WATCH: Jaguar put E-PACE through hell ahead of launch

Jaguar has released a new video tease of its E-PACE ahead of its full unveiling next week on July 13.

The short film documents the small BMW X1 and Audi Q2-rival being drifted on ice and dirt to develop its all-wheel drive before being driven hard on the Nurburgring to hone its handling and durability.

The British car maker claims testing has been extensive with the little E-PACE's 150 prototypes having to ensure more than 120,000 hours of hard driving on four continents under the watchful eye of 500 engineers.

Said to have taken over 25 months to complete, the strenuous testing also including the E-PACE completing more the 400 laps of the Nurburgring to ensure it is a "dynamic and entertaining performance SUV".

As part of durability tests the poor E-PACE was subjected to temperatures spanning from -40C to +48C to help guarantee it has what it takes to cope with, what Jaguar says, "a lifetime of use in the hands of the most active and demanding customers".

Perhaps the strangest test the E-PACE was involved in was recreating Keith Moon's birthday celebration by driving the little Jag SUV into a swimming pool.

According to the car maker the E-PACE had to sit part-submerged in the 0-5-metre deep pool engine off and doors open for an hour.

To pass, engineers then had to climb in and start up the Jag and drive the little SUV out without any problems.

Set to be unveiled on July 13 the E-PACE is almost certain to come to Australia where it will be cannily priced just below the Luxury Car Tax threshold at around $60,000.

Featuring a sporty stance and short front and rear overhangs, under the bonnet the E-PACE engine line-up will initially consist of four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel engines that will be combined with an eight-speed automatic.

The E-PACE is expected to arrive Down Under early 2018.