2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE Review
The Jaguar E-Pace is the smaller and cuter version of the F-Pace, without making any significant compromises. The inside is beautifully designed and it is an exceptional addition to the crossover segment. I got to test the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE AWD. Here is how it went:
What is the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE about?
There is no denying the fact that the crossover class is a highly contested one. It is also a segment where carmakers face a lot of challenges, such as being spacious on the inside, while being compact and good-looking on the outside. They also have to provide great performance and driving characteristics at a competitive price and the 2019 E-Pace SE is Jaguar’s take on the crossover segment. It more or less ticks all the boxes.
The F-Pace is an undeniably handsome car and the E-Pace continues in the same vein. The simple truth is that the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE is one of the more attractive crossovers in the market right now. It commands the attention as only a Jag can. It has muscular curves without appearing gaudy and the sharp and angular headlights tie the front end together neatly.
This is a well-proportioned car and simply looks gorgeous. The 19″ five-spoke alloy wheels with satin grey finish are especially nice, giving the vehicle a good stance on the road.
I tested the 2.0-litre turbo-charged diesel-engined variant of the E-Pace. The common pitfall associated with crossovers is the feeling of a souped-up hatchback. Thankfully, the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE does not feel like that at all. The 2.0-litre diesel engine with an Ingenium badge puts out 180 PS of power at a very healthy 4,000 RPM and 430 Nm of torque at 1,750 RPM, which makes it quite lively. It tops out at 127 mph and goes from 0-60 in 8.6 seconds. It emits CO2 at a rate of 158 g/km and provides a combined fuel economy of 39.5 mpg.
How does it drive?
The Jaguar E-Pace SE’s diesel engine is matched to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which left to manage itself works really well and carries the weight of the car nicely. After a week of driving around daily, I was happy with the performance both acceleration-wise and in terms of the overall economy.
On most journeys with this car, you can just jump in and go. It is very comfortable for long motorway drives and just as capable in the city. The external proportions of the Jaguar E-Pace are reasonable and the reversing camera and automated parking system makes urban driving very easy.
But you can still have some fun with this car. Knock the gearbox over into Sport, and you instantly feel it becoming more eager. It will certainly help you to maximise all that diesel torque. When you get to the corners, for a taller and heavier car, it copes well. It’s no F-Type, but the essence of driving enjoyment is still there.
The Jaguar E-Pace’s driving position feels very upright and it is easy to get in and out of the car, which is great for children and elderly passengers. On the road it does have that SUV feel that many desire. The car is well suited to UK roads, being simple to drive and the perfect compromise of size.
What is it like inside?
If the exterior looks of the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE appeal to you already, then its inside is the cherry on top. There is great attention to detail and there are little touches all over the interior that make it the place to be. The ergonomics are great and everything is neatly placed to give it a spacious feel. Everything looks stylish too, thanks to the use of high-quality materials. The leather is up to the usual Jaguar standards and everything is neatly brought together with shiny metallic touches.
Comfort is another area where the Jaguar E-Pace SE does really well. The seats and the steering wheel can be adjusted to a great degree. Everything you touch feels sturdy and well-made. The InControl Touch Pro screen is great and intuitive to use. The letterbox format screen also works well with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The infotainment system has all the features you would expect from a modern and well-equipped car. The same applies to all the driver-assist and safety features.
A special mention has to be made of the optional Activity Key that allows for keyless operation with ease. It is a waterproof bracelet that you can wear and thus makes getting inside the car very convenient when on a trek, doing water sports or some other outdoor activities. Storage space is also quite decent for a crossover at 425 litres.
The Experience
One of the biggest pitfalls of crossovers is that they try to be a lot of things at the same time and end up lacking any direction. The 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE does exactly the opposite and that is what impressed me the most. It is handsome to look at, offers great comfort and is reasonably fun to drive. Overall, it was a great experience testing this model.
2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE Cost
The Jaguar E-Pace in SE trim that I drove came fitted with a few optional extras, which took it from a price of £38,920 to £43,615.
Verdict
At around £40,000, the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE is a bit pricey but you get all the Jag goodies and those gorgeous looks. If you are looking for a great crossover that can announce its arrival with confidence and can turn heads without being too ostentatious then the Jaguar E-Pace SE is the perfect bet. It offers something unique and special in a very crowded segment, which is indeed an achievement.
Specification
2019 Jaguar E-Pace SE Specs
- Price: £43,615
- Engine: Ingenium 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
- Power: 180 PS
- Torque: 430 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic
- 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
- Top speed: 127 mph
- Weight: 1,843 kg
- Economy combined: 39.5 mpg
- CO2: 158 g/km
To see more pictures of the car take a look at our gallery.
