Jaguar F-PACE rises in tech and price

The 2021 Jaguar F-PACE has arrived in showrooms, bringing a slimmed-down range from 18 models to six while also offering new engines, refreshed styling and more technology.

After announcing pricing details late last year that appeared to hold relatively firm compared to the previous series, Jaguar Australia has subsequently pushed up pricing across the range by $1254 before the updated British-built large luxury SUV landed here.

That means the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE range actually starts at $76,244 plus on-road costs and tops out at $142,294 plus ORCs for the all-conquering Jaguar F-PACE SVR, which will arrive later in the year and hopefully won’t cop another price rise in the meantime.

Physically, design changes are heralded by a new sculpted bonnet, larger front grille and air inlets with diamond pattern detailing, and updated headlights with a new ‘double J’ light signature.

At the rear, the F-PACE adopts a wider-looking bumper and an updated sculpted lower valance.

Inside, the F-PACE range boasts a purportedly brand-new interior with higher-quality materials, optional cabin air ionisation, a new steering wheel and more storage options.

For buyers who specify the optional Meridian audio system ($1560), there’s also an active noise cancellation feature.

Jaguar says the new layout is more elegant and deliberately minimises buttons and dials. It also adopts a conventional gear shifter featuring cricket-ball leather stitching but retains a concealed pop-up dial for the optional drive mode selector.

An updated multifunction steering wheel is part of the package and some of the cabin highlights include open-pore wood veneers and soft-touch materials on all major touchpoints, such as the doors inserts.

The electric window controls have also been moved down from the top of the door roll to the inside of the door, while hard-wired switchgear is used on the lower centre fascia, a feature Jaguar believes is important in maintaining a tactile, user-friendly experience.

Infotainment is facilitated by an 11.4-inch touch-screen with JLR’s latest Pivi Pro software. There’s also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus digital radio. Wireless phone charging is one of the F-PACE’s many disguised options.

The updated Jaguar F-PACE range is available across six different models spanning three basic grades.

The entry R-Dynamic S comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting, 12-way adjustable electric front chairs, R-Dynamic leather steering wheel, leather seats, six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth.

The second-tier R-Dynamic SE adds 20-inch wheels, 16-way adjustable front seat adjustment, electric steering column adjustment, heated and power-folding side mirrors, configurable dynamics and adaptive dampers.

Finally, the R-Dynamic HSE grade gets 21-inch wheels, heated and cooled front seats, a 13-speaker Meridian sound system and Ebony suede headlining.

The flagship SVR adds a host of additional goodies that go some way in justifying its big price tag. We’ll dive further into those closer to its Aussie arrival, but see our earlier report for more detail.

We’ve also driven the new SVR overseas, which you can read here.

Both familiar and new powertrains are available in the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE range.

Starting with the carryover P250, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generates enough power and torque (184kW/365Nm) to accelerate the F-PACE from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Fuel economy is rated at 7.8L/100km on the official combined cycle, with CO2 emissions at 182g/km.

The new P400 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine features a 48V mild-hybrid system, a twin-scroll turbocharger and an electric supercharger to generate 294kW/550Nm. This delivers an impressive 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h.

The P400 returns fuel economy and emissions of 8.7L/100km and 202g/km respectively.

The D300 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel produces more pulling power (650Nm) than sister brand Land Rover’s previous V8 diesel, and with 221kW of power to go with it, can propel the big cat from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.0L/100km, with CO2 emissions at 184g/km.

All Jaguar F-PACE models are now full-time four-wheel drive (with rear-axle bias) and come with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Steering-mounted paddle shifters are also included.

Overseas shoppers can buy a plug-in hybrid variant, but the P400e powerplant is not yet available for Australia.

As for suspension, the F-PACE rides on a double-wishbone front configuration and an integral-link rear.

As ever, the options list is extensive for the Jaguar F-PACE. It costs $806 for heated front seats (on base spec), $840 for a lockable, cooled glovebox, $455 for cabin air ionisation, $1890 for four-zone climate control, $455 for wireless phone charging, $139 for rear USB sockets and $1960 for a head-up display. Just to name a few.

A $2910 Dynamic Handling Pack bundles configurable dynamics and adaptive dampers, while a $1560 Convenience Pack brings a power gestured tailgate, additional USB ports and Jaguar’s wearable Activity Key.

You’ll even have to pay extra for the Loadspace Practicality Pack ($610), which adds remote release levers for the split-fold seats, a load space partition net and load space storage rails.

The F-PACE comes in two standard colours (Narvik Black and Fuji White), with optional hues ranging from $1890 to as much as $11,050 in price.

A space-saver spare tyre is fitted standard, while all F-PACE models are now backed by Jaguar’s permanent five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The 2021 Jaguar F-PACE hits Aussie showrooms this week. Keep an eye on the carsales website on Friday for our full review and video.

How much does the 2021 Jaguar F-PACE cost?
P250 R-Dynamic S – $76,244 (+$1254)
P250 R-Dynamic SE – $80,854 (+$1254)
D300 R-Dynamic SE – $96,194 (+$1254)
P400 R-Dynamic SE – $98,654 (+$1254)
P400 R-Dynamic HSE – $110,404 (+$1254)
SVR – $142,294 (+$1254)
* Prices exclude on-road costs