Jaguar’s edgy E-Pace headed for SA

Jaguar is ready to pounce and to steal some sales away from the Audi Q3 and BMW’s X1 with their all-new E-PACE. And yes, it will indeed be the smaller sibling to the F-Pace. Here at AutoTrader, we can’t wait to drive it!

For ultra-connected couples and their kids

Similar in size to the Range Rover Evoque, the E-Pace is expected to fare even better in the sales department than its big brother, which has catapulted the brand into SUV-stardom. It’s a logical move from Jaguar, really. Can’t afford the luxurious F-Pace? Then a scaled down, more affordable E-Pace will be just the ticket for connected millennial couples and their offspring, who will be able to stream online content through up to 8 devices via the  E-Pace’s 4G Wifi Hotspot. There are up to four 12-volt charging points and five USB connections as well.

Every E-Pace will be getting the latest-generation Touch Pro infotainment system with natural voice control and a 10-inch touchscreen.

Cashless Payment at Shell - in the UK

If you live in the UK and own an E-Pace, you’ll be able to pay for fuel without cash or a card in your hand at Shell service stations. This works through the InControl Touch Pro system, and owners who have the Shell app installed will be able to fill up using Paypal or Apple Pay. We don’t know if and when this functionality will be available to South African Jaguar owners, but the plan is for this to become globally available.

Stylish & graceful feline

When the E-Pace launched in London recently, Jaguar design director Ian Callum explained that Jaguars “should always be exaggerated in some way to give that excitement” - and as such, the inspiration behind the E-Pace design is taken from a Jaguar cub - in fact, it was codenamed “the cub” during its development. Jaguar says the E-Pace design is “confident and assertive, but not aggressive”. We think Jaguar’s done a stellar job.

New chassis hardware

The E-Pace is first and foremost a ‘compact performance SUV’, but designers have developed new chassis hardware to create more space inside while also providing a good basis for the car’s multi-terrain functionality (the boot is a family-friendly 577 litres). The E-Pace will also offer their all-new Active Driveline all-wheel drive system, which is said to combine  “phenomenal traction with Jaguar’s unmistakable rear-wheel-drive character”, and that “the system’s torque-biasing capability delivers optimal stability, dynamics and fuel efficiency in all conditions”.

Engines on offer

The E-Pace will be available with Jaguar’s 4-cylinder Ingenium turbo-petrol (221kW) and diesel (110 kW) engines, all manufactured in-house in the United Kingdom.  The petrol-engine powers the E-Pace from 0-100km/h in only 6.4 seconds, before reaching its electronic limit at 243 km/h. The engine has a transverse layout that assists in trimming down the length of the E-Pace.

Super safe

Aimed at young families, the E-Pace features a multitude of modern safety systems such as emergency braking, pedestrian detection (with a pedestrian airbag), lane keep assist, an adaptive speed limiter, and Driver Condition Monitor features. Front and rear parking aids will be standard spec.  Other functions include blind spot assist and a new Forward Traffic Detection system that warns the driver of an approaching vehicle where visibility is restricted, such as junctions.

The latest in Heads-Up Display

The E-Pace will also feature brand new Thin-film Transistor Heads-Up Display technology that is capable of delivering a much larger display on the windscreen, relaying info at eye-level, such as safety and infotainment alerts and updates as well as the usual navigation and speed.

Jaguar Activity Key

The Jaguar Activity Key will also be available in the E-Pace. This wristband is waterproof and shockproof, allowing you to leave the E-Pace key safely locked inside while you go surfing or hiking. The activity key will unlock the car again when it is held up to the upper edge of the number plate. When the activity key is worn and activated, the conventional Jaguar key is disabled.

Local pricing

Prices for SA have not been confirmed, but we’re expecting upwards of R500 000. It will be launching early in 2018.