Let’s get one thing straight: the Jaguar F-PACE isn’t just another premium SUV. It’s the kind of car that demands your attention with its perfect fusion of elegance, power, and forward-thinking technology.

• And now, with the introduction of the F-PACE R-Dynamic HSE Ingenium 2.0-litre Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), Jaguar has made the future of motoring feel a lot more… exciting.
• This is the latest electrified version of their award-winning SUV in South Africa.
• Jaguar’s already sculpted F-PACE gets a further boost with refreshed exterior styling.
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The Sandton Times took the Jaguar F-Pace for a week-long test drive, not anticipating that this British icon would deliver a driving experience so compelling, we’d be left craving more after returning the keys. The first thing you notice is that confident look—starting with the bonnet. A sculpted power bulge dominates the front, while fewer shut lines mean a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. The heritage-inspired ‘diamond’ detailing on the oversized grille makes the front look positively fierce.

Jaguar’s iconic Leaper now graces the side fender vents, a cheeky reminder that this beast still has plenty of Jaguar DNA coursing through its veins. At the front, those new super-slim all-LED quad headlights featuring the ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures make the F-PACE impossible to ignore in rear-view mirrors. And with Pixel LED tech, they don’t just look pretty—they adjust to the road, bending and shifting the beam to optimise visibility without blinding oncoming traffic.

Around the back, the story continues with slimline taillights that echo the double chicane design from the all-electric I-PACE, ensuring you leave a lasting impression. Inside, the F-PACE R-Dynamic HSE is pure Jaguar – think of it as a high-tech lounge on wheels. Every touchpoint screams luxury, from the open-pore wood veneers to the cool magnesium alloy casing that frames the 11.4-inch curved glass Pivi Pro touchscreen. That screen, by the way, is not just there to look pretty – it’s three times brighter than before, easier to navigate, and packed with Jaguar’s latest tech wizardry. This system is designed to make your life simple, allowing you to access everything from navigation to media with a tap or two.

The interior is designed to make life on the move seamless. The wireless charging pad, which comes with a built-in signal booster, makes it easy to keep your devices juiced up and ready for action.

A small detail but a big deal – Jaguar has lowered the window switches. You no longer have to awkwardly reach up; they’re right where your hand naturally falls. The designers clearly thought about the driver’s experience from start to finish, which brings us to the seats. Wider cushions, better bolsters, and new massage functions make long drives feel more like a retreat than a road trip.

Under the hood, the F-PACE R-Dynamic HSE PHEV combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 105kW electric motor. Together, they produce enough to get this luxury SUV from 0-100km/h in just 5.3 seconds. This is a plug-in hybrid, so it also offers up to 53km of pure electric driving—perfect for urban commutes. Imagine gliding silently through Sandton traffic in EV mode, with no emissions and no need for petrol.

When you do need to fill up the petrol tank, the hybrid system is all about efficiency. Jaguar claims a fuel economy figure as low as 2.2l/100km, but let’s be real – you’re not buying this car to compete in eco-rallies. What matters here is that Jaguar has crafted an electrified system that doesn’t sacrifice power or driving pleasure.

On the road, the F-PACE handles just like a Jaguar should. The steering is sharp and responsive, with a firm but forgiving suspension that irons out the worst of South Africa’s less-than-perfect roads. The all-wheel-drive system makes you feel glued to the tarmac, even when you push the SUV through corners harder than you probably should. And if you’ve got a need for speed, the F-PACE doesn’t disappoint – it surges forward with the kind of power that leaves slower cars in the dust.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist makes long highway cruises a breeze, gently guiding the car to stay centred in its lane while managing your speed. It’s more than a driving assistant – it’s a co-pilot that takes away the stress of long-distance drives.

The F-PACE isn’t just an SUV – it’s a rolling technological showcase. The latest generation Pivi Pro infotainment system powers everything, from navigation to media, and features Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates. So, no more trips to the dealership for software tweaks – it all happens seamlessly while you’re driving. Jaguar’s latest 3D Surround Camera technology delivers advanced 3D functionality using the latest camera technology to deliver more detail and a choice of real-time viewing when manoeuvring the vehicle. The selection of settings include Junction View, 3D Perspective View, and ClearSight Plan View.

Jaguar has also packed the cabin with clever touches. Active Road Noise Cancellation monitors vibrations from the road and generates sound waves to cancel them out, making the cabin whisper-quiet. That quiet extends to the Air Purification system, which features PM2.5 filtration to ensure the air inside is as clean as possible.

Jaguar has nailed it with the F-PACE R-Dynamic HSE PHEV. It’s a thrilling, luxurious, and tech-laden SUV that doesn’t compromise on efficiency or performance – not too little and not too much!

So yes, this is easily one of the best cars we’ve driven this year – electric, hybrid, or otherwise.

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