Jaguar’s F-Pace SUV hits showrooms in April with prices starting from £34,170. The iconic British company have described the F-Pace as “a practical sports car.” But can, and should, a sports car be practical?
Henry McIntosh explores whether the F-Pace neglects fun for pragmatism.
The short answer to that question is a resounding no. After reading Jaguar’s description of their first ever SUV as “a practical sports car” I couldn’t help but think thinking “where’s the fun in that?” Yet since Jaguar unveiled the F-Pace, at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week, I’ve eaten my words.
With a sporty aesthetic, the F-Pace borrows its sporty design sensibilities and commendable performance from the highly sought after Jaguar F-Type. From the F-Type style bonnet bulge and distinctive rear haunches to the top spec model’s inclusion of the F-Type’s 375bhp V6, you could be forgiven for thinking that there can’t have been much budget left for internal embellishments.
I’m referring to the space within the F-Pace, its efficiency, safety conscience and high-tech luxury interior. Some of these ‘additions’ would not make it into your typical ‘bare necessities’ sports car yet provide a crucial and welcome dimension to the F-Pace.
Full of surprises, the first thing you will appreciate about the F-Pace is the cavernous 650-litre capacity boot, which is further complemented by the rear folding seat configuration.
Such things aren’t what you dream of as a child when picturing your first sports car, but the thoughtful nature of the internal design is entirely complementary of a sporty exterior aesthetic and the sports car performance of the F-Pace.
The fact is, you wouldn’t want an SUV which lacked space and domestic amenities; you might as well step up to an F-Type if you do. The difference is, with the F-Pace you’re not sacrificing those head-turning Jaguar looks as you might do with a more standard SUV.
So when Jaguar say that the F-Pace delivers the “maximum driving exhilaration” I’m inclined to believe them.
For me, the beauty of this car is that it doesn’t represent a compromise. It merely reflects a best of both worlds amalgamation between sports car and practical SUV. If the F-Pace points to the future of SUVs, then buckle up.
Jaguar F-Pace Range Summary:
The all-new F-PACE range in the UK will consist of: F-PACE Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio, S, and First Edition. The powertrain range will consist of: 180PS 2.0-litre diesel manual RWD/ AWD and automatic AWD; 300PS 3.0-litre diesel automatic AWD; and 380PS 3.0-litre petrol automatic AWD. The all-new F-PACE is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull Plant alongside the Jaguar XE sports saloon.