Jaguar’s new F-Pace SUV has been selling up a storm – the company’s best seller since last July’s launch. This premium level SUV comes in 12 different variants with three engine choices – prices start at 74,340 for the entry 2.0-litre turbo diesel Prestige, running to 120,400 for the 3.5-litre petrol supercharged V6. I’ve driven three models, an entry 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel and the 3.5-litre petrol supercharged V6. The characteristics of these models change depending on wheel and tyre choice and petrol or diesel power – what is evident is the sport nature of their chassis – the R-Sport turbo diesel pumps out 700Nm of torque and it exhibits enormous pulling power – with constant all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic with manual shift paddles. The turbo-diesel also sounds strong and muscular – the sports suspension and 255 x 55 tyres on 19-inch alloys great on a smooth surface but too stiff on a broken surface where quality ride goes out the window. I found the base Jaguar Prestige F-Pace a little underdone with some competitors offering more refinement but the First Edition 3.5-litre V6 Supercharged petrol F-Pace is perhaps the best luxury SUV I’ve driven -the most expensive in the range at $127,000 its performance is staggering – 0 to 100 in 5.5 secs. with on road competency second to none. Interestingly, on larger 22 inch rims the ride quality was far superior to the R-Sport diesel.

Jaguar can be very proud of their F-Pace but choosing the right model is all important. I’m David Berthon

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