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Plugged in – Jaguar E-PACE P300e – 1.5 I3 PHEV 309PS AWD AUTO
SUVs, and particularly smaller ones, are where the market's at so why not offer something a bit more upmarket than the rest of the pack - and make it a little but sporty too. That 3-cylinder engine is certainly a game performer, giving off a healthy growl as you accelerate away and as already mentioned, it feels very nippy. It steers and handles well enough as well and with a high and commending driving position you do feel as if you are actually in something bigger.
What is it?
It’s an E-Jaguar, although slightly confusing in that is is not fully electric – that accolade goes to the Jaguar I-Pace. It’s a smallish SUV, a step down in size terms from the F-Pace SUV.
It’s close to two years since we last tried the E-Pace and that was not electrified, however there is electricity involved as the E-Pace now introduces mild-hybrid tech (apart from the entry-level diesel) along with the plug-in hybrid P300e which we have recently had a look at.
The E-Pace sits on the same platform as the Range Rover Evoque – which means steel rather than aluminium – which keeps costs down. The range comes at £47,920 but once you start with the options list you can soon head north of £50K, as with our test model.
What do we think?
I’ll hold my hand up straight away and admit that I always think a Jaguar should be a luxury sports saloon, if not a spectacular two-seater. A Jaguar SUV – or even an estate – don’t cut it for me but that’s a purely personal view and I can completely understand why the company is doing it.
SUVs, and particularly smaller ones, are where the market’s at so why not offer something a bit more upmarket than the rest of the pack – and make it a little but sporty too.
That 3-cylinder engine is certainly a game performer, giving off a healthy growl as you accelerate away and as already mentioned, it feels very nippy. It steers and handles well enough as well and with a high and commending driving position you do feel as if you are actually in something bigger.
In terms of ride, the E-Pace is proper Jaguar which means it is smooth and comfortable with super body control for an SUV. Gear changes from the nine-speed auto are super smooth.
