Fans of the ‘leaper’ are in for a treat early next year when the much updated Jaguar F-Pace will be launched locally, the revised SUV offering hybrid, petrol and diesel power choices with features such as automatic cabin air quality adjustment.

It is not just ‘tweaking’ though, and the vehicle has been subtly redesigned with Jaguar saying it “gives the SUV a cleaner, more assured presence” with one of these features being a new, sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge.

An enlarged grille features Jaguar’s heritage logo-inspired ‘diamond’ detailing, while the side fender vents now feature the Leaper emblem and new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details visually widen the new F-Pace. 

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures, which are available with optional Pixel LED technology, deliver increased resolution, brightness and Adaptive Driving Beam capability, which evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs.  

Premium LED technology is fitted as standard across the range and is available with Auto High Beam Assist on SE and HSE models.

At the rear, new slimline lights feature Jaguar’s double chicane graphic – first previewed on the all-electric I-Pace – to accentuate the width of the vehicle. The new bumper design and sculpted new tailgate also add visual drama and deliver a more confident appearance.

In R-Dynamic specification, the new F-Pace features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look, while all models are available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.

The F-Pace has an all-new interior with heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and the new cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and with greater focus on the driver. A new sporty centre console sweeps up to the instrument panel and incorporates a wireless charger and greater console stowage.

At the heart of the new interior is a seamlessly integrated centrally-mounted 11,4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen in a magnesium alloy casing, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system.

Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director, saiys “The new F-Pace is dynamic and assertive with an elegant stance on the road – it represents a significant development of Jaguar design language. The heightened luxury and attention to detail inside the F-Pace with seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art technologies ensure both driver and passengers feel a real sense of occasion whenever they get in the vehicle.”

The new Drive Selector features an upper section finished with ‘cricket-ball’ stitching, the lower part being made of precision-engineered metal for enhanced tactility.

New seats feature wider cushioning, new massage functions and enhanced coverage of the heated and cooling areas. An embossed Jaguar Leaper features on all occupant headrests on selected models, while a set of ‘Est.1935 Jaguar Coventry’ upholstery tags highlight the brand’s heritage.

Cabin Air Ionisation improves interior air quality through Nano technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odours. The system now also features PM2.5 filtration, which captures ultra-fine particles – including PM2.5 particulates – to improve occupant health and wellbeing.  The customer activates the system simply by pressing the ‘Purify’ button.

The new F-Pace is available with the P400e PHEV powertrain as well as the latest four-cylinder and new in-line six-cylinder diesel Ingenium engines. All F-Pace models feature intelligent all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmissions. 

The new engine line-up in South Africa comprises:

Diesel

• 147 kW 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbo, eight-speed automatic, AWD 
• 221 kW 3,0-litre six-cylinder turbo, eight-speed automatic, AWD

Petrol

• 184 kW 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbo, eight-speed automatic, AWD
• 297 kW PHEV 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbo, eight-speed automatic, AWD

The new 2,0-litre four-cylinder PHEV model produces a combined 297 kW and 640 Nm from its petrol engine and 76 kW electric motor. The advanced electric motor is powered by a 13,6 kWh lithium-ion battery with a 0-100 km/h figure of 5,3 seconds

When fully charged, the new P400e is capable of up to 53 km of all-electric driving, enabling the new F-Pace PHEV to complete the average daily commute, to and from work in EV mode without requiring a recharge.

The 147 kW 2,0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine joins the line-up, while the in-line six cylinder diesel producing 221 kW and 700 Nm delivers acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 6,4 seconds. Finally, the 2,0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with 184 kW and 365 Nm, completes the 0-100 km/h test in 7,3 seconds. 

All engines are paired with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic gearbox, which can be controlled using the steering wheel shift paddles for added driver engagement. All-wheel drive is standard across all F-Pace models and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics provides rear-wheel drive biased performance, with the ability to vary torque to individual axles almost instantly depending on conditions. 

The latest JaguarDrive Control features Comfort, Eco, Rain-Ice-Snow and Dynamic modes, which can be chosen manually by the driver based on the road conditions. The settings, selected through a new rotary dial next to the all-new Drive Selector, adapt the F-Pace’s steering, transmission, throttle and (when specified) Adaptive Dynamics settings.

The latest Pivi Pro infotainment technology is accessed through the all-new 11,4-inch curved glass HD touchscreen and to help drivers access vital information quickly, new F-Pace also features a new 12,3-inch HD Interactive Driver Display with enhanced graphics and a configurable layout which can show full-screen navigation mapping with turn-by-turn instructions, digital dials, media, contact list or infotainment details.

The new F-Pace also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology. This includes Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts both front and rear occupants to the presence of an approaching car or cyclist when exiting the vehicle. Adaptive Cruise Control automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front.

F-Pace is scheduled for South African launch early 2021 and pricing will be announced closer to the time.