Are Jaguars good first cars?
First cars are usually chosen for their pricetags, but some privileged youngsters may be able to choose a premium car instead of the usual budget-first options. If those well-off new drivers are individualists, they would love getting behind the wheel of a Jaguar, so we decided to help them choose the best one for their needs.
The Jaguar range currently consists of 5 distinct models, of which one is a sports car and one a sedan, with 3 SUVs making up the bulk of the range. They’re all equally lovely to drive and behold, but some factors may make specific models less suitable for an inexperienced driver than others. Here’s the model range run-down:
Jaguar E-Pace (From R 902 280)
First Car Rating: 4/5
With the XE compact executive sedan quietly dropped from Jaguar’s local line-up, the E-Pace crossover takes up the role of entry-level model – as much as a car with a starting price of R 902 280 could be termed “entry-level”, that is. The basic necessities for a good first car are present in the E-Pace, because it has very good safety features, plenty of cabin- and luggage space, and a comprehensive maintenance plan for 5 years or 100 000 km.
Safety credentials include a Euro NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars (achieved in 2017), 6 airbags, stability control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors included in the standard package. And, while natural sightlines out of the E-Pace are compromised by its high-set and tapering glasshouse, it features parking sensors on both ends and a rear-view camera across the range to mitigate these issues.
Related: Shop for new and used Jaguar E-Pace cars for sale here.
Jaguar XF (From R 1 035 934)
First Car Rating: 3/5
This is the only remaining sedan in the Jaguar model range, but it’s a good one. Built on an all-aluminium platform and continuously updated with all the latest in-car electronic goodies, the XF is thoroughly up-to-date in its class, even though its high-performance variants have been cut from the range over time.
As with the E-Pace, safety credentials are top-notch, and mirrors the E-Pace in all respects, right down to its 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It also comes with all basic the driver aids, and even includes lane departure warning as standard across the range. The XF is a big car, though, so it might be intimidating to a new driver. For this reason, it drops down a notch from its smaller, taller E-Pace sibling.
Related: Shop for new and used Jaguar XF cars for sale here.
Jaguar F-Pace (From R 1 164 618)
First Car Rating: 3/5
Midway in size between the E-Pace and the XF sits the F-Pace SUV, which is also derived from the same aluminium architecture as the XF sedan. It has the same safety credentials as the XF and E-Pace, including its 5-star Euro NCAP crash test rating and suite of standard driver assistants.
However, it may be just as intimidating to drive as the XF, because its extremely rounded corners and comparatively small glass area makes outward visibility a bit more difficult. Once again, a rear-view camera and parking sensors on both ends are fitted across the range, somewhat mitigating this issue.
Related: Shop for new and used Jaguar F-Pace cars for sale here.
Jaguar F-Type (From R 1 658 725)
First Car Rating: 2/5
Available in both coupé and roadster body styles, the gorgeous Jaguar F-Type recently received a facelift, range update, and specification improvements. Its standard equipment matches the other current Jaguar models, including the suite of driver assistance systems. But, in spite of its comparatively compact size, the F-Type is also less than ideal as a first car.
The reasons are two-fold: Practicality isn’t a priority of this sexy sportster, and it suffers from very restricted sightlines from the driver’s seat. Obviously, the convertible can mitigate this by dropping the roof, but roof-up (or in the coupé), any view to the rear is almost non-existent. This is compounded by the lack of even optional surround-view cameras, so parking might be too troublesome for a new driver.
Related: Shop for new and used Jaguar F-Type cars for sale here.
Jaguar I-Pace (from R 1 999 900)
First Car Rating: 5/5
The third crossover/SUV in Jaguar’s repertoire is something pretty special: Not only is it gorgeous to look at, but it also hides a potent all-electric drivetrain under those slinky curves. This is easily the most-advanced Jaguar currently on the market, but even for this top-level model, the nicest things like a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring are optional.
However, because it’s a little shorter than the F-Pace, and has a low and stubby bonnet, the I-Pace is very easy to place on the road, and its comparatively deep side glass area makes it easier to see around the car. Combine all this with the very easy-driving characteristics of an EV, and it becomes the best first car in Jaguar’s current line-up.
Related: Shop for new and used Jaguar I-Pace cars for sale here.
What about used Jaguars?
If your finances stretch further than the usual first-car fare, but not quite up to new-Jaguar levels, you can get some excellent deals on nearly-new Jaguars of all descriptions. There are even some 2020/2021 I-Pace examples listed here on AutoTrader at a discount of almost half-a-million Rand...
Just be aware that service and maintenance on ageing Jaguars will also get more-expensive as time goes by, so bet stick to something newer than a 2017-model (which should still have some warranty and maintenance plan cover in reserve). And for goodness’ sake, don’t buy a 20-year-old XJ or XK8 at a bargain price if you’re on a limited budget, as it’s well-known that Jaguars from this era need lots and lots of (expensive) care just to keep moving!
* Prices listed in this article were current at the time of publication, but are subject to change without prior notice.
