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Jaguar’s five-model product line now includes its first-ever SUV.

Two new Jaguar vehicles are rolling into showrooms across the country, updating the face of this quintessential British motor car manufacturer.

Although building a compact Jaguar sedan is nothing new in the 2017 XE, it is the 2017 F-PACE SUV that will take the marque in a fresh direction. Indeed, throughout Jaguar’s storied history, no utility vehicle model has ever been built. Until now.

Jaguar, But Not a Land Rover

Jaguar and Land Rover are fastened at the hip, but the 2017 F-PACE lays claim to being a Jaguar through and through. Doubtless, Land Rover engineers provided some assistance, although the platform also underpins the Jaguar XE and the midsize XF sedans.

Jaguar hopes the compact F-PACE does for it what the Cayenne has done for Porsche. If it succeeds in that endeavor, we’ll likely see at least one followup model.

Speaking of the German sports car manufacturer, the Porsche Macan is one of the F-PACE’s main competitors. Other models to consider include the Lexus NX, Cadillac XT5, Audi A5, Lincoln MKC, BMW X4, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Rolling Into Showrooms

As the 2017 F-PACE arrives in showrooms there are several things to consider, including:

The F-PACE is standard all-wheel drive. Most of the 2017 F-PACE’s competitors offer standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, Jaguar offers standard all-wheel drive based on the SUV’s rear-wheel drive architecture.

There are six models to choose from. Priced from $40,990 for the standard F-PACE, the remaining five models are: Premium ($44,200); Prestige ($48,700); R-Sport ($53,900); S ($56,700); and First Edition ($69,700). That’s a broad price range for this model, but it isn’t far removed from how Jaguar markets its other vehicles.

Diesel does it, although not initially. A number of manufacturers have been running in the opposite direction ever since Volkswagen’s diesel scandal effectively slammed oil burners. However, the initial rollout is composed of First Edition, 35T Premium, and 35T R-Sport models, each powered by a 340-horsepower, supercharged V-6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder diesel follows this fall, making 180 horsepower and is also mated to the 8-speed.

Fuel economy matters. The gasoline engine is EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for a combined 20 mpg. Jaguar could have chosen a more efficient option, but then there is the brand’s name to uphold. Diesel numbers haven’t been released yet, but the European-spec model gets a combined 40 mpg. Don’t clap your hands with glee, yet — the US numbers will come in much less, perhaps significantly so.

Elegance meets sportiness. You want an elegant SUV, because that’s what you expect to find in the luxury segment. At the same time, sportiness must have a place, because this model is, after all, a Jaguar. You won’t find a dilemma here as premium materials are used throughout the cabin, including supple leather. As for the instrument panel and center console, you’ll also find a sporty look that isn’t too far removed from the Jaguar F-TYPE.

Passenger space and utility. The 2017 F-PACE seats five in keeping with the competition. We’re thinking four passengers is the ideal, especially with the middle seat arm rest dropped down. The standard 33.5 cubic feet of storage space nearly doubles with the rear seat folded. Another nifty feature is the 5,290-pound towing capacity when properly equipped. No doubt, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model that challenges the Jaguar’s trailering prowess.

Let’s do tech. No model built these days is without its share of technologies. Jaguar calls its system InControl Touch, a multimedia system featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation guidance, Bluetooth connectivity, integrated text-to-voice, apps, and climate control. Choose the “Pro” version and a 10.2-inch screen is present as well as enhanced navigation. A head-up display and an 11-speaker Meridian audio system are also present.

2017 Jaguar F-PACE

The 2017 F-PACE is an almost guaranteed slam dunk. In a market where segment sales are easily outpacing the industry average, the F-PACE’s timing is spot on. If there is any doubt about that, then cast your eyes at Land Rover to witness this SUV-only marque’s own booming success.

See Also — Jaguar XF Makes London Aerial Debut

Photo copyright Jaguar USA.