Jaguar E-Pace 2018 preview

Here's the Carzone.ie preview to the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace.

What's this?

Only Jaguar’s second-ever SUV, the E-Pace sits below the F-Pace in the company’s line-up and is billed as a ‘five-seat compact performance SUV.’ It continues the F-Paces’s styling theme that is clearly influenced by the F-Type sports car, too.

What will its rivals be?

We reckon this sector of the market is set to explode and the E-Pace has plenty of potential rivals already from the premium marques. Alternatives priced around the same level include the Audi Q2 and Q3, BMW’s X1 (and presumably its forthcoming X2, as well) and the Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Lexus NX is larger, but expected to be similar pricing in parts of the range, while we shouldn’t discount the classy current generation Volkswagen Tiguan, either.

Any tech info?

Something called JaguarDrive Control, fitted to all versions of the E-Pace, allows drivers to choose between four different modes – Normal, Dynamic, ECO and Rain, Ice and Snow. On top of that, there will be two different four-wheel-drive systems on offer, the standard version, which is permanent all-wheel drive and an Active Driveline for the more powerful models to give them even greater ability. The entry-level versions will feature rear-wheel drive. The E-Pace is also available with the Activity Key first launched on the Jaguar F-Pace. This takes the form of a waterproof and shockproof wristband that provides secure access to the vehicle using a sensor above the rear number plate rather than having to carry around the ignition key during exercise.

What will the range be like?

Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that the E-Pace will be offered in standard and sporty looking R-Dynamic guises, then in the usual S, SE and HSE trim levels. Pricing should start at less than €40,000. Most versions will feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual gearbox will be standard on some. Two petrol engines and three diesels make up the core range from launch.

Expectations?

Jaguar is ticking all the boxes with the E-Pace’s specification. On one hand, it looks great and its image is perfectly in tune with buying trends right now. Customers can’t seem to get enough of compact SUVs. On the other, Jaguar has clearly focused on in-car technology and driving dynamics, aiming to keep everyone happy. We expect to like this car very much.

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