The SUV and cross-over class of vehicles just continues to grow in the UK.
In the “middle-class” you have brands like Vauxhall, For, Hyundai and Kia investing so much of their time and resources into these style of vehicles. The luxury car brands have followed suit, with Land Rover, BMW, Mercedes and now Jaguar pushing their investment into the SUV options.
This is not to say that the hatchback and saloon options are deceased, it is just to note that consumer habits are changing.
As we have been exploring recently, why is it that the SUV has become such a popular vehicle?
Fundamentally, they are a practical vehicle which offers a higher-driving position, internal room for passengers, boot space and high levels of specification. Many of our older-drivers do prefer the higher driving position as this offers better comfort and better views of the road around them. There is also that inherent feeling of “safety” from having this style of vehicle. Many families need a vehicles which ticks a number of boxes, so the SUV just fits in nicely.
Jaguar have now followed the mid-size SUV trend with the introduction of the new E-Pace. This is the baby brother of the F-Pace, which has already proved to be a great part of Jaguar’s repertoire.
While the F-Pace presents a competitor to the Range Rover Sport/Range Rover Velar, the new E-pace is an alternative to the Evoque. In terms of models, the E-Pace will consist of:
· The E-Pace – the main features will include 17” alloys, LED headlights, heated door mirrors, 8-way front seats, 10” screen, cruise control, rear camera, automatic headlights, hill start assist, climate control, Bluetooth, front/rear parking aid and cloth upholstery;
· The E Pace S – the upgraded model adds some improved aesthetics with 18” alloys, navigation, park pack, connect pro, auto-dimming and folding door mirrors and 4G Wi-Fi Hotspots;
· The E Pace SE – this is the refined and comfort option and will offer 14-way seats, Meridian sound system, 19” alloys, grained leather upholstery, heated seats, adaptive cruise control and blind sport assist; and
· The E Pace HSE – the cream of the crop will offer the full luxury experience for the driver with 20” alloys, Windsor leather, powered tailgate, keyless entry and a 12.3 “ interactive display.
If you are looking for a “sporty” E-Pace, consider the R-Dynamic specification to add gloss black finish, satin chrome trim, sports seats and contrast stitching. The R-Dynamic will be available as a standard vehicle, S, SE and HSE. For those drivers looking for the ultimate luxury experience, go for the First Edition which offers 20” alloys, LED headlights, active key system, 18-way adjustable seats, 10” screen, meridian sound system, HSE driver assistance systems, head up display and unique finishes.
The Vehicle will be most popular in the diesel form in the UK and will offer drivers the 2.0 turbo platform which has outputs of 150ps, 180ps and a considerable 240ps. A 2.0 petrol engine will also be available, including a 300ps option!
So is the E-Pace going to be the leading SUV leasing option in 2017/2018? Or would you choose the Audi Q3, BMW X3 or even the Range Rover Evoque?
Let us know your thoughts!!
