We set a new pace with Jaguar (Updated with diesel engine) - (Used)

Jaguar has finally taken a page from Porsche with a crossover, a mighty fine crossover at that. But it doesn’t come without its flaws and those flaws definitely can’t go unnoticed.

There are four engines to choose from. We only managed to test one of them, but we are going to go through all four engine options first. Standard 25t AWD uses a new 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pumping out 247hp. 20d AWD gets our favorite 2-liter turbo-diesel pumping out 180hp. 35t AWD (our tester car) comes equipped with a 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder producing 340hp while top of the range S AWD uses the same 3-liter supercharged six-cylinder pumping out 380hp. The only vehicle we’ve managed test drive the diesel in is the XF and that had mixed opinions. We loved the 35t AWD in the XE and well those opinions hadn’t changed much when applied to the F-pace.

The engine provides strong pull from a standstill and is actually quite easy to drive around town. We love the raised driving position and despite having a higher center of gravity compared to the XE sedan, the F-pace handles just as well. Our tester car came equipped with an air-suspension which allowed us to slip it into comfort mode. This made the driving experience impeccable. Dare we say it’s better than an Mercedes S-class? Steering feedback is where it should be and the ride comfort can range anywhere from firm to extremely comfortable. Road and wind noise won’t be much of an issue as the F-pace irons out both well.

The infotainment system has been a huge headache for us. It’s not that the interface is hard to use, it’s the quality of it. Several times it would freeze up and sometimes wouldn’t respond at all. The gear selector didn’t rise up from the console until moments after the vehicle has been activated and the auto high beams are overly sensitive. They often confused lightly shaded areas as a need to have headlights on at the highest setting. We were greeted by a few angry drivers who of course were blinded by our headlights. The engine check light activated as well and the rear parking sensors completely failed on us. Prior to returning the F-pace the car completely stalled on us while we were on a busy street. The Jaguar Dealer sent a tow-truck quickly and told us that someone used the wrong grade fuel this is why the engine shut off. We didn’t stop for fuel during our test of the car so we’re guessing it was the fault of the dealer.

Our tester car came kitted with power-folding mirrors, full-LED headlights; navigation system and dual-zone climate control. The optional extra bits included steering wheel memory, Meridian premium sound system and a full air suspension. You’ll have to pay extra for the kit that you’ll most likely want with the F-pace which pushes the price up considerably. The F-pace we had was mildly kitted and seemed priced within reason. We would most likely choose the diesel engine as it has low running costs and seems quite flexible thanks to the high torque at low revs. Sadly we didn’t get the chance to test that one.

The F-pace really does feel different from the Land Rover Disco Sport. It certainly is more entertaining to drive than the BMW X3, sadly we had so many electric issues with our tester car and of course the engine completely stalled on us when we were taking it back to the dealership. It seems as if Jaguar is taking steps in the right direction but the quality we feel needs to improve. Otherwise this is one of the best luxury crossovers you can buy. It’s stylish and easy to live with. It is a great crossover that’s hard to hate.

Likes: It’s fun to drive and very practical. Jaguar did a fantastic job with the styling and on-road dynamics are superb.

Dislikes: It suffered from electrical issues.

Our pick: Sadly since we only could test one of the four engines. We’d say stick with the cheaper turbo four-cylinder (25t) for those who want the F-pace at a decent price. Our tester car came in at over $60k but the amount of standard kit matched the asking price. We just wish that it didn’t stall on our test drive of it. The turbo-diesel option (20d) is the way to go if you plan to do tons of highway driving and want to have the most appealing running costs.

Update: We finally got our hands on an F-pace Diesel. We still stand by our statement of choosing the diesel of the petrol engine options. It seems to be the better deal overall. We know that most people will say if you can afford a Jag why on earth would you ever need a fuel saving diesel engine? Well, the diesel engine fits the character of the F-pace as a highway commuter car. It doesn't feel overly powerful and yet it still remains posh and refined. We loved how smooth the engine revved and it didn't feel like it was out of puff around town or on the highway. The only time it feels sluggish is when you run out of steam but that rarely happened with us. We are still trying to figure out when we are going to be able to test drive the new 2-liter turbo engine that Jag/Land Rover developed. 

