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THE OUTSIDE To this end , the exterior design is inspired by the F-Type sports car and is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille , sturdy proportions , short overhangs and powerful haunches . You can get it with the optional 21 ” alloy wheels as featured here and they do look good . How they will affect comfort remains to be seen but on a very brief run they gave the car a purposeful stance that was comfortable and , crucially , agile . You can smell the sports car DNA . Advanced LED headlights ( optional ) are similar in concept to those used on the F-Type and feature Jaguar ’ s signature J-blade daytime running lights , which flow around the outer edges of the headlights say about it really : It is smart , clean and uncluttered although the small steering wheel continues to divide opinion . It works well on this car because the drive itself is relaxed ; no speed thrills here , this is a motor to relax in and eat up the miles .
THE TECHNOLOGY The Jaguar E-Pace is one of the most connected and intelligent vehicles in its class . The next-generation touchscreen infotainment
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system will connect owners to their favourite apps . Digital connectivity can be found throughout the cabin , ready for every need of our modern motoring lifestyle . There four 12- volt charging points and five USB connections as well as a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices . This car is possibly better connected than your office !
ON THE INSIDE We thought the E-Pace had exceptional good interior space for a smaller vehicle of this class . It seats five in absolute comfort and offers generous rear legroom , while the boot or trunk will swallow a capacious 577L of luggage . The overall effect of the inside isn ’ t that dramatic , it must be said . It is smart certainly with cleverly positioned stretches of double stitching and leather to make you feel like you ’ re in a premium product . Sadly some dull black plastic pokes its head out , and the gear lever , although chrome , somehow looks a little low-rent for a premium vehicle . All the usual safety tech is on board as is to be expected . It ’ s a long list so this is one safe vehicle .
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A QUALITY RIDE New chassis hardware maximises interior space while also providing a strong basis for the vehicle ’ s seemingly impressive allsurface capabilities . The Integral Link rear suspension layout has allowed the developers to deliver responsiveness and agility without compromising ride comfort . They ’ ve done a good job here .
Configurable Dynamics gives the driver more control with individual settings for the throttle , automatic transmission , steering and , where fitted , the Adaptive Dynamics suspension system . The Adaptive Dynamics set-up senses driver input , body and wheel movements and pre-emptively loads the suspension and chassis and adjusts the damping for improved roll control and agility in all conditions . It ’ s very clever and enhances the drive .
A CHOICE OF ENGINES The variety of engines gives a good spread to suit most buyers . The two-wheel drive only vehicles compliment the range for those for whom 4WD is rather pointless . This is just two
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of the engine options : The 296bhp Ingenium petrol turbo engine powers the car from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 151mph . The front-wheel drive 147bhp Ingenium diesel delivers CO ² emissions of just 124g / km . Drive is via a six-speed manual or a fine nine-speed ZF automatic gearbox . Active Driveline all-wheel drive is a technological first for Jaguar , we are told . The intelligent set-up combines phenomenal traction with Jaguar ’ s unmistakable rear-wheeldrive character . The system ’ s torque-biasing capability delivers optimal stability , dynamics and fuel efficiency in all conditions .
THE BOTTOM LINE On first look the Jaguar E-Pace is an attractive proposition for those not in need of a full-size SUV . We think it is rather brilliant . Available to order now , the base model costs around £ 29,000 but beware the options list !
Written by Geoff Maxted www . drivewrite . co . uk
@ DriveWrite
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