While the F-Pace was met with open arms despite its lofty price tag, there is always a smaller gap to fill, which led to Jaguar again contacting for Land Rover for help, this time using the Range Rover Evoque as a base for the E-Pace. I spent time with this baby Jaguar, or cub, recently to see what it’s like.
Still a Jaguar to look at
On the outside, the E-Pace is unmistakably Jaguar with hints of the F-Type seeping through. The car features that now iconic Jaguar front grille, recognisable headlights with the L-shaped daytime running LEDs and an overall sporty yet classy look thanks to large air as part of the R-Dynamic styling pack.
Although the E-Pace is not a large SUV by any stretch, it lends the impression of bigness as a result of it outstretching bonnet and curved roof design. In fact, I will put my head on a block and say that it is as good or even better looking than the the F-Pace.
Interior found napping in places
Step inside, and the sporty undertones continue with a driver focused cockpit, again similar to that of the F-Type. Along with the flowing dashboard design, the quality of the materials used are mostly good, but change in feel to cheap on the more prominent areas like the centre console and around the infotainment display.
Thankfully though, the buttons and dials that you interact with feel good and are relatively easy to use. The facia is uncluttered which I do like as it highlights the fluid design. One thing that is not quite as flowing is the infotainment system.
The E-Pace features Jaguar Land Rover’s updated 10-inch Touch Pro system which is alright for the most part, but with obvious flaws. For starters, it is a bit slow to respond and when compared to the systems found in BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz products, it is lacking in user friendliness and ease of use. My top-spec HSE test unit also sported the optional Meridian sound system, which is one of the best.
Making space
As for space, well the car might seem small but it is in actual fact 4 395mm long with short front and rear overhangs of 882mm and 832mm. It has a wheelbase of 2 681mm and will seat five in relative comfort. It also features 892mm of rear legroom as well as adequate luggage capacity of 577-litres, which can be enlarged to 1 234-litres by dropping the rear seats.
Still a pouncing cat?
Under the bonnet of my test unit was the Jaguar developed Ingenium 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in P300 guise, which in South African is 221kW/400Nm. This, coupled with all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox, gives the E-Pace a rather and dynamic character. The ride is compliant, sporty and relatively comfortable. The little cub likes to play rough and despite its somewhat tall architecture, remains planted through corners.
Verdict
The E-Pace is a really good car and ticks all the boxes of what a modern, compact SUV should offer. It is good looking, has decent tech and a host of engines and options to choose from. Unfortunately, it comes with a “too-hard-to-ignore” issue, not the fault of Jaguar, but rather our economy.
As tested, my Caesium Blue P300 HSE R-Dynamic came in at over R900 000, which is not only ridiculously overpriced for a compact SUV, but makes the E-Pace just cheaper than heavy hitters like the BMW M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43.
