Jaguar F-Pace review

If you’re a company car driver, the only Jaguar F-Pace really worth considering is the entry-level 2.0-litre diesel. If you want the lowest possible tax bills then go for the cheapest rear-wheel-drive version equipped with a manual gearbox; this emits the least CO2 (126g/km). However, upgrading to four-wheel drive, as most buyers will, only pushes up CO2 to 134g/km, while the optional eight-speed automatic gearbox raises them further to 139g/km. That said, those figures are only marginally more than an equivalent BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC.

The V6 models have obvious appeal, but are available only in range-topping S trim, so are very pricey. You could buy a much larger SUV, such as an Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90, for less money, although neither of those rivals is as fast or a sharp to drive as the F-Pace.

Strong desirability should keep depreciation to a minimum, so the F-Pace makes reasonable sense as a private buy, particularly in Prestige and R Sport trim. However, dealer discounts are relatively small and some rivals are available with more attractive finance deals.

We’d recommend sticking with entry-level Prestige or mid-spec R Sport trim. The former gets you 18in alloys, a powered tailgate, heated leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, keyless start and climate and cruise controls, while the latter adds xenon headlights, 19in wheels and lots of sporty styling touches.

Step up to Portfolio, which commands a sizeable premium, and you’ll get a panoramic glass roof, electric seats, keyless entry and a heated front screen. Meanwhile, the range-topping S brings 20in wheels, adaptive suspension and plenty of styling touches.

Depending on which trim you choose, worthwhile options include auto-dimming, power-folding, heated door mirrors and a heated front windscreen. We wouldn’t bother with the head-up display or ventilated seat options.

It’s difficult to tell how reliable the F-Pace will be, given it’s too new to have been included in any of our reliability surveys. However, Jaguar as a brand finished a disappointing 30th out of 37 manufacturers in our last What Car? Reliability survey.

Every new Jaguar comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty as standard, which can be extended if you’re prepared to pay extra, and you can also add MOT cover for a small fee.

Euro NCAP has crash tested the Jaguar F-Pace, where it scored a maximum five stars. However, look more closely at its adult, child and pedestrian safety scores and it doesn't score as well as a Volvo XC60 for adult or child protection - although the XC60 is one of the safety cars NCAP has ever tested.

However, automatic emergency braking is on hand to help your avoid a shunt in the first place, as is a lane-departure warning system. On the options list you’ll find blind-spot monitoring and reverse traffic detection. The latter alerts you about moving vehicles when backing out of a parking space or your driveway.

Lane keep assist, which can actively apply steering inputs to keep you in your lane on the motorway, and a driver tiredness monitor, are available as an option.

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