Knysna - The new Jaguar F-Pace made its official South African debut at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in Knysna.
Jaguar's first SUV made its local debut in style; being airlifted by helicopter to the motorsport event.
The F-Pace was mounted to a custom vehicle platform that was rigged via cable. Carrying the entire assembly was a Sikorsky S-61N helicopter, which circled Gasoline Alley and the Hillclimb competitor pits, allowing thousands of spectators to see the arrival of the SUV.
Read: Jaguar F-Pace coming to Simola Hillclimb 2016
Available to order
The F-Pace goes on sale in July 2016, with prices starting at R776 800.
SA actor and Jaguar ambassador, Sharlto Copley, took the F-Pace for its maiden voyage down the Simola hill.
Built on Jaguar’s aluminium-intensive architecture, the F-Pace is lightweight and agile. It also retains Jaguar’s sports car DNA thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension layout and integral link rear suspension - the same design employed in the XE and XF sport sedans.
WATCH: Jaguar F-Pace airlifted into Simola
.@jaguarsa are revealing their new F-Pace in spectacular fashion: pic.twitter.com/VWzny2UmSF
— Wheels24 (@Wheels24) May 7, 2016
Power
The F-Pace is available with two diesel engines (2.0 Diesel 132kW and 3.0 TDV6 220kW) and one petrol in two outputs (3.0 S/C petrol 250kW and 280kW). The range comprises four derivatives: Pure, R-Sport, S, First Edition.
The new SUV is powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine producing 280kW and mated to an eight-speed auto with steering wheel-mounted paddles. The V6 unit enables the F-Pace to reach 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds. Jaguar’s high-performance all-wheel drive system with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics and Torque Vectoring by braking ensures dynamic capabilities and traction in all road conditions.
A closer look at the new @jaguarsa F-Pace: pic.twitter.com/wJoafWMeiH
— Wheels24 (@Wheels24) May 7, 2016
Passengers will have access to heated- and power rear seats, while the driver benefit from InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, a 31cm HD virtual instrument cluster, and a laser head-up display. F-Pace also sees the introduction of Jaguar’s Activity Key - a wearable accessory that also serves as a key fob, designed for those with active lifestyles.
Lisa Mallett, marketing director of Jaguar Land Rover South Africa, said: "The 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb is the perfect setting for unveiling the anticipated F-Pace. It offers dynamic capabilities and performance synonymous with Jaguar, but also brings a new level of practicality and AWD capability to the brand. F-Pace is the kind of car that you could drive across the country to visit Knysna, and then take on the high-speed twists and turns of the challenging hillclimb road."
F-PACE 2.0 I4D Diesel 132kW Pure - R776 800
F-PACE 2.0 I4D Diesel 132kW R-Sport - R869 100
F-PACE 3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW Pure - R938 200
F-PACE 3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW R-Sport - R1 030 400
F-PACE 3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW S - R1095 200
F-PACE 3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW First Edition - R1 218 100
F-PACE 3.0 S/C Petrol 250kW Pure - R982 700
F-PACE 3.0 S/C Petrol 250kW R-Sport - R1 074 900
F-PACE 3.0 S/C Petrol 280kW S - R1 191 100
F-PACE 3.0 S/C Petrol 280kW First Edition - R1321 000