Jaguar launched its latest crossover – the E-Pace – with a barrel roll stunt and a firm aim to quickly establish the compact SUV as the sporty British brand’s number-one best seller.
Talking exclusively to BusinessCar beforethe global unveil at London’s Excel Centre, JaguarLandRover’s UK MD Jeremy Hicks said: “Every bit of logic says we’ll sell more E-Paces than F-Paces as that sector is bigger, it has more potential.”
The bigger F-Pace SUV currently vies for top UK Jaguar sales spot with 6,700 registrations in the first six months of 2017 versus 7000 for the XE compact saloon, but Hicks sees the E-Pace soon beating both in a full year, which could equate to 15,000 units or more.
Priced from £28,500, with three diesel power choices (150hp, 180hp and 240hp) and two petrol (249hp or 300hp), all are four-cylinder 2.0-litre Ingenium engines with headline 60.1mpg and 124g/km CO2 headline economy and emissions figures for the two-wheel drive 150hp diesel 6-speed manual and likely fleet best-seller.
However, unlike in previous years, Hicks sees petrol engines making a fightback, taking perhaps 20% of total E-Pace sales, in contrast to the overall range’s recent historical 90/10 split in favour in diesel. To that end the most economic petrol all-wheel drive 249hp automatic records 36.7mpg and 174g/km of CO2.
In a bid to attract digital-savvy and majority conquest sales (80%) a ten-inch screen Touch Pro infotainment system is standard across the range as are five USB points – one for every potential occupant – plus a 4G Wi-fi hot spot for up to eight devices. From either the standard or sportier R-Dynamic models, three trim choices are available – S, SE and HSE – and include driver assistance systems like Driver Condition Monitor and Emergency Braking.
The E-Pace also promises practicality alongside its optional 21-inch wheels, with a large 577-1234 litre boot space, and a commodious storage space under the centre armrest that can variously hide a charging tablet or, with cupholders removed, swallow two large drinks bottles lying down horizontally.
Orders can be placed now for an official winter 2017 on sale date.
