By Moses Akaigwe 08072100049
IT has been long in coming, but at last, the all-new F-PACE, Jaguar’s first performance SUV, has officially driven into the sub-Sahara African markets where it is expected to take full advantage of unique technological endowment to defy the competition and ride to the top of its compact segment.
Designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement that all Jaguars are renowned for, F-PACE combines unrivalled dynamics with everyday versatility. This is where it hopes to draw competitive edge as it dares the likes of Porsche Macan, BMW X4, Audi Q5 and its cousin, the Range Rover Evoque, among others.
At the media launch and test-drive organised last week in Port Elizabeth by Jaguar Land Rover South Africa/ sub-Sahara Africa, the Director of Operations, Mr. Nigel Clarke, sounded upbeat about the success of the vehicle in the region even as he enthused over the expansion of Jaguar’s market frontiers and huge investments in after-sales and training
And as a foretaste of a successful trajectory, barely 10 months after going on sale, the F-PACE has been garlanded with a number of honours, including 2016 Auto Express Car of the Year and 2016 Auto Express Compact SUV of the Year. Predictably, it has become Jaguar’s fastest-selling vehicle as more than 14,000 orders have been placed with all 2,000 First Edition models sold out even as the dealership in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors Limited, is recording increased demand for the special model.
The F-PACE is Jaguar’s first performance crossover and its lightweight body structure comprises 80 per cent aluminium – a huge advantage in terms of aerodynamics, stability and fuel economy.
The family-friendly crossover seats “five occupants in absolute comfort” and allows generous leg room in front, heated, electrically reclining rear seats, and cutting-edge technologies including the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.
Rear knee-room is class-leading and the luggage compartment remains large – with a full-sized spare wheel as standard
With the 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engine from the F-TYPE under its sculpted aluminium bonnet, the all-new F-PACE can accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The body’s high torsional stiffness enables the F-TYPE-derived double wishbone front suspension and sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension to perform even better. Together with Torque Vectoring as standard and an Electric Power Assisted Steering system tuned to give the best possible feel and response, the car sets the benchmark for ride and handling.
The F-PACE’s torque on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system is Jaguar’s most sophisticated yet, and has the highest torque capacity. It features the advanced, in-house control system first developed for F-TYPE AWD: Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD). IDD preserves rear-wheel drive agility and handling character but can seamlessly transfer torque to the front wheels to exploit the performance benefits of extra traction, on all surfaces and in all weathers.
Adaptive Surface Response (ASR), developed from Land Rover’s patented, award-winning Terrain Response technology, makes the AWD system even more effective in challenging conditions. Integrated into Jaguar Drive Control, ASR identifies the type of surface and optimises the mapping of the powertrain and Dynamic Stability Control system.
Another world-class technology developed for adverse conditions is All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). To make the most of the available grip, ASPC automatically controls the
throttle and the brakes, enabling the vehicle to pull away smoothly: the driver just has to steer.
For drivers who want similar results but still want to use the accelerator pedal, there’s Low- Friction Launch (LFL). This function uses a very progressive throttle map, making the vehicle easier to control, and the all-new F-PACE is the first Jaguar to offer it.
The F-PACE has been engineered to satisfy the most stringent safety standards worldwide and provides exceptional levels of occupant and pedestrian protection – including Pedestrian Contact Sensing. The standard of active safety is just as high, thanks to a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
Key information such as vehicle speed and cruise control settings can be projected directly into the driver’s line of sight by the laser head-up display. The high contrast colour images can also show turn-by-turn navigation instructions. Compared to conventional systems, laser technology is smaller and lighter and the images remain clear even in bright sunlight.
Infotainment technology is just as advanced. The premium InControl Touch Pro system is based around a 10.2-inch touchscreen, with a powerful quad-core processor and solid-state drive, and runs on ultra-fast Ethernet.
The all-new F-PACE also brings the world debut of Jaguar’s Activity Key. A waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder, this segment-first, wearable technology supports active lifestyles because it allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle – invaluable if you are going surfing, for example, or kayaking.
Locking the all-new F-PACE using the Activity Key will disable any keyfobs left inside.
Activity Key works on the same RF frequencies as the other keys and is used to lock and unlock the vehicle by holding it in close proximity to the J of the Jaguar lettering on the tailgate. Activity Key has no battery, so you never have to worry about changing it.
To celebrate the launch of the All-New F-PACE, a special model called the First Edition was produced in strictly limited numbers. Powered exclusively by the 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engine, the First Edition is distinguished by two unique metallic paint colours – Caesium Blue and Halcyon Gold.
The full F-PACE range in sub-Sahara Africa, including Nigeria, will comprise four models: F-PACE Pure, F-PACE R-Sport, F-PACE S, and F-PACE First Edition
The F-PACE will be available with one of two versions of Jaguar’s supercharged V6 engines.
Boasting power outputs of 250kW or 280kW, and torque of 450Nm, these powerful engines offer superb performance and fuel economy.
The all-new F-PACE will be available in Nigeria with Jaguar’s eight-speed automatic transmission and All-Wheel Drive. The vehicle will be officially unveiled in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors on Thursday at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos in partnership with Tech+.