watt Meridian audio system, a powered liftgate, and a Drive package featuring adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist, high-speed emergency braking, and blindspot monitoring.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
R-Dynamic models get unique styling and improved driving dynamics. (Photo: Jaguar)

Along with the extra engine performance, the $51,000 E-Pace R-Dynamic adds an Active Driveline system incorporating an electronic rear differential with wet-plate clutches that send power rear-to-front (with up to 100-percent to the front for improved fuel economy, and a return to AWD in only 0.3 seconds), side-to-side, and even to a single wheel if required for improved traction and/or handling, plus a unique front fascia design with a gloss black grille insert, deeper air intakes at the corners, body-coloured side sills, a lower rear bumper with a gloss black valence, satin chrome exterior trim, 18-inch five-spoke alloys, paddle shifters behind the spokes of a special R-Dynamic branded leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, bright metal pedals, 10-way powered front seats, sport seats with unique leather upholstery, standard navigation, yet more advanced driver assist systems, and most of the features included with the previous S package as standard.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
Dual exhaust is standard. (Photo: Jaguar)

The R-Dynamic can also be had in $54,000 SE and $57,300 HSE trims, the former adding unique five-spoke 19-inch alloys, 14-way powered front seats with memory, and similar features to the previously noted SE package, while HSE trim includes twinned five-spoke 20-inch alloys, proximity-sensing keyless access with a gesture activated liftgate, 18-way powered front seats with heat and memory, and perforated Windsor leather upholstery with contrast stitching.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace’ design details give it a truly sporty look. (Photo: Jaguar)

Lastly, the $59,000 E-Pace First Edition provides unique design treatments such as Caldera Red paint, a Black Exterior Package, and satin grey-finish 20-inch twin-spoke alloys outside, plus Ebony Windsor leather upholstery with Flame Red contrast stitching, an Ebony Suedecloth headliner, and special floor mats printed in a jaguar fur pattern, plus the same pattern found on the shoulder-height seat tags on the inside, while it also includes a standard fixed panoramic sunroof and everything featured in the R-Dynamic HSE as well as Land Rover’s new Activity Key wristband that lets you leave your keys in the car while going on a hike, skiing, hitting the beach, or doing some other kind of activity that might potentially make finding lost keys impossible.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
These slender LED taillights are unique to the E-Pace. (Photo: Jaguar)

The First Edition is available in Santorini Black and Yulong White as well for an extra $670, but that’s it for colour options, whereas the R-Dynamic comes standard in Fuji White instead of Caldera Red and can also be had in Corris Grey, Indus Silver, Firenze Red, Caesium Blue, and Borasco Grey for $670, plus Farallon Black and Silicon Silver for $1,640 (or $1,430 in R-Dynamic SE trim).

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
This Jaguar and its cub run along the base of the windshield, reminding that the E-Pace is ideal for young families. (Photo: Jaguar)

The Black Exterior package costs an extra $260 if you want it, while the standard Grain Leather sport seats can be had in Ebony with Light Oyster beige stitching, Ebony with Reims blue stitching, and Light Oyster beige with Ebony stitching at no charge, or higher grade Windsor leather in Ebony/Oyster, Oyster/Oyster, Mars Red/Ebony, Ebony/Eclipse blue, and Siena Tan/Ebony for $1,980. The headliner can be had in Ebony or Oyster at no charge or the aforementioned Ebony Suedecloth for $1,020.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The optional puddle lamps display the Jaguar and cub graphic on the ground. (Photo: Jaguar)

Additionally, the 380-watt Meridian audio upgrade can be had for $410 and an even more potent 15-speaker 825-watt version for $1,230 (or $820 in the SE and HSE). Additionally, a 12.3-inch fully configurable colour HD Interactive Driver Display virtual gauge cluster can be added for a mere $570, while a head-up display system will project vital info such as vehicle speed, entertainment functions, adaptive cruise control settings, plus alerts for the optional blindspot monitor and lane departure warning on the windshield for $1,020.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace’ optional fixed panoramic sunroof is massive. (Photo: Jaguar)

