YOU might wonder why a carmaker with such an impressive 4x4 line-up – including the Range Rover and Discovery Sport – would need to offer yet another 4x4 wearing a different badge.
But if you thought for an instant that the Jaguar crossover had joined the party too late, you could not be more wrong.
The F-Pace is a stunning looking, young-at-heart, performance car which embodies all the qualities that make Jaguar such a powerful brand.
Despite its considerable size, the F-Pace uses chassis technology derived from the F-Type sports car, to give exceptional handling and high-speed stability combined with superbly quiet and refined ride comfort.
Add to that massive levels of grip for all-weather traction, a luxurious cabin and whopping boot and you can see how powerful the F-Pace stacks up as a premium crossover offering.
Price from about £35,000, the car comes in five trim levels, all of which are packed with technology. One example is the world debut of Jaguar's activity key. A waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder, it is designed for people with active lifestyles, because it allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle – invaluable if you're going surfing, for example, or kayaking. It has no battery, so you never have to worry about changing it. 
Advanced driver assistance systems include a stereo camera, that lies at the heart of the autonomous emergency braking system that now features a pedestrian detection function. The camera also enables lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, an intelligent speed limiter, and driver condition monitor systems.
Key information such as vehicle speed and speed limits can be projected directly into the driver's line of sight by a laser head-up display. The high contrast colour images can also show cruise control settings and turn-by-turn navigation instructions as well.
The premium InControl Touch Pro system is based around a 10.2-inch touchscreen, with a powerful quad-core processor and solid-state drive. The navigation system can save you time by learning your commute, offers true door-to-door guidance and can even advise others of your arrival time. 
Choice of engines include a 180 horsepower 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel and a supercharged 380 horsepower 3.0-litre V6 petrol. The test model was powered by a superbly smooth and economical 300 horsepower 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
Cabin comfort is an integral part of the Jaguar experience and the 40:20:40 split seatback is available with an electric recline function.
Luxury and spaciousness are matched by the interior's versatility. The door pockets can accommodate large bottles, while the storage spaces neatly scalloped into the sides of the centre console were designed around smartphones and feature non-slip rubber inserts at the bottom. The console also features twin cup holders, a cubby box fitted with a 12V socket and up to two USB ports.
A spacious luggage compartment is enhanced by a low loading height and flat floor. The floor itself is reversible: one side is carpeted, the other rubberised – making it ideal for sports equipment or pets.
The lightweight composite tailgate benefits from optional power opening and closing functions, and gesture control for hands-free operation: all the customer has to do is make a smooth kicking motion. Sensors recognise this movement and will trigger the opening or closing request. 
But despite all the technology, style and power, perhaps the most alluring element of the F-Pace is one of the simplest – the badge in the middle of the bonnet and all the motoring history that roaring big cat personifies.


Auto facts
Model: Jaguar F-Pace S 3.0d
Price: £51.450
Insurance group: 42E
Fuel consumption (Combined): 47.1mpg
Top speed: 150mph
Length: 473.1cm/186.2in
Width: 193.6cm/76.2in
Luggage capacity: 22.9 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity:14.5 gallons/66 litres
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
Warranty: Three years/100,000 miles