Jaguar E-Pace

If you thought the ‘E’ in Jaguar E-Pace stood for electric power or some relation to the XE sedan, you’re wrong.

The E-Pace, rather, comes from the Range Rover Evoque. And while that means its steel rich platform uses only turbo four cylinders and offers front-wheel drive, we thought the all-wheel drive P300 might be the jacked up hot hatch of the range.

It channels a healthy 221kW and 400Nm through a nine-speed automatic to four wide tyres, but in reality the high-spec Ingenium four lacks fizz and drama. Acceleration from rest to 100km/h feels slower than the 6.4 second claim, while the handling is similarly adrift of initial aspirations.

It might be close in length and width to a Mercedes-AMG GLA45, but struggles to control its weight perched some 150mm higher. It has useful approach angles and can tow a tonne, but its classy styling suggests it will live an easier life than that.

Our narcissistic side enjoyed the attention paid to its exterior and in top HSE spec our car bore 20 inchers, a sports body kit, 18-way power front seats and ebony leather.

Inside felt high-tech until we realised it included $12K worth of options. We’d put our money towards an $89K GLA45 for proper performance.

2018 JAGUAR E-PACE P300 R-DYNAMIC HSE SPECS:
Engine: 1998cc 4-cylinder turbo, DOHC, 16v
Power: 221kW @ 5500rpm
Torque: 400Nm @ 1500rpm
Drive: AWD
Weight: 1894kg
Price: $83,733