The new Jaguar F-Pace – From the surf shack to the school gates

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar will become the latest British manufacturer to reveal the production-ready version of its first SUV. The F-Pace takes styling cues from its sports car cousin, and includes a number of features aimed at the young and active …

The key to being active

The gestation of the Jaguar F-Pace has mirrored that of the Bentley Bentayga, also revealed in production form ahead of the imminent Frankfurt Motor Show after an initial showing in concept form. However, unlike the big Bentley, changes to the F-Pace have been minimal – and this is what the all-terrain cat will look like when it joins the Jaguar line-up (and the ‘school run’ train, no doubt) next year.

Jaguar claims its first SUV – based on JLR’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture – will be aimed at “those who love driving”, as well as the ultra-active types that you see so often in SUV adverts, but never actually meet in real life. However, the company has the latter covered in any case: among the debuting features is the world’s first ‘Activity Key’, described as “waterproof, wearable technology for active lifestyles, allowing the keys to be securely locked inside the vehicle”. As ripe as that statement is for ribbing, you can’t deny it’s a pretty good idea.

Leap into the lap of luxury

Once their surfing gear is safely stowed in the 650-litre boot, they’ll be able to pull away from the beach without any drama, thanks to the new All Surface Progress Control that works in conjunction with Adaptive Surface Response – the latter being Jaguar’s version of Land Rover’s Terrain Response system. Analysing these marketing phrases and their associated acronyms suggests it’ll be as good off-road as a Land Rover. Probably. Well, nearly.

For those more interested in putting their F-Pace to work in a less literal sense, a wifi hotspot comes as standard – meaning you can send your important marketing emails from the comfort of your heated, Windsor-leathered rear seat without being disturbed by all those surfboard-toting hipsters outside. At launch, the engine range will be crowned by a 3.0-litre supercharged petrol V6 with 380HP; the high-riding Jag can be ordered now, with deliveries commencing next year.

Photos: Jaguar