Jaguar F-Pace

Even the smallest in the F-Pace is just as enticing as any other but it still offers a bit of sensibility without compromising on the signature Jaguar driving pleasure. Some SUVs are practical, some are fun to drive, but the 2022 Jaguar F-Pace is one that manages to succeed at offering both traits—and it sports some gorgeous sheet metal to boot. Inspired by the lovely F-Type sports car, the F-Pace stands out among the throngs of Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz compact SUVs. A trio of powertrains are offered, starting with the 246-hp turbocharged four-cylinder P250 and culminating in the refined and powerful 395-hp turbo- and-supercharged inline-six P400 model. The F-Pace’s cabin dons all the trappings of a modern luxury car, including fine materials, cutting-edge infotainment tech, and a host of driver-assistance features.

Everyone has something that they put on top of their list of indulgence- some enjoy food, other clothing or accessories while there’s a specific individual who enjoys speed on a small scale. The Jaguar F-Pace is a terrific pocket rocket and is an ideal choice for the specific person that enjoys elegant driving at high quality.

At a Glance

Following a more thorough refresh for the 2021 model year, the F-Pace is largely unchanged for 2022 and continues to offer the same powertrains, features, and designs as last year’s model. If your goal is to drive a vehicle that will have onlooker’s attention even before you turn the corner (the rumbly engine comes into play here) then this Jaguar is the vehicle to have. The British brands promise to owners is an unmatched experience with the vehicle. Available in a choice of colors and options gives it a race car feel with a signature clamshell bonnet and striking air vents. Let’s not forget to mention the iconic ‘J’ blade LED Daytime Running Lights with stunning monogram detailing.

Step Inside

In keeping with Jaguar’s line-up-wide minimalist interior aesthetic, the F-Pace’s cabin features simple detailing, easy-to-reach secondary controls, and lots of window area for enhanced visibility. You sit high in both the front and rear seats, and the driver is treated to an excellent seating position, square to the steering wheel and pedals. The F-Pace’s front-seat legroom and headroom measurements are among the roomiest in this class, while the aft quarters are merely average. The British wanted to give buyers of the F-Pace a superior and unmatched interior feel consisting of soft materials and stylish designs. Passengers can comfortably slip into position without knocking heads and the boot offers 650-litres of space which is workable when the spare wheel is removed.

Jaguar’s latest touchscreen-based infotainment system is called Pivi. It distils core functions into simple, well-arranged menus and it looks slick. We haven’t used the new Pivi or PiviPro system in the F-Pace yet, but we have had the chance to sample it in the new Land Rover Defender and found it to buggy and prone to malfunction. Luckily, unlike Jaguar’s last infotainment software, Pivi is capable of over-the-air updates so as engineers work out the bugs the F-Pace can be easily updated. Every F-Pace comes standard with an 11.4-inch curved-glass touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Meridian stereo system; built-in navigation and a mobile hotspot also are available.

Buyers who want the latest safety and driver assists still have a satisfying selection of choices, including a generous suite of standard driver-assistance technology and several high-tech options. Other included safety features are the Standard forward collision-warning and automated emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control

Under the Bonnet

Every 2022 F-Pace features an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The engine line-up includes a standard turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that makes 204 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque. Jaguar intentionally tunes the F-Pace’s suspension on the firm side for a sporty feel. The ride is never harsh, although the larger available wheel sizes (Jaguar offers up to 22-inch-diameter wheels) can add some jiggle to the suspension’s movements over bumps. Regardless of model, every F-Pace’s steering setup is quick and delivers confidence-inspiring feedback from the front tires to the driver’s hands. Driven quickly, the F-Paces sharp responses are genuinely impressive and make this Jaguar crossover truly fun to drive.

So, what’s the scoop?

In its attempt to turn around public perception of the brand’s historically rocky reliability, Jaguar provides warranty coverage that tops the segment. The highlight is Jaguar’s lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance program which is covered for five years or 100 000 km. The F-Pace is a front-runner in the mid-sized premium SUV class, The F-Pace has good looks and a classy interior, and it proves that you don’t need to sacrifice driving excitement when choosing a family-friendly crossover. Overall, the F-Pace is a great-all-rounder. All models use a smooth, eight-speed automatic transmission and offer reassuring all-wheel-drive. It’s comfortable even on the large wheel options that are available, but it also handles well, which more than justifies the existence of the rapid SVR model. Prices for a new Jaguar F-PACE start at just over  R1,300 000, making it a financial commitment that carefully needs to be thought about. That being said, with style as striking as its performance, the F-Pace is an example of how a car-focused brand can successfully create an SUV with strong familial ties. The latest F-Pace trades some of its all-out speed and performance for more comfort and fuel efficiency and adds in some modern tech as well. We think that makes for a better overall package.