Jaguar faced a dilemma in designing the F-Pace. The company’s image was based on sleek, swift saloons and rakish sports cars.
However, the migration to SUVs was becoming a flood. But it had to be done in a way which did not tread on Land Rover’s toes. The result was an athletic SUV-like ‘crossover’ with an on-road focus.
Has it worked? It does have its own distinct look and, rather than base it on a Land Rover or Range Rover, the F-Pace team adapted the architecture of the XE and XF cars. That brought with it an 'aluminium-intensive' body structure with some magnesium thrown in for further weight-loss.
However, the migration to SUVs was becoming a flood. But it had to be done in a way which did not tread on Land Rover’s toes. The result was an athletic SUV-like ‘crossover’ with an on-road focus.
Has it worked? It does have its own distinct look and, rather than base it on a Land Rover or Range Rover, the F-Pace team adapted the architecture of the XE and XF cars. That brought with it an 'aluminium-intensive' body structure with some magnesium thrown in for further weight-loss.
It is taller clearly and seating elevated so entry is ‘up’ not ‘down’. Driving position is a touch more ‘sports saloon’ and ‘laid back’ than for a Land Rover/Range Rover say but the view is better than a saloon’s as is visibility - all to the good on a long trip.
Destination once more: Torre del Visco near Valderrobres in the Matarranya region of Aragon. Crossing: Portsmouth to St Malo overnight with Brittany Ferries.
Leaving at 8.15pm MV Bretagne arrived at 8.15am: food was good, a pianist entertained and (cabin booked) a night’s sleep. A direct run down the French west coast was ahead.
Overnight this time was at Pau between Biarritz and Toulouse and capital of the Midi-Pyrenees. Traversing the Pyrenees (always memorable) on the following day, we headed for Zaragoza. A turn westward before getting there took us down to Huesca, Huerto and Caspe where we crossed the River Ebro.
These are great driving roads: sweeping bends; stunning scenery and then straight stretches which lasted for miles. Finally, the town of Alcaniz … and we were there.
Spain rarely fails to deliver a drive to remember. But empty reservoirs and dry river beds soon made clear the extent of the drought afflicting much of eastern and southern Spain. The worst in 150 years, there was very little rain last winter and, if repeated this year, it will be critical.
Apart from vineyards the main crops grown in Matarranya are olives and almonds. Torre del Visco’s barley has been harvested but rain will be essential for a decent olive harvest. It makes its own olive oil and the farm (fruit and vegetables included) is all organic. Olive trees can survive one winter drought but two would put them at risk.
F-Pace models (currently): Prestige; Portfolio; R-Sport; S. Engine line-up: 2.0d four-cylinder turbodiesel 180hp (6-speed manual or 8-speed auto); 3.0d V6 300hp; 3.0 V6 380hp (petrol and supercharged). Price range: £35,020-£52,300.
‘Entry model’ Prestige is rear wheel drive and six-speed manual only whereas the V6 engines are reserved for the S models (no 2.0d versions). The all-wheel drive system is variable 4x4 on-demand with up to 50% diverted to the front if necessary. Manual transmission is offered on all 2.0d units and cheapest AWD Prestige variant is £36,960 (auto a £1,750 extra).
Like the XE/XF layout is classic rear wheel drive, 4x4 system an adaptation of it and the front-rear weight balance around 50-50. Electric power steering is up to the job (if not as ‘pure’); cornering/body control (for the type) outstanding. Firm low speed ride improves as the pace quickens. Chassis engineering overall is of a high order.
So far so good, but the 2.0 i4 180 is not especially energetic, can be gruff and less than entirely smooth – if pretty frugal. The eight-speed auto 'box of the R-Sport on test did mitigate to an extent but the six-speed manual (as on September’s XF) probably a better bet and cheaper.
The V6s would be more Jaguar-like but those with an eye to price, running costs and company car taxation will opt for the diesel. That said the F-Pace did well on its Spanish ‘work-out’. It coped with rural Aragon’s unmade roads while back on tarmac, once momentum gained, ground was rapidly covered. Dynamically a class stand-out, it’s even ahead of BMW’s X3 and also Land Rover’s Discovery Sport or Volvo XC60.
Facts & Figures: R-Sport 2.0d 180 AWD 8-sp auto £40,360; 129mph; 0-62mph 8.7 secs; 53.3mpg (official comb); 35 (avge brim to brim); 32-42 (Trip Computer avge range); CO2 139g/km; Road Tax ‘E’/£130; Ins Grp 29E; Max Braked Trailer 2,400kg.
