As we have already mentioned after driving the new F-PACE in Montenegro, Jaguar has arrived late to the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) game. With brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz pumping out model after model to satisfy the growing SUV appetite of customers, the British marque has taken bewilderingly long to bring out the very first SUV in its lineup (to put it in context, the first BMW X3 was released 13 years ago).
Can this big cat find its place in an ever-crowded luxury SUV segment in Singapore?
This looks like an F-TYPE on steroids
The F-PACE is certainly arresting to look at. With its sleek lines, aggressive front end and sloping coupe-like roofline, the F-PACE is a sight to behold. Its squat dimensions give it a mean demeanour, very much like an F-TYPE on steroids. In a segment where design often veers towards bland practicality, Jaguar has embraced its sporty purity.
The F-PACE is also big on the inside. The 2,874mm wheelbase translates to ample legroom for passengers, and the panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of airy spaciousness. The F-PACE also boasts all of the practicality of a family SUV. The 650-litre boot can be expanded to 1,740 litres with the rear bench folded flat - enough space to fit a whole drum set.
Can this big cat find its place in an ever-crowded luxury SUV segment in Singapore?
This looks like an F-TYPE on steroids
The F-PACE is certainly arresting to look at. With its sleek lines, aggressive front end and sloping coupe-like roofline, the F-PACE is a sight to behold. Its squat dimensions give it a mean demeanour, very much like an F-TYPE on steroids. In a segment where design often veers towards bland practicality, Jaguar has embraced its sporty purity.
The F-PACE is also big on the inside. The 2,874mm wheelbase translates to ample legroom for passengers, and the panoramic glass roof adds to the sense of airy spaciousness. The F-PACE also boasts all of the practicality of a family SUV. The 650-litre boot can be expanded to 1,740 litres with the rear bench folded flat - enough space to fit a whole drum set.
The quality is in the details
The quality in the interior is what you would expect from the British marque. High-quality materials are lathered throughout the well-built and comfortable interior.
It is in the small details that you discover the wealth of quality engineering. For example, the rear seats can be electrically reclined for added lounging comfort. The F-PACE also features a gesture tailgate, but the sensor has been shifted to either corner of the rear bumper so that there is no need to back away to stop the boot lid smacking you in the face.
If we had to nitpick, the infotainment system is a tad laggy, and the placement of the window controls on top of the door panel, instead of the more traditional placement on the door-side arm rest, takes some getting used to.
The quality in the interior is what you would expect from the British marque. High-quality materials are lathered throughout the well-built and comfortable interior.
It is in the small details that you discover the wealth of quality engineering. For example, the rear seats can be electrically reclined for added lounging comfort. The F-PACE also features a gesture tailgate, but the sensor has been shifted to either corner of the rear bumper so that there is no need to back away to stop the boot lid smacking you in the face.
If we had to nitpick, the infotainment system is a tad laggy, and the placement of the window controls on top of the door panel, instead of the more traditional placement on the door-side arm rest, takes some getting used to.
Time to let the cat out of its bag
Let's get one thing straight - the F-PACE is plenty fast. Put your foot down, and the shove from the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine is shocking and exciting every single time. With 335bhp and 450Nm of torque at your disposal, the F-PACE will chew up Singapore's tarmac with absolute ease, despite its 1,820kg weight. Remarkably, this variant sports the base-model petrol V6 - the S variant packs an additional 40bhp.
Go anywhere near the right pedal and the Jag emits a low, threatening growl, hinting at the power that awaits. Prod it, and the car immediately leaps forward. Let the revs pile on and that growl crescendos to a vicious howl.
With power for days and its barking exhaust note, the F-PACE is made to be driven. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system. This big cat remains firmly planted to the tarmac with little detectable body roll. It allows you, no, makes you want to corner hard.
Can it settle down?
The V6 is intoxicatingly fun, but the fear of traffic cameras and speeding fines will eventually kick in. When you finally decide to stop mashing throttle, the F-PACE is fully capable of being a docile and elegant feline. Ride quality is always on the firm side but is nonetheless comfortable enough, with the suspension soaking up most bumps in the road.
Let's get one thing straight - the F-PACE is plenty fast. Put your foot down, and the shove from the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 engine is shocking and exciting every single time. With 335bhp and 450Nm of torque at your disposal, the F-PACE will chew up Singapore's tarmac with absolute ease, despite its 1,820kg weight. Remarkably, this variant sports the base-model petrol V6 - the S variant packs an additional 40bhp.
Go anywhere near the right pedal and the Jag emits a low, threatening growl, hinting at the power that awaits. Prod it, and the car immediately leaps forward. Let the revs pile on and that growl crescendos to a vicious howl.
With power for days and its barking exhaust note, the F-PACE is made to be driven. Throw it into a couple of corners and you gain admiration for the work the Jaguar engineers have put into the car's suspension system. This big cat remains firmly planted to the tarmac with little detectable body roll. It allows you, no, makes you want to corner hard.
Can it settle down?
The V6 is intoxicatingly fun, but the fear of traffic cameras and speeding fines will eventually kick in. When you finally decide to stop mashing throttle, the F-PACE is fully capable of being a docile and elegant feline. Ride quality is always on the firm side but is nonetheless comfortable enough, with the suspension soaking up most bumps in the road.
Is too much performance really a complain? Admittedly, the F-PACE isn't the biggest fan of slow traffic, as the engine is always on the edge of wanting to unleash itself. Also, the whine of the supercharger and the steady exhaust growl sits ominously in the background at all times, and while we may love that, some drivers may want slightly more peace and quiet.
Is the F-PACE the complete luxury SUV package?
Unlike most luxury SUVs, the F-PACE manages a delicate yet precise balancing act between having the practicality of a family SUV, the refinement and comfort of an executive sedan, and the performance of a sports coupe.
Admittedly, this isn't the model for all automakers. This isn't a cookie-cutter, mass-market model that will light up accountants' spreadsheets (think Audi's Q series or BMW's X series with multiple body sizes). The F-PACE is closer in spirit (and price) to the Porsche Macan S.
Is the F-PACE the complete luxury SUV package?
Unlike most luxury SUVs, the F-PACE manages a delicate yet precise balancing act between having the practicality of a family SUV, the refinement and comfort of an executive sedan, and the performance of a sports coupe.
Admittedly, this isn't the model for all automakers. This isn't a cookie-cutter, mass-market model that will light up accountants' spreadsheets (think Audi's Q series or BMW's X series with multiple body sizes). The F-PACE is closer in spirit (and price) to the Porsche Macan S.
Singular in Jaguar's lineup, the F-PACE will likely occupy a similar niche and singular place in the local luxury SUV market, and we reckon it's better off this way. This is a car for the discerning driver who knows what he wants, a 'driver's car' in the purest sense of the term.
In its first go at making an SUV, Jaguar has undoubtedly nailed it. The F-PACE is an absolute ace of a car.
