Jaguar Cars is transitioning with revised E-Pace
Now featuring a more attractive ‘snout pout’, states Iain Robertson, one of Bob Lefroy’s favoured car marques has been listening to critique and responding accordingly, with good grace, zero arrogance and a wealth of new technology.
Tough love lies behind much of the criticism received from both motoring media and Jaguar’s own customers, many of whom have turned their backs, however temporarily, on the Coventry Cats. The company was headed along its own route to perdition and even models like the E-Pace, intended to niche-fill with a relatively affordable, compact SUV, albeit heavily reliant on Range Rover Evoque technology, while up-front popular, failed to live up to brand expectations from even the most forgiving of end-users.
The changes are subtle but well-directed and E-Pace is an intriguing midfielder, with which to demonstrate a competent volte-face. While the ‘Black Edition’ soubriquet is more than a little cliched, the sub-dermal alterations are both timely and much needed. To provide its full name, the R-Dynamic Black Edition expands the E-Pace line-up, which features the firm’s advanced ‘Premium Transverse Architecture’, a choice of excellent Ingenium powertrains, with reliability issues dealt with, that include Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) variants, featuring the latest connectivity options, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available at the same time, and more Jaguar-like luxurious cabins.
The E-Pace has always possessed a prettier F-Type-related appearance that has gifted it a better street presence than the larger and almost anonymous F-Pace SUV. It is little wonder that early uptake rates looked so positive. Detail styling enhancements include the black door mirror caps and Gloss Black detailing to the front bumper, lower grille and main grille surrounds and grille tips. The side window surround and body vent, complete with the Jaguar leaper, also feature the black finish, along with the Jaguar script and rear badging. Distinctive 19.0-inch diameter, Satin Grey alloy wheels, with contrasting red brake callipers, privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof complete the exterior.
On the inside, the R-Dynamic Black Edition delivers dramatically improved luxury, the aforementioned enhanced connectivity and significantly improved refinement levels. The focal point of the revised layout is the curved 11.4-inch HD touchscreen, which is integrated into the central instrument console. From it, the more intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system provides greater clarity and allows the driver to carry out 90% of common tasks within just two taps of the home screen thanks to its vastly simpler menu structure.
As mentioned earlier, the new E-Pace family has been broadened and is now available with a choice of 2.0-litre Ingenium MHEV (mild hybrid) powertrains, ranging from the efficient D165 and D200 diesels to the smooth and punchy P200 petrol, most of which drive through a nine-speed automatic transmission, featuring all-wheel drive as standard. The revised system makes use of second-generation ‘Standard Driveline’ technology that distributes torque automatically between the front and rear wheels to ensure optimised traction and stability. However, it is a thoughtful system that uses Driveline Disconnect technology, which disengages AWD intelligently to optimise fuel efficiency, for example when cruising at constant speeds.
The revised engine line-up includes three diesels from the 160bhp (6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive) 2.0-litre base, to the same power level, mild hybrid version and a 200bhp more potent alternative, both of which have the 9-speed auto-box and AWD. The petrols are all mild hybrid type in 197, 245 and 296bhp forms, while a 305bhp plug-in hybrid, possessing a typical 31mls EV range and 30-mins/80% recharge rate.
Interestingly, the latter relies on the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder version of the modular Ingenium engine and an 8-speed auto-box. It offers a tangible performance advantage, capable of despatching the 0-60mph dash in 6.1s, while emitting CO2 at a lowly rate of 44g/km but a WLTP fuel economy of a stated 143.1mpg. As a useful halfway-house towards a future all-electric development that Jaguar has promised by 2025, it makes good sense.
On power units equipped with MHEV technology, a belt-integrated starter generator (BiSG) recuperates the energy usually lost during braking, or deceleration, which is then stored in a 48-volt lithium-ion battery beneath the boot floor. This stored energy is then redeployed during acceleration for enhanced responses, or when the vehicle’s stop/start system is required, making the process more refined, smoother and faster to react.
While the uptake rate of the entry-level diesel model is likely to be light, its price tag is a major attraction at a most acceptable £32,390, a good platform for an upmarket aspirant. The rest of the diesel line-up is priced up to £41,870 in the highest trim grade. The petrols start at £38,675, rising to the £50,240 of the highest-spec plug-in version and I see them as moderately good value, when the total package is taken into account.
To be frank, I am highly impressed with the progress that Jaguar Cars is making to resolve its formerly stated problems. While it will take some time to overcome the unreliability issues that have blighted the brand in recent years, if the developments introduced on the revised E-Pace are anything to go by, Jaguar is on the right track to recovery. The car handles as satisfyingly as any 4×4 is able and having released some extra space within the cabin, it is more practical than before. Once the company deals with the issues of its other models, the marque’s recovery should be complete.
