Horizon Jaguar F-Pace SVR 2020
Content
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 8/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
- What is it like to drive? 9/10
- Verdict
I'm not sure I'm even allowed to tell you this, but rumor has it that the reason Jaguar's berserk F-Pace SVR hasn't arrived for so long - even when other brands have launched their own high-performance SUVs - is because it's been accepted the decision to knock him out before he even saw the light of day.
Yes, about 12 months ago, Jaguar Land Rover's affairs looked so uncertain that with Brexit and declining sales, the word means that the British brand's bosses drew a big fat line through the F-Pace SVR to help cut costs.
Thankfully, the decision was reversed and the F-Pace SVR went ahead. And I just took the first cars that arrived in Australia this week.
So what is this Jaguar hi-po off-road vehicle that almost didn't like to drive? And how does it compare to rivals like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S or the Porsche Macan Turbo?
The first F-Pace SVR has just landed.
| 2020 Jaguar F-PACE: SVR (405WD) (XNUMXkW) | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 5.0L |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 11.7l / 100km |
| Landing | 5 Places |
| Price from | $117,000 |
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10
The list price of $140,262 makes the SVR the most expensive F-Pace in the lineup. That's nearly double the entry-level F-Pace R-Sport 20d and about $32K more than the supercharged V6t F-Pace S 35t below it in the lineup.
If you think this is too much, think again. Compared to the $149,900 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Q and the $165,037 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S, that's a pretty good price. Only the Porsche Macan Turbo is outclassed by the SVR with its list price of $133,100, but the German SUV is much less powerful. Macan Turbo with performance package increases ticket price to $146,600.
Don't forget, too, that the Range Rover Sport SVR has the same engine as the F-Pace SVR (but tuned for an extra 18kW and 20Nm) and much of the same equipment for about $100 more.
The F-Pace SVR comes standard with a 10-inch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 380-watt Meridian audio system, dual-zone climate control, adaptive LED headlights, 21-inch alloy wheels, proximity unlock, leather upholstery, heating. and 14-way power-cooled sport seats with heated front and rear seats.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
When I reviewed the F-Pace in 2016, I called it the most beautiful SUV in the world. I still think he's ridiculously good-looking, but times are gaining momentum in terms of styling, and the advent of off-road vehicles like the Range Rover Velar has my eyes wandering.
You can tell the SVR apart by its exhaust pipe and bumper with huge air intakes, as well as the vented hood and vents in the front wheel covers. This is a tough but restrained look.
The standard SVR cabin is a luxurious place. These slim quilted leather sport seats are refined, comfortable and supportive. There's the SVR's steering wheel, which I find a bit too cluttered with buttons, but more nicely, the rotary shifter is nowhere to be seen, and instead there's a vertical shifter on the center console.
The standard SVR cabin is a luxurious place.
Also standard are SVR deluxe floor mats, aluminum mesh trim on the dash, ebony suede headlining and ambient lighting.
The dimensions of the SVR are the same as the regular F-Pace, except for the height. The length is 4746 mm, the width with the mirrors unfolded is 2175 mm, which is 23 mm less than other F-Pace at 1670 mm high. This means the SVR has a lower center of gravity, making it easier to handle.
These dimensions make the F-Pace SVR a mid-sized SUV, but a bit larger than some.
How practical is the interior space? 8/10
The F-Pace SVR is more practical than you might think. I'm 191cm tall, have a wingspan of about 2.0m, and have plenty of room for my elbows and shoulders in front.
What's even more impressive is that I can sit in my driver's seat with about 100mm of air between my knees and the seatback. Headroom is also good, even in the car I tested with the optional sunroof that lowers the headroom.
The F-Pace SVR has 508 liters (VDA) with the second row installed.
As for its cargo capacity, the F-Pace SVR has 508 liters (VDA) with the second row installed. That's good, but not better, as rivals like the Stelvio and GLC boast slightly more boot space.
Storage in the cabin is not bad. There's a large bin on the center console under the armrest, as well as two cupholders in the front and two in the back, but the door pockets are only big enough for wallets and phones.
Storage in the cabin is not bad.
For charging and media, you'll find two USB ports along with a 12V socket in the second row and another USB port and a 12V socket in the front. There is also a 12V outlet in the cargo area.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10
Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has provided the F-Type R with a supercharged 405-litre V680 engine producing 5.0 kW/8 Nm for the F-Pace SVR. And while the SVR is much larger and fatter than a coupe, the engine's thrust for an SUV is outstanding.
