Second Jaguar SUV coming next year: 2018 E-PACE
For a brand that introduced its first utility vehicle less than two years ago, Jaguar is wasting little time investing in the hottest segment by announcing yet another compact SUV: the E-PACE.
It’s not powered by electricity, as the first letter in the name might have you believe — that’s reserved for yet another new model on the way, the I-PACE. No, this is a gasoline-powered, all-wheel drive crossover injecting sports cars looks and performance into an automobile that can be used comfortably everyday.
“Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognizable as the sports car of its class. Our new compact SUV combines the interior space, connectivity and security that families expect with the kind of proportions, purity of design and performance not usually associated with such a practical vehicle,” said Jaguar director of design Ian Callum.
Slightly smaller than bigger brother the F-PACE, the E represents a more affordable entry-level option for luxury SUV buyers (the puddle lights even shine an image of a Jaguar cub onto the floor when you unlock the doors). The two share a remarkably similar appearance with the same bold grille, polished side fender cooling ducts and F-TYPE-inspired head and tail lamps as well as flared out bodywork.
To appeal a younger demographic, certain unique touches have been added to the interior giving the cabin a fresh, vibrant feel. Depending on the package, splashes of colour can be found on the seats, dash and door panels. Instead of wood trim typical of the segment, occupants will instead find a Noble Chrome metallic finish on the shifter surrounds, side vents and more.
There is comfortable seating for five adults, and loads of luggage space. With the 60:40 split folding rear seats in the up position, there is a 685-litre capacity. Down, that increases to 1,493 litres.
The two engine options are both turbocharged four cylinders, one outputting 246 horsepower and the other, 296, mated to a ZF nine-speed transmission. The E-PACE will retail at a starting price of $42,700 when it is available in the first half of 2018.
