Summarize

Some say E-Pace is a bit of a tortoise on stilts and that it makes no bones about trying to be a coupé. Dare I say this Jaguar pushes nuances likely born in E Type in an exciting, edgy SUV that certainly makes a cool statement.

This beefy 177kW 500Nm E-Pace D240 AWD’s two-litre turbodiesel Ingenium lump makes more power and torque than its direct rivals, but it weighs in at just a quarter-tonne more than some feathery rivals too. E-Pace comes into its own on the road though – clearly reporting what it’s doing.

It’s by far the sportiest car in its class to drive, overcoming its heft to impress in the sprints; steering is deft and in tune with both road and driver to impress those who like to drive, rather than just commute.  That said you very know you are in a turbodiesel by the clatter and while E-Pace has the biggest fuel tank among its peers, it also likes that diesel.

All that superbly stitched cow skin pulled taut over gently shaped surfaces, seats, steering and the rest is pretty pleasant inside. Much of that however butts up against surprisingly plasticky finishes to leave me wondering if Coventry is trying a tad too hard to step away from its plush old heritage? 

I’d expected more of E-Pace’s cabin considering Jaguar is such a premium brand, but it lags inside versus some rivals that appear to have reinvented what we should expect from cute crossover cockpits.

In summary then, this E-Pace is typically quick and nimble, but its best in class engine must work hard to overcome its heft and its cabin finishes seem a little last season. Something of an acquitted taste rather than a must get; it will surely satisfy the Jaguar fan and then some – even at the premium… 

QUICK TEST Jaguar E-Pace D240 AWD R-Dynamic HSE

Engine 1999cc turbodiesel I4

Transmission 9-speed auto AWD

Power 177kW @ 4000rpm

Torque 500Nm @ 1500rpm

Kerb mass      1926kg

TESTED

0-60km/h        3.18 sec

0-100km/h      7.35 sec

0-160km/h      19.58 sec

400m           15.3 sec @ 144km/h

80-120km/h    5.57 sec

120-160km/h 9.04 sec

CLAIMED

Vmax          224km/h

Fuel                  6.2 l/100km

CO2           162 g/km

Warranty/Service 3y 100Kkm 5 y 100Kkm

Price          R886K

RATED          82