Jaguar E-Pace PHEV Test Drive Review
What is covered in this review:
- What is the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV?
- Updates to the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV
- Jaguar E-Pace PHEV performance
- Hows does the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV drive?
- Exterior of the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV
- Interior of the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV
- Spec of the Jaguar E-Pace PHEV
- Jaguar E-Pace PHEV verdict
What is it?
The E-Pace takes the place as the smallest SUV in Jaguar’s range. First released back in 2017, it received mixed feedback initially, falling down in terms of low-speed ride comfort and interior quality.
However, Jaguar has looked to address these issues with a comprehensive facelift. These updates follow on from those applied to much of the firm’s range, brought in to dramatically change its line-up of cars. Let’s see what it has done to the E-Pace.
What’s new?
There have been some mild exterior tweaks made to the E-Pace, but it’s under the skin where the biggest changes have taken place.
It sits on a new platform, which Jaguar hopes will bring big improvements to the car’s ride and refinement. In addition, a new plug-in hybrid powertrain has been added to bolster the E-Pace’s eco-credentials, while a new interior has also been fitted.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are several petrol and diesel engines that incorporate mild-hybrid technology in the E-Pace, but we’re going to be looking at the plug-in hybrid model today.
It combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor which is mounted on the rear axle. Combined with a 15kWh battery, it means that the E-Pace can travel for up to 34 miles on electric power alone while returning up to 141mpg and combined CO2 emissions of 44g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
That switch in platform has paid dividends from the off as the E-Pace’s comfort and refinement levels are seriously improved over the older car’s. It’s settled at low speed but quiet at higher ones, turning it into a real all-rounder.
And though it errs on the side of comfort, it deals with the corners well too. However, the E-Pace’s weight is still slightly noticeable in the bends, though not much more than with competitor cars.
How does it look?
Jaguar borrowed some of the F-Type sports car’s looks for the E-Pace, implementing the same ‘roundel’ style rear lights in an effort to infuse this SUV with a little bit of drama. It was a successful design at the time and Jaguar must still be confident in the car’s looks because it has left them largely unchanged for this new model.
There are some subtle alterations, mind you, with highlights including newly designed LED headlights and a revised grille.
What’s it like inside?
The E-Pace’s interior has been massively upgraded for this model, with the main focus point being the large Pivi Pro infotainment system - though we’ll get to that shortly.
Elsewhere, the material quality has seriously improved with low-cost plastics few and far between. It all combines to give the E-Pace a real sense of sophistication which was lacking in the older model.
What’s the spec like?
The E-Pace range kicks off from £32,575, though you’ll see this rise to £45,995 for the hybrid model. Three trims are available - S, SE and HSE - though the plug-in hybrid can only be specified with the sporty R-Dynamic pack.
You get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard alongside sport seats and leather upholstery. Of course, that new Pivi Pro infotainment system is included as standard too, with its easy to use menus and clever graphics representing a big step up compared with the setup found on the older E-Pace.
Verdict
Though from the outside this might look like a subtle refresh, the changes to the E-Pace are anything but. It represents a real push forward compared with the older car, with its refinement and comfort levels being given a real boost.
The E-Pace is a brilliant premium family car, while this plug-in hybrid powertrain will no doubt appeal to those who do shorter journeys and want to save on fuel costs. As a total package, it’s very attractive.