Jaguar F-Pace/ F-Pace Plug-in Hybrid

A new interior, mild hybrid diesel engine and, most importantly, plug-in hybrid versions are highlights of the facelifted F-Pace, Martyn Collins finds.

SECTOR Large SUV PRICE £40,860 - £64,490 RANGE 292 miles CO2 44g/km CHARGING 7 hours 15 mins (0-90%, 11kW AC) 40mins (0-80%, 150kW DC)

Facelifted at the same time as the XF (see road test here), the exterior changes for the F-Pace follow the same format with a new bonnet, bumpers, headlights and grille. These and the optional Black Exterior Pack freshen up the five-year-old design.

Interior changes mirror the XF, with more metal and soft leather trim, plus the same 11.4-inch central curved screen, running the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. However, in use, the maps are perhaps a bit simplistic and moving between the other features isn’t so easy.

Other highlights are the metal-trimmed ventilation controls, plus a new three-spoke multi-function steering wheel, borrowed from the I-Pace, which is as nice to hold as before. The driving position is comfortable and the new seats supportive – while space even for the tallest is uncompromised in the back. The F-Pace also benefits from Active Road Noise Cancellation, which removes unwanted noise from the interior, making the F-Pace a relaxing place to spend time.

S, SE and HSE models are available – with R-Dynamic specification available with all trims. The F-Pace is powered by the latest 250hp four-cylinder and new 350hp in-line six-cylinder petrol, plus 163 and 204hp four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel Ingenium engines – all of these featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology. The MHEV system works via a belt-integrated Starter Generator in the engine bay, which harvests energy usually lost when slowing and braking. This is then stored in a 48V lithium-ion battery and gets delivered when accelerating making the stop/start system more responsive. All F-Pace models feature intelligent all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Most interesting for fleet, the new F-Pace is available with the P400e PHEV powertrain as well. The P400e combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 143hp electric motor and 17.1kWh lithium-ion battery. The result is 400hp with 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds, yet it’s capable of up to 33 miles all-electric driving, with 130.2mpg and CO2 emissions from 49g/km.

Fast charging (32kW DC) is possible with the F-Pace P400e, with 0-80% charge in 30 minutes, while a domestic 7kW wall box can provide a charge of 0-80% in one hour 40 minutes.

First drive was in an P400 R-Dynamic SE, with the new 350hp 3.0-litre MHEV Ingenium petrol engine. Like the rest of the range, this F-Pace is a dynamic drive, with responsive steering and excellent body control. Yet, despite the 22-inch wheels, the ride remains composed and refined at speed.

Next up was the P400e, in SE trim. Starting with the electric motor, performance is strong from the off – plus it is so well integrated with the petrol engine it’s hard to tell when the latter engine cuts in. Even with the extra weight, the performance still impresses, and the sporty dynamics seem unaffected.

The market for large SUVs is a crowded one, but the improvements and addition of plug-in hybrid versions make the Jaguar F-Pace stand out.

Which model is right for you?

Jaguar’s plug-in version of the F-Pace is available in six trims. S includes 19-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, cruise control with speed limiter, 12-way electric driver memory front sport seats, Ebony leather trim, heated steering wheel, 11.4-inch touchscreen display, Pivi Pro navigation, LED headlights with signature DRL. SE adds 20-inch alloy wheels, 16-way electric driver memory front seats, Auto High Beam Assist, Animated Directional Indicators, electrically adjustable steering column, Keyless Entry, Blind Spot Assist, Clear Exit Monitor, Rear Traffic Monitor. HSE has 21-inch alloy wheels, Rear Collision Monitor. R-Dynamic S, SE and HSE models specification mirrors the standard S,SE and HSE, but R-Dynamic models have unique bumper finishers, inserts, grille and door cladding except, the R-Dynamic S has 19-inch gloss black five-spoke alloy wheels, the SE has 20-inch, 10-spoke gloss black alloy wheels and the HSE has 21-inch five-split spoke wheels finished in satin dark grey.

F-Pace S

F-Pace SE

F-Pace R-Dynamic S

EXPERIENCE

F-Pace P400e PHEV SE

THE LOWDOWN

KEY FLEET MODEL

F-PACE P400e 2.0 S PHEV AWD

STRENGTHS

KEEN DRIVE, UNCOMPROMISED P400e PHEV VERSION, STYLISH INTERIOR

WEAKNESSES

FUSSY FRONT GRILLE, PHEV STILL EXPENSIVE

THE VERDICT

The frugal P400e plug-in hybrid version and premium interior mean the F-Pace stands out in a busy area of the market.

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