The all-new 2016 Jaguar F-Pace has been fully revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show overnight with Jaguar claiming it’s been “engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement that all Jaguars are renowned for”.
The 2016 Jaguar F-Pace, revealed overnight at the Frankfurt Motor Show, also promises “unrivalled dynamics and everyday versatility”.
“By remaining absolutely true to our design principles the all-new F-Pace is immediately recognisable as a Jaguar. It offers all of the interior space you would expect – and more – but because of our disciplined approach to surfaces, proportions, and purity of line, we have designed what I consider to be the most balanced, most attractive vehicle in its class,” said Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar
The F-Pace offers unique wheelbase and track dimensions (meaning, not shared with any other Jaguar product). It’s 4731mm long with a 2874mm wheelbase. Jaguar claims this offers a roomy interior, and it claims “rear knee-room is class-leading and the luggage compartment volume is an astonishing 650-litres”.
The F-Pace seats five people with touches like heated, electrically-reclining rear seats (a cost option) and “cutting-edge technologies” including the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system and 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.
The “light, stiff body structure” is made up of 80% aluminium. Additional weight savings come from the composite tailgate and magnesium for parts such as the cross-car beam. The entry-level F-Pace, as a result, tips the scales at just 1665kg.
According to Jaguar: “The body’s high torsional stiffness enables the F-TYPE-derived double wishbone front suspension and sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension to perform even better. Together with Torque Vectoring as standard and an Electric Power Assisted Steering system tuned to give the best possible feel and response, the all-new F-PACE sets the benchmark for ride and handling”. Quite a big claim…
“The all-new F-Pace is a Jaguar that customers around the world demanded that we make. The targets we set are among the most challenging we’ve ever had to deliver but I’m proud to say that the all-new F-PACE meets or exceeds every one of them.
“This is a performance crossover with outstanding dynamics yet also delivers a smooth, quiet ride. The F-TYPE-inspired design combines dramatic looks with a spacious interior and an exceptionally large luggage compartment. Together with our all-new infotainment system, our most advanced all-wheel drive system and an outstanding range of active safety technologies, the all-new F-Pace makes every journey a better, more rewarding experience,” said Kevin Stride, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar F-Pace
The F-Pace’s torque on-demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system is Jaguar’s most sophisticated yet, and has extremely high torque capacity. It features the same AWD system as the F-TYPE which in normal driving acts more like a rear-drive vehicle, but can transfer up to 50% of torque to the front wheels to exploit the performance benefits of extra traction.
It also features Adaptive Surface Response (ASR), developed from Land Rover’s Terrain Response technology. ASR identifies the type of surface and optimises the mapping of the powertrain and Dynamic Stability Control system. First launched in the all-new XF, ASR has been enhanced by a third mode designed for deep snow and gravel.
Another feature developed for adverse conditions is All Surface Progress Control (ASPC). “To make the most of the available grip, ASPC automatically controls the throttle and the brakes, enabling the vehicle to pull away smoothly: the driver just has to steer. ASPC functions up to 19mph, and the driver selects the desired speed using the cruise control switches. ASPC is compatible with automatic rear- and all-wheel drive variants,” Jaguar said.
“For drivers who want similar results but still want to use the accelerator pedal, there’s Low-Friction Launch (LFL). This function uses a very progressive throttle map, making the vehicle easier to control, and the all-new F-PACE is the first Jaguar to offer it.”
In terms of safety, the F-Pace’s clever stereo camera at the heart of the Autonomous Emergency Braking system now features a pedestrian detection function – a Jaguar-first. The stereo camera also enables Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, an Intelligent Speed Limiter, and Driver Condition Monitor systems.
The all-new F-Pace also sees the world debut of Jaguar’s Activity Key. A waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder, this segment-first, “wearable technology supports active lifestyles because it allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle – invaluable if you’re going surfing, for example, or kayaking”.
Locking the all-new F-Pace 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. Activity Key has no battery, so you never have to worry about changing it.
Australian details are yet to be released, but stay tuned to Practical Motoring. As soon as we have them, we’ll let you know.
