JAGUAR HAS FULLY revealed its new E-Pace, only the second SUV the brand has ever made.
The new compact SUV sits below the F-Pace in the line-up and will rival the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
During its world premiere, the E-Pace set an official Guinness World Record by successfully completing a 15.3 metre-long jump complete with a 270-degree corkscrew-like ‘barrel roll’ – the furthest barrel roll in a production vehicle, as you do.
The E-Pace completed its world record jump at ExCeL in London – one of only a handful of venues in the UK big enough to accommodate the 160-metre run-up and run-off vital for the 15-metre leap.
Behind the wheel was stunt driver Terry Grant, who has completed stunts on many film sets and holds an impressive 21 Guinness World Records.
Watch the stunt here:
Apart from being able to do barrel rolls, – which will of course impress the other parents on the school run – the E-Pace has some decent features that may actually come in useful. One such feature is an Active Driveline all-wheel-drive system with torque-biasing capabilities to deliver optimal stability, dynamics and fuel efficiency in all conditions. Another handy feature is its 1,800kg (braked) towing weight.
The E-Pace features plenty of safety and driver assistance technologies too. A stereo camera underpins the advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking system, which also provides pedestrian detection and supports Lane Keep Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition, as well as the Intelligent Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor systems.
The camera also combines with the electric power assisted steering system and rear radars to deliver a Blind Spot Assist function, to help reduce the risk of sideswipe collisions on multi-lane roads. A new Forward Traffic Detection system also warns drivers of approaching vehicles at junctions where visibility is restricted and there is a pedestrian airbag that deploys from beneath the trailing edge of the bonnet in the event of a collision.
Inside, as standard is a 10-inch Touch Pro touchscreen system; this can be upgraded to a customisable 12.3-inch TFT unit. A large head-up display is also available, while up to eight devices can connect to the E-Pace’s 4G Wi-Fi hotspot. The boot holds 577 litres or 1,234 litres with the 60:40 split folding rear seats tumbled.
For the lifestylers, the E-Pace is also available with Jaguar’s wearable Activity Key. This is a waterproof and shockproof wristband that has an integrated transponder, allowing the driver to lock the main key inside the vehicle so they can go off and enjoy outdoor pursuits such as running or cycling without having to worry about carrying and losing a car key.
You active the Activity Key by holding the wristband up to the upper edge of the number plate on the tailgate. Once activated any key fobs inside the vehicle are disabled.
Five turbocharged 2.0-litre Ingenium engines are offered from launch. The Petrol options are a 250hp variant and a 300hp unit. These are all-wheel drive and automatic only. Diesel options are 150-, 180- or 240hp, the latter with 500Nm of torque. The 150hp and 180hp units are available with a six-speed manual gearbox and all the others come with a nine-speed automatic.
The E-Pace makes its world debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show and will arrive in Ireland in early 2018. Irish pricing has yet to be confirmed, but we expect the E-Pace to start from under €39,000.
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