By Clive Funizwe

Now in South Africa, the Jaguar E-Pace gets fresh updates with a refresh that is more than skin deep. Jaguar has breathed life into the exterior, interior and connectivity with the latest Pivi Pro infotainment. The E-Pace also now rides on Jaguar’s new vehicle architecture and gets a choice of powerful and efficient engines – including an advanced Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain but more on this later.

Exterior

At the front, the new Jaguar E-Pace gets a revised lower aperture incorporating a distinctive blade element and a new grille mesh design which features a contemporary noble chrome finish, while new side fender vents feature the iconic Leaper emblem.

At the back, the lower bumper gets a new mesh insert which sits between the integrated tail pipes that are standard with four-cylinder petrol engines. The new all-LED rear is similar to those found in the all-electric I-Pace. All other engine derivatives gain new slim horizontal blade finishers.

The new E-Pace features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look for the R-Dynamic specification, while all models are available with the additional Black Exterior Pack with bespoke elements finished in Narvik Black.

Customers can choose from S, SE and HSE trim levels in R-Dynamic specification. Optional on all models is the Black Exterior Pack. Also available is the new 300 SPORT specification.

Illumination

The new E-Pace gets new LED headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures, which are available with optional Pixel LED technology, delivering increased resolution and brightness that also create a cone of shadow that avoids dazzling on coming drivers. The S models come fitted with the Advanced LED technology as standard while Premium LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist feature on SE and HSE vehicles. The Adaptive Driving Beam capability evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam pattern by selecting different LED segments to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs. This optimizes visibility and reduces glare without distracting other drivers.

Interior

Inside, the new Jaguar E-Pace gets the integrated 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system. The glass screen features two coatings; one which is anti-glare and a second which resists fingerprints. The driver focused interior also provides easier access to the larger stowage area in front of the new Drive Selector that houses a 15W wireless device charger.

Jaguar has improved the materials inside to enhance the luxury feel of the interior. The driver touchpoints around the cluster are now wrapped in soft touch materials whilst the knee side contact area has been sculpted to provide improved luxury and comfort. The focus on materials extends to the metallic speaker accents and metallic vent finishes which, along with elements such as the metallic rotary dials, exemplify the premium interior. The new E-Pace also gets a new steering wheel, which is influenced by the design in the all-electric I-PACE performance SUV.

Cabin Air Ionisation, activated by pressing the ‘Purify’ button in the touchscreen, improves interior air quality through Nanoe technology, which removes allergens and unpleasant odours. The advanced system features PM2.5 filtration to capture ultra-fine particles – including PM2.5 particulates.

A second-generation wearable Activity Key can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle without the need for the conventional key fob to be present in the vehicle.

Engine and Power

A total of 4 engines will be offered with the updated E-Pace. One diesel engine, 2 petrol engines and a PHEV plug-in hybrid. The Jaguar E-Pace D200 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine which pushes out 147kW of power and 430Nm of torque. The diesel engine is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The P250 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which kicks out 184kW of power and 365Nm of torque while the P300 Sport pushes out 221kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

Jaguar has also introduced the new P300e PHEV powertrain engine which combines the 147kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and an 80kW Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD) motor. This ensures impressive performance and efficiency, with 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds and a claimed fuel economy as low as 2.0l/100km.

The new Jaguar E-Pace is an all-wheel drive vehicle.

Pricing

The new E-Pace pricing is as follows:

• E-PACE R-Dynamic S D200                 R868,000
• E-PACE R-Dynamic SE D200             R898,600
• E-PACE R-Dynamic HSE D200            R938,800
• E-PACE R-Dynamic S P250                 R927,500
• E-PACE R-Dynamic SE P250               R958,100
• E-PACE R-Dynamic HSE P250            R998,300
• E-PACE R-Dynamic S P300e               R1,165,500
• E-PACE R-Dynamic SE P300e R1,196,100
• E-PACE R-Dynamic HSE P300e          R1,236,300
• E-PACE 300 SPORT P300                  R1,046,900

All prices include VAT but exclude CO2 tax.