Jaguar XF 20d AWD

You've suddenly outgrown your BMW 3-series and well the next step logically would be to climb into the 5-series. However, what if the new promotion allows you to sort of treat yourself to something even nicer. You'd think a nice 7-series would tickle your fancy?

How about a Jaguar XF? You won't regret it one bit.

20d trim comes with or without all-wheel-drive and a decent four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. 180Hp for many many not sound like much but it is enough for most buyers who desire luxury and also somewhat respectable running costs. The new 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 247hp is a sweet spot in the range. It has plenty of torque at low revs and feels so much more flexible when you want it the most. What's a Jag without the option of a six-cylinder engine? Well you get two of them to choose from, both 3-liter supercharged with 340hp and 380hp. Our tester car wasn't any of the gasoline engines, we had the diesel engine with all-wheel-drive and a R-Sport package. Exterior styling is great and well the larger alloys seem to compliment the XF style more. Driving the diesel engine in the XF isn't like what you'd expect because we surely expected a smoother engine. It's not all bad just not as smooth as it should be, but at relaxed speeds it's fine. Besides, most people aren't going to flat out flog it at every given opportunity and with the low running costs you get with this car it's a home run. Diesel fueling stations are hard to come by but if you find one and you desire this particular XF we'd say go for it. You won't find a Mercedes E-class diesel until 2018 and you also won't find a 5-series diesel anywhere either. Jaguar pretty much owns this segment.

Long gone are the days when you'd say Jags are for those who are more into luxury and very little sport. The new XF has steering feedback that was sent from the gods and the chassis can pretty much handle every twist and turn tossed at it. You'll appreciate that the diesel engine doesn't have much horsepower because you can really see what the car is capable of achieving without feeling like you're going to overpower each turn and flog it when it isn't needed. 319Lb-ft torque at only 1750rpm is a lot. Road noise is decently suppressed as well as wind noise. The engine does have more clatter than we'd like, but we still would choose this happily over the 2-liter turbo four.

The interior has a minimalistic feel to it. Most would feel there should be buttons where there are none at all and well we are fine with that. It makes you appreciate the space that you have around you and the attention to details is stellar. We just wish that it had a bit more spice to it, more refinement in certain areas where you'll be greeted with cheap plastics. They do feel sturdy and long lasting but for the price that our tester car had we were expecting a bit more. The front seats do offer decent comfort but some may find the seats are a bit narrow and the cabin is also feels narrower than a 5-series. The rear seat can seat four comfortably but a fifth person will find themselves straddling the center transmission hump and sharing out the foot space.

Out tester car came kitted with every single option that you could possibly ask for. Adaptive Xenon-headlamps, lane keep assist, 825 watt sound system and 20-inch alloy wheels. You'll have to pay extra for ventilated leather front seats, upgraded infotainment screen and 360 view camera. These features all came with our tester car and yes while it is nice, many of them we hadn't had the chance to try them due to time. One feature that our tester car didn't come kitted with was the Adaptive Dynamics Package which we did find a bit strange.

The Jaguar XF is a great sedan that you should short list if you aren't impressed with the latest Audi, BMW and Mercedes offerings. Driving dynamics are spot on excellent and you won't regret the diesel engine for it's low running costs. Everyone else will find the 2-liter turbo four offers good flexibility. Power hungry will be very satisfied with the supercharged six-cylinders offered. The only letdown that Jaguar still needs to work on is reliability.

Likes: The XF was sent from the gods. It's dynamically the best sedan we've ever driven. Classic British luxury inside out. Diesel engine has low running costs. There's an XF for everyone.

Dislikes: Jaguar isn't known for having reliable products. Resale value is a bit scary. Be careful with the options as it may induce sticker shock, our tester car certainly did.

20d AWD *** (We were finally able to test drive the XF with the 2-liter turbo-diesel engine option. While it was met with divided opinions, the XF 20d AWD certainly isn't a bad option for those who do worry about running costs, or do tons of highway miles. It's not the quickest diesel engine you'll encounter, but it does make a lot of financial sense for us if we were to option for this Jag. It has plenty of torque at low revs which helps it feel light on its toes, and while you'll wake up everyone in your neighborhood just turning on the thing. We love the charm that this car has that other German Rivals seem to lack.)