Jaguar was a real latecomer to the SUV party. While Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and co were lapping up sales, the British firm pressed on with its traditional sporting saloons. It’s easy to understand why the Brits may have been hesitant as stablemate Land Rover is already a leader in the SUV segment. But, just as we now have Lamborghini and Rolls Royce SUVs, a Jaguar in the genre was inevitable. First came the F-Pace, and now it has a little brother in the Jaguar E-Pace.

A F-resh face

The E-pace borrows from the F-Type coupe for styling cues. The headlamp design is an immediate link between the two siblings. Strong haunches, a swoopy roofline and wheels pushed out far into the corners, with minimal overhangs give the SUV a decidedly sporty stance. The test unit rode on massive contrasting black alloys that added to the visual flair.

Despite being relatively new to the local market, onlookers seem to recognise the E-Pace as a Jaguar right from the get go. To our eyes the E-Pace is far prettier than the larger F-pace. Job well done by the designers, we’d day.

Click here to read about an all-electric Jaguar E-type.

Clean cut

The favourable impression created by the exterior is carried over to the interior. Jaguar interiors don’t disappoint and while the quality of materials feels top notch in the E-Pace, the minimalist approach of the design is what appeals.

Jaguar utilises a full-colour touchscreen infotainment interface in the E-Pace. This unit reduces the button count on the facia by taking over control of some systems. The clean execution is an ideal complement to the stylish exterior.

The optional Meridian audio system in the loan car was a real treat for the ears. Warm vocal reproduction, crisp tops and tightly controlled lows emanated from the multi-speaker set-up. Given the choice to spec my own Jaguar E-Pace, it would definitely make the list.

E-Pace space

It may appear large in stature but I suspect the E-Pace won’t be comfortable for five adults on a long journey. If your rear-seat passengers are average height or taller front occupants may have to be accommodating with their seat placement.

Jaguar claims a boot volume of 577 litres, though with a sloping rear door the typical SUV trick of being able to remove the boot board and packing high, is quite limited.

On the road

There are five engine options in the Jaguar E-Pace range (explore the line-up by clicking here); three diesel and two petrol options. It is the high-powered diesel derivative we had on test. Dubbed P240d, (the name denoting its power output in PS), it delivers 177 kW and 500 N.m. Like all E-Pace models, it features a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The motor is, unsurprisingly, strong in its delivery; 500 N.m of torque will have that effect. There are times when the turbodiesel can be a touch vocal. For some that diesel clatter, may not sit well. I must admit that a silky V6 would befit that slinky exterior.

In regular usage, the motor is more than capable, with the transmission keen to shift up to the highest gear possible in any situation; having said that shifts are barely perceptible. If you find yourself heading up a windy piece of road the turbodiesel isn’t an ideal companion.

Speaking of winding roads… Jaguar has certainly given the E-Pace a good dose of its sporting DNA. Though badged an SUV it feels and behaves more like a car. There is good grip from those wide tyres and one can maintain a decent pace. I didn’t get near a set of scales, but the E-Pace feels a touch heavy, never light on its feet. We did traverse a dirt road at one point, but the E-Pace didn’t feel very happy doing so. I blame the jiggly ride quality in these conditions on the low profile footwear.

Summary

The mid-size SUV sector is an interesting one. In the last year or two we’ve seen new arrivals in the shape of the Audi Q5, a new BMW X3 and mostly recently, the Volvo XC40. It’s great for buyers to have so many options, and the Jaguar E-Pace chucks its hat into the ring as a worthy contender. Pretty impressive for a late arrival. I am really excited about this car. If it was not for bad credit truck financing, I would probably consider buying this car.

TECH SPEC

Priced from: R735 100

Engine: 2,0-litre, inline four, turbodiesel

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 177 kW

Torque: 500 N.m

Top speed: km/h

0-100 km/h:  7,4 seconds

Fuel consumption: 6,2 L/100 km