Accomodation: Ferry overnight and stop-overs in France (Poitiers on the way back) allows for a relaxed day’s driving and arrival in time for a walk around the place to find a restaurant which appeals and a good meal. Ibis Pau Centre: €101.20 for a Double Room including secure parking (€10) & Breakfast x 2 (€19.80). Ibis Styles Poitiers Centre: €91.20 for a Double Room & Breakfast x 2 (public parking). La Torre del Visco: www.torredelvisco.com Brittany Ferries: www.brittanyferries.com
By Huw Thomas
An extended piece based on one first published in Welsh Farmer.
Leaving at 8.15pm MV Bretagne arrived at 8.15am: food was good, a pianist entertained and (cabin booked) a night’s sleep. A direct run down the French west coast was ahead.
Overnight this time was at Pau between Biarritz and Toulouse and capital of the Midi-Pyrenees. Traversing the Pyrenees (always memorable) on the following day, we headed for Zaragoza. A turn westward before getting there took us down to Huesca, Huerto and Caspe where we crossed the River Ebro.
These are great driving roads: sweeping bends; stunning scenery and then straight stretches which lasted for miles. Finally, the town of Alcaniz … and we were there.
Spain rarely fails to deliver a drive to remember. But empty reservoirs and dry river beds soon made clear the extent of the drought afflicting much of eastern and southern Spain. The worst in 150 years, there was very little rain last winter and, if repeated this year, it will be critical.
Apart from vineyards the main crops grown in Matarranya are olives and almonds. Torre del Visco’s barley has been harvested but rain will be essential for a decent olive harvest. It makes its own olive oil and the farm (fruit and vegetables included) is all organic. Olive trees can survive one winter drought but two would put them at risk.
F-Pace models (currently): Prestige; Portfolio; R-Sport; S. Engine line-up: 2.0d four-cylinder turbodiesel 180hp (6-speed manual or 8-speed auto); 3.0d V6 300hp; 3.0 V6 380hp (petrol and supercharged). Price range: £35,020-£52,300.
‘Entry model’ Prestige is rear wheel drive and six-speed manual only whereas the V6 engines are reserved for the S models (no 2.0d versions). The all-wheel drive system is variable 4x4 on-demand with up to 50% diverted to the front if necessary. Manual transmission is offered on all 2.0d units and cheapest AWD Prestige variant is £36,960 (auto a £1,750 extra).
Like the XE/XF layout is classic rear wheel drive, 4x4 system an adaptation of it and the front-rear weight balance around 50-50. Electric power steering is up to the job (if not as ‘pure’); cornering/body control (for the type) outstanding. Firm low speed ride improves as the pace quickens. Chassis engineering overall is of a high order.
So far so good, but the 2.0 i4 180 is not especially energetic, can be gruff and less than entirely smooth – if pretty frugal. The eight-speed auto 'box of the R-Sport on test did mitigate to an extent but the six-speed manual (as on September’s XF) probably a better bet and cheaper.
The V6s would be more Jaguar-like but those with an eye to price, running costs and company car taxation will opt for the diesel. That said the F-Pace did well on its Spanish ‘work-out’. It coped with rural Aragon’s unmade roads while back on tarmac, once momentum gained, ground was rapidly covered. Dynamically a class stand-out, it’s even ahead of BMW’s X3 and also Land Rover’s Discovery Sport or Volvo XC60.
Facts & Figures: R-Sport 2.0d 180 AWD 8-sp auto £40,360; 129mph; 0-62mph 8.7 secs; 53.3mpg (official comb); 35 (avge brim to brim); 32-42 (Trip Computer avge range); CO2 139g/km; Road Tax ‘E’/£130; Ins Grp 29E; Max Braked Trailer 2,400kg.
Accomodation: Ferry overnight and stop-overs in France (Poitiers on the way back) allows for a relaxed day’s driving and arrival in time for a walk around the place to find a restaurant which appeals and a good meal. Ibis Pau Centre: €101.20 for a Double Room including secure parking (€10) & Breakfast x 2 (€19.80). Ibis Styles Poitiers Centre: €91.20 for a Double Room & Breakfast x 2 (public parking). La Torre del Visco: www.torredelvisco.com Brittany Ferries: www.brittanyferries.com
By Huw Thomas
An extended piece based on one first published in Welsh Farmer.
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