2016 Jaguar F-Pace diesel India review, test drive

What’s it?

The rising global demand for SUVs has made Jaguar finally introduce its first SUV called the F-Pace. Built on the same platform as the XE and XF, this SUV by Jaguar uses an aluminium-intensive construction comprising nearly 80 percent of stiff yet lightweight material. Dimensionally, the F-Pace is actually half a size larger than rivals like the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5, but half a size smaller than the likes of the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.

One look at the F-Pace and you know it’s a Jag; it has the familiar J-shaped DRLs and LED headlamps, and the grill has the signature chrome mesh too. Because it’s an SUV however, it’s all beefed up now. The bonnet sports an aggressive bulge in the centre, the high shoulder line flows nicely to the back, the 19-inch wheels very beautifully integrated into the design, making this one a handsome-looking SUV. Even the tail-lamps are similar to the F-Type and look extremely sporty along with the steeply sloping rear windscreen and spoiler. The twin muffler tips at the back aren’t to everyone’s taste and seem like an after-thought on an otherwise good-looking car.

There are two diesel engine options to choose from for India – a 2.0-litre Ingenium four-cylinder engine churning out 177hp and 430Nm of torque available with the Pure and Prestige variants; and a 3.0-litre V6 with 296hp and 700Nm of torque; available with the R-Sport and First Edition variants. Both these engines come mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox transmitting power to all four wheels.