Of course there’s more depending on trim, an $820 Cold Climate package ($670 in R-Dynamic trims) adding a heatable windshield, heated washer jets, and a heatable steering wheel, and a $970 Drive package featuring adaptive cruise control with Queue Assist, high-speed emergency braking, and blindspot assist, while many of the features found in upper trims can be had individually, such as proximity access for $620, the activity key for $410, bright metal pedals for $260, auto high beams for $260, ambient interior lighting for $360, a universal garage door opener for $260, the 360-degree surround parking monitor for $360, satellite and HD radio for $510, heated rear seats for $1,020, a fixed panoramic sunroof for $1,180, the powered liftgate for $360, the liftgate with gesture control for $460 (or $110 with the SE), Configurable Dynamics that let you personalize the JaguarDrive dynamic modes via the touchscreen, for $360, adaptive dynamics for $1,020, loads of wheels from 19 to 21 inches in diameter for $510 to $3,670, plus more.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The E-Pace has no shortage of optional wheel designs. (Photo: Jaguar)

The E-Pace will soon go up against its own sibling Range Rover Evoque as well as the segment bestselling Buick Encore, second most popular BMW X1, third-place Mercedes GLA, as well as the Audi Q3, Mini Countryman, and Infiniti QX30, while in short order it will also have the Volvo XC40, Acura CDX, and Lexus UX to deal with. Still, despite the crowded subcompact luxury SUV segment the E-Pace’ attractive styling, exciting performance, advanced engineering, luxurious interior, bevy of standard and optional features, impressive active safety equipment, plus strong value proposition to help it to succeed.

2018 Jaguar E-Pace
The open road beckons with Jaguar’s new 2018 E-Pace. (Photo: Jaguar)

E-Pace models headed for Jaguar Canada showrooms are being built in Graz, Austria by Magna Steyr, the vehicle-assembly division of Canadian auto parts maker Magna International, whereas the majority of Asian markets will receive theirs from Chery Jaguar Land Rover, JLR’s joint venture partnership in Changshu, China.

The E-Pace will be available across Canada starting January 2018. Until then, check out a video of the new E-Pace achieving its Guinness World Record setting 15-metre 270-degree “barrel roll” jump below:

 

It’s official: The innovative Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle will arrive in production trim during the second half of 2018, ushering in an entirely new era for the iconic British luxury brand. The I-Pace…

Jaguar’s I-Pace EV to arrive during second half of 2018

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
The all-electric Jaguar I-Pace Concept, introduced at the LA auto show in 2016, will arrive in production trim during the second half of 2018. (Photo: Jaguar)

It’s official: The innovative Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle will arrive in production trim during the second half of 2018, ushering in an entirely new era for the iconic British luxury brand.

The I-Pace Concept wowed onlookers to such a degree when unveiled at auto shows across North America, including Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and New York, that it received the rarified honour of being named Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2017 at the 16th North American Concept Vehicle Awards.

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
Most expect the production I-Pace to look very close to this concept. (Photo: Jaguar)

Additionally, the I-Pace won the Production Preview Concept of the Year category at the annual Concours d’Elegance of America, where it was also on display.

Uniquely designed as an “all-electric performance SUV,” the I-Pace will expand on a burgeoning Jaguar sport utility lineup that already offers the brand’s bestselling F-Pace compact SUV and will soon include the smaller entry-level E-Pace subcompact SUV. The I-Pace, however, rides on a totally unique EV architecture that slots in between Jaguar’s two conventionally powered SUVs in outward dimensions, yet is altogether different in approach.

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
The concept’s interior looks ultra-plush, which is right on the mark for a production Jaguar. (Photo: Jaguar)

Unlike most EVs currently available, including those made by Tesla that purposely look like conventional cars, the I-Pace takes complete advantage of an electric vehicle’s nonconventional packaging requirements. For instance, instead of building an EV on the back of a vehicle initially designed to house the motor and transmission up front with a driveshaft down the middle, the I-Pace places a Jaguar-designed electric motor at each axle for all-wheel drive traction and a 90-kWh liquid-cooled battery within an aluminum housing as part of the floor’s structure in between. This allows for a cab-forward design featuring a windshield that reaches far over the front wheels, as well as a shorter more steeply raked hood, plus shorter front and rear overhangs, with each wheel pushed out as far to its corner as possible, resulting in much greater interior volume.