Stop and then press the accelerator pedal and you will accelerate to 100 km / h in 4.3 seconds (only 0.2 seconds behind the F-Type). I did it and I'm still a little concerned that I might have broken a rib in the process. Sure, it's a bit slower than rivals like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio and GLC 63 S (both do it in 3.8 seconds), but still plenty of power.
You're not going to bite the F-Pace like that all the time, and even at low speeds, you can enjoy the angry Jaguar exhaust sound, which also crackles and pops under load in lower gears. The only way to get the Stelvio Quadrifoglio to be that vocal is to press it hard or in Track mode. The F-Pace SVR sounds menacing even in Comfort mode, but even more so in Dynamic mode, and the sound at idle makes me dizzy.
The 405kW F-Pace dwarfs the 375kW found in Alfa and Merc-AMG, while the Porsche Macan - even with the performance package - puts out 294kW.
Gear shifting is handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission that isn't quite as quick as the dual-clutch transmission but still feels smooth and decisive.
The F-Pace is all-wheel drive, but most of the power is sent to the rear wheels unless the system detects slip.
How much fuel does it consume? 7/10
Jaguar says you can expect its F-Pace SVR to consume 11.1L/100km of lead-free premium on a mix of open and city roads. During my driving on motorways and winding back roads, the on-board computer reported an average consumption of 11.5 l/100 km. This is not far from the expected supply proposal. For a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, mileage is good, but it's not the most economical way to get around.
For a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, mileage is good, but it's not the most economical way to get around.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
In 2017, F Pace received the highest ANCAP five-star rating.
Standard advanced safety equipment includes an AEB that can detect pedestrians, as well as blind spot and lane departure warning.
You'll have to opt for adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
The F-Pace SVR lags a bit behind what we see even on budget SUVs when it comes to standard enhanced safety, and so it scored lower here.
Child seats have three top tether anchorages and two ISOFIX points. The compact spare wheel is located under the boot floor.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
3 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 6/10
The Jaguar F Pace SVR is covered by a three-year 100,000 km warranty. Service is condition-based (your F-pace will let you know when it needs an inspection), and a five-year/130,000km service plan is available that costs $3550.
What is it like to drive? 9/10
I've been waiting to drive the F-Pace SVR for three years since my first stint in the R Sport 20d. At the time, one of my criticisms of this lower class was: "Such an SUV must have the right amount of power."
Well, I can say that the F-Pace SVR absolutely lives up to its looks and purpose. This supercharged V8 puts out all of its 680Nm of torque from 2500rpm, and it's low enough in the rev range to feel like it's almost always ready for quick lane changes and quick acceleration when you want it.
Being able to move quickly, almost instantaneously, creates a sense of control, but don't confuse this with the fact that this car is easy to drive. On the winding mountain roads where I tested the SVR, I found that caution was needed.
Step on the gas too quickly when exiting a corner and the SVR can be a little unforgiving and the rear will bulge out and then come back sharply. Push it too hard into a turn and it will become understeered.
Being able to move quickly, almost instantaneously, creates a sense of control.
These messages, sent to me from the F-Pace on that winding road, served as a reminder that this was a tall and heavy, but very powerful car, and all you need is to drive it with more sensitivity and engagement, not force. do what physics forbids.
Soon the SVR's good balance, precise turning and power worked together in harmony.
Along with a larger engine and more power, Special Vehicle Operations gave the SVR stronger brakes, stiffer suspension, an electronic active differential, and larger alloy wheels.
There were those who complained that the SVR's ride was too stiff, but even someone like me who loves to complain about how low-profile tires and stiff suspension can be painful couldn't find anything wrong here. Sure, the ride is tough, but it's much more comfortable and quieter than the Stelvio.
Also, if you want an SUV to handle as well as an SVR, the suspension needs to be stiff. Jaguar has done an excellent job of finding the optimal ride and handling for this F-Pace.
If I have any complaints, it's that the steering feels a bit quick and easy. That's fine for supermarkets and city driving, but in dynamic mode, back roads, I'd feel happier with heavier steering.
Jaguar has done an excellent job of finding the optimal ride and handling for this F-Pace.
Verdict
The SVR may be the most anti-social member of the F-Pace family, with its crackling exhaust sound and hood nostrils, but it's also one worth putting in your driveway.
The F-Pace SVR does a great job as a powerful SUV while remaining comfortable and practical better than many of the prestige SUVs in the segment.
Alfa Romeo's Stelvio Quadrifoglio isn't as easy to drive, and Merc-AMG demands a lot more for its GLC 63 S.
The F-Pace SVR delivers unrivaled acceleration, practicality, and good value for money when compared to its sibling Range Rover Sport cousin.
Note. CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, providing transportation and food.
