Last July, I really enjoyed the 2017 Jaguar F-Pace 35t R-Sport calling its entry into the competitive field of SUV’s an exciting and desirable. Many of you agreed. 2017 Canadian sales of the F-Pace totalled 2,612 units*, exceeding the total sales of all of Jaguar’s sedan models.
For 2018, Jaguar has expanded the F-Pace line-up with the introduction of the “S” model replacing the 2017 35t R-Sport and adding 40 hp to last year’s V6 engine – now with 380 hp. In addition to the “S” model, there are Premium, Prestige and R-Sport versions with a 2.0 L turbo 4 cylinder engine with either 247 hp or 296 hp as well as a 2.0 L turbo diesel. Lots of choice with base prices ranging from $50,250 to $68,500 before optional extras. My F-Pace S came with a few extras that raised the final price to over $83,000 before taxes.
2017 Jaguar F-Pace 35t R-Sport AWD: Oakville Drives article posted in 2017.
2018 vs 2017
Nothing notable has changed in the excellent exterior styling of the Jaguar F-Pace. Jaguar did finally add a turbo charged four-cylinder 247 hp “Ingenium” gasoline engine. It is an option to the existing four-cylinder turbo diesel introduced in 2017. Jaguar also added a couple of new driver-assistance features as options. These include forward traffic detection; a camera and radar based alert system for traffic crossing in front of the F-Pace, in addition to forward vehicle guidance to improve parking capability.
Driving and handling characteristics
Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed the 340 hp ride and handling of the R-Sport. Last year’s drive was in early July with perfect weather conditions – so it was all very pleasant. This year, it was in February on messy roads filled with potholes, an ice storm, and very little in the way good weather. The test week also included a run from Oakville to Ottawa and back, providing ample opportunity to explore more of the vehicle’s features.
On the open highway, I opted to use the “eco” drive setting as well as the adaptive cruise control feature to maximize fuel economy. Although the overall drive was pleasant enough, I was aware of a noticeable lag in acceleration using the “eco” mode. The adaptive cruise control was sufficiently responsive and offered a reasonable choice of follow distances.
Once off the 400 series of highways, I opted for the “Dynamic” mode along with using the paddle shifters – a lot of fun. However, this mode noticeably stiffens the suspension and is not recommended for uneven pavement especially with potholes, or with a passenger sensitive to rough driving. A quick shift into the “Normal” drive mode helped settle things down. The lesson here is that the “Dynamic” mode is certainly more responsive and fun for the driver to use especially at speed – but is perhaps not as appreciated by passengers.
Late one afternoon, the Jaguar F-Pace was completely covered in a thick coating of ice. The good news is that the heaters all worked really well and soon the front and side glass became ice-free. The “AdSR” drive mode (sometimes known as rain/ice/snow) provided excellent feedback, grip and handling on Ottawa’s icy roads. Unfortunately, the side mirrors that auto-folded in park were frozen into place. Driving for several hours without side mirrors is not recommended. Perhaps Jaguar could consider some full Canadian winter testing in the future.
In summary, this vehicle handles very well regardless of weather conditions. You just need to select the right drive mode to maximize fun, safety and comfort.
Comfort and Styling
In the “S” model, both the driver and front passenger are treated with 14x14 way sport front seats in leather. Last year on typically shorter drives, I found the seats to be quite comfortable.
This year, after several five-hour drives, both my wife and I experienced quite the opposite. The inability to adjust the headrest, combined with the stiffness of the seat back prompted us to shift positions often to reduce discomfort. This is not unique to the F-Pace; many vehicles are now equipped with stiffer seat backs and headrests.
Despite this, we still quite enjoyed the interior of the F-Pace, the very good sound system and for the most part, layout of the controls.
As often reported, the placement of window controls high up and forward on the driver’s door should be reconsidered.
During the week, I had ample opportunity to use the navigation system which, while perfectly functional, is more awkward to program than it should be. I did appreciate the accuracy of the navigation guidance, the ability to place the map directly in front of the drivers view and the head’s up display. A more common feature in higher end vehicles today is the “auto high beam assist” that automatically turns on the high beam headlights in dark road situtations and reverts to normal headlights once oncoming cars or tail lights are detected. Many of us never experience this feature as much of our normal driving is done in well lit environments. On Ottawa’s rural roads in poor weather conditions, I had a chance to experience this feature and found it very helpful and appropriately responsive.
Safety
One of the many excellent features of the Jaguar F-Pace is visibility - as a result of ride height and driver seat positioning but also because of the use of expansive glass providing good sight lines.
The F-Pace is also equipped with the latest “awareness and alert” features including:
- Blind spot monitor
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane keeping aids
- Surround camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
All of these features depend on camera and radar systems being fully functional and used with appropriate knowledge across changing driving conditions. For example, the use of the cruise control feature while driving on anything but dry pavement can be quite dangerous. As well, this vehicle’s sensors are easily impacted by dirt that can set off a sensor alert in the vehicle. My week of driving the F-Pace included generally “dirty” roads and I found that the side mirror sensors would frequently fail. As a result, the important blind spot monitor would no longer function. I did stop quite often to clean the sensors but, within another 20-30 minutes of driving, they would fail again. Perhaps some redesign of the sensor placement will improve things in the future.
Things to consider
For a driving enthusiast, the Jaguar F-Pace is still one of my favourite SUVs as a result of its styling, the 380 hp responsive engine, great handling and overall comfort. Other than the “S” model, the other F-Pace models come with a choice of three different engines – all of which will definitely provide better fuel economy than the “S”. After 1,350 km of highway and city driving, I achieved 11.5 l/100km. This is not terrible fuel consumption, but when the V6 is matched to the F-Pace standard 63 L fuel tank, you will find yourself visiting gas stations more often.
Generally speaking, the standard equipment on each model is quite adequate but serious consideration should be given to adding the heated front windscreen ($440), the driver assistance pack ($3,320) and the head’s up display ($1,020). Despite the benefits from a better sound system and navigation, I am not convinced that the technology pack is worth the extra $3,320 until Jaguar improves their technology.
Jaguar has now also introduced the E-Pace, a compact SUV version of the F-Pace, with a price range of $42,700 – $59,000 with 2.0L gas engine options of 246hp and 296 hp, 9-speed transmission and all wheel drive. For those keen on an electric version – the I-Pace is expected in the latter part of 2018.
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*Source: Automotive News Canada, January 2018
