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BMW X3 vs Jaguar F-Pace vs Land Rover Discovery Sport

Will Jaguar's first SUV sink or swim against the practical Land Rover Discovery Sport and sporty BMW X3?...

What Car? team

29 Mar 2016 07:20

Our verdict

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Land Rover Discovery Sport remains the best large SUV this side of £45,000. The fact it’s so much more practical than its rivals gives it a big head start, but it’s also the most comfortable of our trio, the most lavishly equipped and scores the highest for safety. Yes, its diesel engine could do with a bit more oomph and we wish its standard infotainment system was slicker, but these are relatively small criticisms of what’s otherwise a thoroughly excellent SUV.

Second spot goes to the new Jaguar F-Pace. Jaguar’s aim to make this the sportiest car in the class has largely been achieved because, aside from the much more expensive Porsche Macan, no other SUV is as agile or fun to drive. However, that only counts for so much and we’d wager many buyers would actually trade some of the F-Pace’s cornering skills for a more pliant ride and quieter cruising manners. Nevertheless, the F-Pace is still practical, well equipped and nippy enough to notch up a solid four stars.

'Jaguar’s aim to make this the sportiest car in the class has largely been achieved'

The ageing BMW X3 still has its strengths. Big discounts, attractive finance deals and a strong engine certainly help make up for its heavy depreciation and a glaring shortage of standard safety kit. However, we’d recommend avoiding standard M Sport trim because its overly stiff sports suspension delivers a truly uncomfortable ride. If you want an X3, we’d advise going for the cheaper and softer SE trim. If you must have the M Sport looks, do take BMW up on its offer to fit softer suspension for no extra charge.

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