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
Pedestal style seats may not make the final build, but many of the concept’s interior design cues will remain intact. (Photo: Jaguar)

Overall the I-Pace is approximately 50 mm (2.0 inches) shorter than the F-Pace, which is already a large compact SUV, but its wheelbase is 117 mm (4.6 inches) longer for much greater legroom front and rear. What’s more, the I-Pace Concept’s roof is nearly 100 mm (4.0 inches) lower than the F-Pace’s, for sleeker, sportier lines.

While the I-Pace shown here is a conceptual design and not production ready, the finished model to arrive in showrooms next year is expected to be sized similarly and look much the same, which follows Jaguar’s recent concept to production protocol. Of course, the prototype’s 23-inch alloys will be downsized somewhat, but generally what you see is what you’ll get.

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
The I-Pace EV’s rear quarters look to be roomy and comfortable. (Photo: Jaguar)

Production I-Pace performance should be similar to the concept’s claimed capability, with the sprint from standstill to 100km/h taking about four seconds thanks to 200 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque from each of its two engines and a lightweight aluminum-intensive monocoque body shell, while its projected EV range should be greater than 355 km (220 miles) from a single charge.

2016 Jaguar I-Pace Concept
Cargo capacity should be good for a sport coupe style compact SUV. (Photo: Jaguar)

Having much of its weight down low, thus reducing its centre of gravity, handling should be an I-Pace strongpoint too. The suspension will be comprised of unequal-length control arms up front and a multilink setup in the rear, which should also result in excellent ride quality.

We won’t know exact pricing until closer to launch, but Jaguar’s U.S. division says it’s targeting an MSRP below $100,000 USD. It will be built by Magna Steyr in Austria, at least until Jaguar adds more EV models to the lineup. To that end Jaguar has promised that half of its vehicles will incorporate some sort of electrified drivetrain by 2025, so it appears the impressive new I-Pace is just the beginning.

Jaguar has added a highly efficient turbo-diesel to its beautiful mid-size XF luxury sedan for 2017, and it boasts impressively innovative technology along with superb fuel economy. We test it in its…

2017 Jaguar XF 20d AWD R-Sport Road Test

In Fuji White and R-Sport trim the XF ideally defines elegant performance, while its 20d turbo-diesel powertrain adds a practical element too.

The 20d moniker is new for 2017, giving Jaguar an edge in a market with few competitors. Ironically, the Germans pioneered and propagated diesel power for more than a century, yet due to Volkswagen's emissions scandals, dubbed Dieselgate when revealed in September of 2015, that impacted Audi in the premium sector, news of which eventually shed light on a reported "secret cartel" in the 1990s to collude on diesel emissions, claimed Germany's Der Spiegel magazine in July of this year, which is said to have included Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), the big boys from Deutschland have abandoned the technology en masse and instead embraced all things electric. Full disclosure: after a short hiatus BMW still offers its 328d xDrive and X5 xDrive35d, but that's it for Teutonic oil burners.

Jaguar is pushing Read Full Story
Why be predictable? If you show up in a Jaguar your colleagues will think you paid much more than you did, while you’ll have a lot more fun getting there than if you’d bought a heavier less sporting…

2017 Jaguar XJ Portfolio AWD Road Test

If I were purchasing a full-size luxury sedan the XJ would be top priority, and I'd take it exactly as my most recent tester was optioned.

It looks stately in Fuji White, a name that would probably be more apropos for a Japanese luxury sedan rather than something from Britain. Of course, Cumbria's Scafell Pike would be an odd moniker for anything car related, and at 978 metres it only gets a dusting of white in mid-winter. The Scottish Highlands is a more likely place to find snowcapped peaks, albeit Ben Nevis and Ben Macdui are even stranger names for car paint. Fuji White it is.

The light colour offsets its black glass roof and black rear pillars perfectly, Jaguar finishing off the rear bumper with a glossy black diffuser-style cap featuring a bit of chrome on top and two polished stainless oval tailpipes at each corner. It's a stunning look, finished off with gracefully arcing LED taillights in back and sharply dressed full LED headlamps up front.

The latter Read Full Story