Can the Vignale badge elevate the Mondeo into the minds and driveways of premium buyers? Al Suttie finds out
1 – Lifting the suspension from the Jaguar F-type sports car for the F-Pace SUV is a stroke of genius on Jaguar’s part.
2 – Where most rivals, including the Porsche Macan, try for sporty with overly-stiff springing, the Jag is more accomplished.
3 – Sure, there’s little body lean in the twisty bits, but the F-Pace also delivers comfort on the UK’s lump-addled roads.
4 – This is very much in the Jag tradition of sublimely riding cars – we just didn’t expect it in a sport-biased SUV.
5 – It all adds up to a car you can hustle with huge confidence, helped by direct, quick-acting steering.
6 – The 180hp 2.0-litre diesel isn’t the fastest engine in the line-up, but it does a solid day-to-day job.
7 – You don’t need excessive power here, anyway, as the F-Pace conserves speed in corners due to its balance and grip.
8 – As for the inside, you get the high-riding driving position without feeling perched on top of the car.
9 – Comfort is top notch, as I found out over 1000 miles in a week. There’s also plenty of driver area storage, such as the pocket in the transmission tunnel.
10 – The Activity Key is another handy touch for an extra £300. Wear it like a watch and you never have to search for keys again.
