The British assault on the Germans continue.
Resurgent British marque Jaguar is continuing its success story, following the 83% sales increase recorded last year thanks mostly to its new F-Pace SUV, the first of its kind for the brand. The Jaguar E-Pace will slot in below the F-Pace, and will bring the game on to cars like the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, and will likely put up a very, very good fight if the F-Pace is any indication.
Compact SUVs are big business, aided no doubt by their more accessible price tags. The Jaguar E-Pace has been confirmed to carry a tentative price tag of about £28,500 (or a whisker under $48,000) putting into direct contention with competition like the Audi Q3 and aforementioned X1. As the E-Pace will share its platform with the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, the E-Pace is expected to pack a range of Ingenium engines in both petrol and diesel guises, with a choice between a 6-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic, with either front- or all-wheel drive.
An Autocar report suggests that the E-Pace could be the first Jaguar to benefit from the marque’s first hybrid powertrain, something they’ve been testing for some time. A mild-hybrid system in all likelihood, it will pair a battery-electric motor and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel Ingenium power plant, but sadly, might not harness the capabilities of a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Jaguar promises “sports car design and agility with everyday SUV practicality,” a promise that we have little doubt they’ll deliver on after showing us exactly what they’re capable of with the F-Pace. “The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure the E-Pace stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think the E-Pace will do just that, albeit with its own individual character,” said Ian Callum, design boss at Jaguar.
The Jaguar E-Pace will be unveiled on the 13th of July, so stay tuned to CarShowroom as we bring you more information as the veil is lifted.
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