I got the 2993cc V6 twin turbo
diesel engine F-Pace R-Sport to drive which produces around 296 hp @ 4000 rpm
and a peak torque of 700Nm @ 2000rpm. The engine is mated to an 8 speed
automatic transmission. The vehicle is mammoth in proportions with a length of
4731mm, a width 2175mm (with mirrors) and a height of 1651mm. Except for its size,
everything about the front remind you of a Jaguar, especially the grille in
front with the Jaguar logo.
The Jaguar F-Pace was first
launched a couple of years ago and has since become a popular vehicle in the
Jaguar stable. A lot of styling and technical cues have come in from the Jaguar
F-Type. Ian Callum of Jaguar and his team have put in a lot of efforts to
ensure that the vehicle is a lot better than some of the premium SUVs that are
there in this world.
As my luck would have it, the
moment I was handed over the keys to this big machine, I had to crawl through
some very heavy traffic which has become so common place now in Delhi. It could
be a politician giving out his speech, a religious function, a rally, or jut
people going out in their vehicles, Delhi roads are choked 24X7 with some of
the world’s craziest drivers. And to manoeuvre my F-Pace R-Sport through all
this mess was a task by itself. But to a great extent I was unmindful of the
chaos outside, thanks to a brilliant air-con, the electrically adjustable
steering and the automatic transmission. The sporty seats in front were more
than comfortable and these come with several levels of power-operated
adjustments. The seats in front can be adjusted electrically with memory
settings.
The rear too comes with plush
seats and plenty of knee room and headroom even for tall people. The rear seats
can be folded flat to increase luggage room to 1740 litres from it standard 650
litres. The vehicle sits on 19 inches wheels and has a full size spare wheel.
Convenience features include a gesture tailgate, front & rear parking aid,
surround camera and 360° parking aid and not to forget a keyless starting &
keyless entry.
Other highlights include a
panoramic sunroof, 4-zone automatic climate control a laser-powered heads up
display.
As darkness sets in, the car
surprises you with its interior mood lighting. LED-powered puddle lights
project the leaping Jaguar at night. The vehicle comes with a 12.3 inches HD virtual
instrument display and a 10.2 inches Touchscreen that can help you adjust your
380 W Meridian digital sound system, navigation, radio and your Bluetooth telephone
connectivity and Bluetooth streaming. The InControl Touch Pro is one of the
best touchscreen infotainment systems on offer.
As for your security, the
F-Pace comes with emergency brake assist and hazard lights under heavy braking,
perimeter sensing alarm and immobiliser and airbags.
Your drive can be adjusted via
the JaguarDrive Control, with modes such as Dynamic, Comfort, Eco and
Rain/Ice/Snow. Depending on the mode you are in, your throttle response and
traction controls are adjusted automatically. The most thrilling mode, of
course is the Dynamic button with the gear selected to ‘S’. The Jaguar F-Pace
R-Sport is like a fierce animal out on a hunt.
For the limited time I had in
the city roads, I was only briefly able to experience the animalistic
characteristics of the F-Pace R-Sport. At Rs 1,10,54,000 ex showroom Delhi, I
had to be careful driving it, lest someone gets too close to my vehicle while
admiring it!