The ‘new’ Jaguar E-Pace may look almost identical to its modified car but the bottom is really exactly new. Honest. Jaguar has undoubtedly spent great money and with some difficulty has re-engineered its smallest crossover to sit on the same ‘premium transverse architecture’ platform as the Range Rover EvoVac and Discovery Sport.
Why? The reason is that the platform can accommodate batteries and electronic motors, but not the underpinnings of old E-Pace (shared with the last-gen Avoc). So the new Jag JLR has got the latest four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all (except base-space FWD diesel) all-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and mild hybrid technology.
There will also be a plug-in hybrid, powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine with a small electric motor to power the rear axle mar jag. 2 of 44g / km, 141 mpg and 34 miles electric range. We have only tried this powertrain on the Avoc and Disco Sport and are satisfied to report that it is quite good.
What’s new? Not too much outside – basically a new grille, bumper and LED head / taillights. Inside the innovation, the 11.4-inch touchscreen is powered with JLR’s latest ‘PV Pro’ infotainment system over-the-air update. There is also a new climate control system that clears the air before turning the cabin and a rear-view mirror around the camera.
Prices start at 32 32,575 and you can order now on Jaguar’s website. Fancy?
