Jaguar slashes E-Pace range in new update

JAGUAR Land Rover (JLR) Australia has continued its model refresh bombardment, this week debuting its updated E-Pace small SUV which dispenses with diesel power altogether in favour of JLR’s new-generation of ‘Ingenium’ petrol engines.

Priced from $63,900 plus on-road costs, the new E-Pace line-up has been trimmed from 16 variants to just four with the base-model R-Dynamic S P250 marking an entry-price jump of more than $5100.

For the extra outlay customers score updated styling, a revamped interior, Pivi Pro infotainment system, improved safety and an enhanced chassis tune designed to make the E-Pace more capable in the bends as well as improve ride comfort.

All MY21 E-Paces are powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which in all variants bar the flagship P300 Sport ($79,600) develops 184kW/365Nm.

Under the bonnet of the new range-topper, the powerplant has been tuned to produce the same 221kW/400Nm as it does in JLR’s bigger offerings but in this case, has been paired with a new mild-hybrid (MHEV) system.

Power in each grade is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission with the P300 Sport able to dispatch 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds.

Visually, designers have treated the E-Pace to something of a facelift with the front end featuring a tweaked lower intake brandishing a new ‘blade element’ as well as new grille mesh and new LED headlights.

At the rear we find LED tail-lights taken almost straight off the electric I-Pace while the bumper scores a new mesh insert.

Under the skin, the E-Pace has been treated to new engine mounts and stiffer front suspension mounts while the all-wheel-drive system now features driveline disconnect technology in order to minimise fuel consumption.

Four drive modes continue to be offered as standard however the outgoing model’s ‘Rain-Ice-Snow’ mode has been replaced by Adaptive Surface Response mode which automatically selects one of three different sub-modes.

Inside the cabin, the star of the show is the new curved 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen while other revisions include a more organised centre console resulting in a bigger storage space, redesigned gear selector, more soft-touch materials, new steering wheel and embossed ‘Leapers’ in the upholstery.

Standard across the E-Pace range includes the aforementioned infotainment system and screen, keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paddle shifters, cabin air ionisation, 3D surround camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, front and rear parking sensors, All Surface Progress Control, dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, automatic wipers, push button start, leather steering wheel and driver condition monitor.

According to Jaguar design director Julian Thomson, the new E-Pace “features key design elements from across the Jaguar family, enhancing the exterior and introducing beautiful new details to the interior”.

“All this ensures the latest model has a more grown-up appeal while retaining its compact performance SUV sensibilities,” he said.

First deliveries of the new E-Pace are due to commence in the first quarter of next year.

JLR Australia has sold 534 E-Paces so far this year ending September, accounting for 4.3 per cent of the $40,000-plus small SUV segment.

2021 Jaguar E-Pace pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs