The success of the Jaguar F-Pace has been phenomenal contributing to a 83% rise in Jaguar sales and now the "Pace" family has a new addition, the "E-Pace".
Jaguar say "The exterior design is inspired by the F-TYPE sports car and is characterised by the distinctive Jaguar grille, muscular proportions, short overhangs and powerful haunches. Optional 21-inch alloy wheels give the E-PACE a bold and purposeful stance, instantly communicating dynamic agility."
This all very nice and corporate speak, but you cant deny what Jaguar say, this is no run of the mill SUV to fulfill a market segment, this is a car inspired by the current design and ethos of the Jaguar family. It also has a hard act to follow given the sales success of the F-Pace.
Connectivity is becoming more important in the market and the E-Pace is no slouch in this area, with up to 8 devices being able to use its 4G wireless hotspot. The target market is clear, young, modern families with up to 4 charging sockets throughout the car and 5 USB ports to help keep the family connected on the road.
The latest infotainment system also hosts a variety of apps such as Spotify to help keep everyone entertained. It is not all about being connected though, the cabin boasts one of the largest spaces for all occupants in the compact SUV segment.
This is still a Jaguar at heart and that means a car with sport car dynamics and styling, with added extra of being family friendly!
Established Jaguar design principles ensure the E-PACE is immediately recognisable 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. Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar
A Jaguar would not be a Jaguar without the support of a fantastic engine and the E-Pace is the first Jaguar to use the Ingenium engine exclusively across its whole range in both petrol and diesel formats. In some ways the E-Pace is the culmination of the investment that has been pouring Jaguar in recent times, new engine, new body, chassis and technology.
The choice of engines ranges from economy with estimates starting at 50 mpg or performance of 0 - 60 mph in 5.9 secs with plenty in between to choose from.
We have been getting use to Jaguar launching cars in spectacular style and the E-Pace was no different. At a star studded event in the London Excel Arena the E-Pace was quite literally launched in a dramatic stunt reminiscent of the James Bond barrel roll. The video of this stunt can be viewed on the Jaguar Youtube account.
We get to see the car for the first time as it enters the Guinness Book of Records with the longest 270 degree barrel roll. Don't write this off as just another wasted exercise, this is Jaguar being bullish and confident. The company saying "we can do that" a philosophy that runs through the whole JLR make up at the moment. Can we make a small family saloon the fastest road Jaguar ever built? Yep, enter Project 8. Can we make an impact in the SUV sector? yes, we can, enter the F-Pace (that was launched with a stunt that sent it into the Guinness Book of Records also).
Prices are expected to start around £28,000 which puts this car firmly in reach of families who aspire to Jaguar ownership without having to compromise. There are some firsts with this car too, first Jaguar to be built outside the UK, first Jaguar since the X-Type to have front wheel drive. The traditional Jaguar driver may see these as points not to buy one, but this is not a car aimed at the traditional Jaguar market. This is a car aimed at young active families, this is a car designed to entice new buyers to the brand. Time will tell whether it succeeds, but with the F-Pace shows how Jaguar can take a market and make an impact.