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Cape Town - The Jaguar F-Pace made its South African debut at the 2016 Jaguar Simola Hillclimb in Knysna in early May 2016 and now the car has been officially launched to local motoring media.
Jaguar's first SUV made its local debut in style; being airlifted by helicopter to a motorsport event held at the revamped Kyalami race track.
Wheels24's Janine Van der Post is attending the local launch, look out for her driving impressions later this week.
Jaguar's first SUV
Here's 10 things you need to know about the new premium SUV:
1. There'll be a special model called the 'First Edition'. This limited edition version is only available with the 280kW petrol engine and the 221kW V6 diesel.
Other highlights include: two unique metallic colours (Caesium Blue and Halcyon Gold), 22" 'Double Helix' 15-spoke wheels, Adaptive Dynamics, full-LEDs, gloss black fender vents and a fixed panoramic roof.
2. The range will comprise four derivatives - Pure, R-Sport, S and First Edition.
3. There are three engine options; 2.0-litre turbodiesel (132kW), 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (221kW) and a top of the range 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol in 250kW and 280kW derivatives.
4. It's built alongside Jaguar's smallest sedan, the XE, at the Jaguar Land Rover Solihull Plant in England.
5. It debuts the firm's 'Activity Key': A waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder, Jaguar says its a segment-first because it allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle – invaluable if you’re going surfing.
How does it work? 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.
The Activity Key has no battery, so you never have to worry about changing it.
6. It features the firm's InControl Touch Pro system, which is based around a 25cm touchscreen.
7. The wheelbase and track are bespoke. The F-Pace measures 4.7m long and has a 2.8m wheelbase. Jaguar says these dimensions contribute to a spacious interior.
The automaker claims rear knee-room is class-leading and the luggage compartment remains large – with a full-sized spare wheel as standard.
8. Jaguar says the F-Pace is the only vehicle in its segment that uses an aluminium intensive monocoque.
9. Jaguar says its new SUV should handle corners well: The entry-level model benefits from monotube dampers as standard, however Jaguar says ride and handling is improved by the electronically-controlled Adaptive Dynamics system which measures body and wheel movement 100 and 500 times a second.
A step from that is Configurable Dynamics, which was first used in the F-Type, Jagusr says this feature allows individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics system.
10. Prices
2.0 I4D Diesel 132kW Pure - R776 800
2.0 I4D Diesel 132kW R-Sport - R869 100
3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW Pure - R938 200
3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW R-Sport - R1 030 400
3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW S - R1095 200
3.0 TDV6 Diesel 220kW First Edition - R1 218 100
3.0 S/C Petrol 250kW Pure - R982 700
3.0 S/C Petrol 250kW R-Sport - R1 074 900
3.0 S/C Petrol 280kW S - R1 191 100
3.0 S/C Petrol 280kW First Edition - R1 321 000
