2019 Jaguar E-Pace 180PS Diesel R-Dynamic S Review Review

What’s the spec?

The E-Pace couldn’t have happened without the Range Rover Evoque, which is also produced by Jaguar Land Rover. The second-generation Evoque is now on sale, but the E-Pace is based on first-generation Evoque underpinnings, though the wheelbase is 21mm longer and there’s a new rear axle too, known as Integral Link.

The downside to the hand-me-downs is that, unlike most modern Jaguars, which use aluminium construction, the E-Pace is steel. This helps explain why the smaller E-Pace is actually heavier than the F-Pace in like-for-like specifications.

The E-Pace is offered with a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines together with front- or all-wheel drive and either manual or automatic gearboxes. We’re testing it here in 180PS Diesel R-Dynamic S trim. Mechanically, that equates to the mid-level diesel engine with 178bhp, a nine-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.

What does R-Dynamic S mean?

It’s actually two separate things: R-Dynamic and S. Highlights of R-Dynamic specification include the R-Dynamic bodykit, LED head- and taillights, and sports seats. One you’ve ticked that box, you choose either S, SE or HSE specification. As standard, our S-spec test car gets 18-inch alloys (though as tested it rides on optional 20s), 10-way adjustable electric heated front seats, plus sat-nav, wi-fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. It costs £38,350 before options.

What’s it like inside?

The E-Pace is better than some recent Jag cabins, if far from class-leading. The driver’s seat is set low by crossover standards, and the rakish instrument panel takes its lead from the F-type, so there is a sporty feel as you climb aboard. Space in the rear seats is acceptable for adults, and the 425-litre boot is okay if beaten by the BMW X2. Shame that some very poor plastics are so prominent and that the infotainment – while perfectly functional – trails German rivals.

Is 178bhp enough in a car weighing almost 1800kg?

This mid-spec diesel could never be called quick, but there’s a decent slug of torque at low- and mid revs and it rarely feels unwilling. It’s enough for typical driving, then, but the marginal performance means we’d probably avoid the entry-level diesel with 30bhp less.

The nine-speed auto is mostly quick and smooth, but it occasionally becomes flummoxed, including when we slowed and then accelerated into a roundabout only to be met with a frustrating delay while the correct ratio engaged. At least R Dynamic models get paddleshift controls, so it’s easy to select gears manually.

How about the chassis?

It’s a mixed bag. The low-speed ride is very firm, but the E-Pace can feel enjoyable to hustle along at faster speeds thanks to accurate, quick and nicely weighted steering, well controlled body roll and a sweetly struck compromise between agility and surefootedness, at least on the Pirelli P Zero tyres we first tested.

To this we’d add three caveats: all-season tyres (a no-cost option) make the E-Pace feel squidgy, more understeery and are best avoided unless you actually plan to go off-road. Optional Active Driveline all-wheel drive makes for a more dynamic experience, but it’s only available on more powerful models. And, whatever the specification, this taller, heavier, slower E-Pace crossover can’t entertain its driver like the XE saloon that’s comparable money.

In a nutshell

There’s a lot to recommend Jaguar’s first compact SUV, including keen driving dynamics (on regular tyres!) and an attractively sporty design both inside and out, but it lets itself down in too many areas to match the class-best. Key areas for Jaguar to address include interior quality, low-speed ride comfort and vehicle weight. You can view used Jaguar E-Pace cars on finance with ChooseMyCar.

Similar Car Reviews

The obvious choices when looking at SUV’s would be the Land Rover and Range Rover. We’ve reviewed the Land Rover Discovery Sport, which is a comfortable and versatile family SUV. Then the more luxurious Range Rover Velar which is the non-identical twin sister to the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

If the price isn’t a problem, you should look no further than the Audi SQ5, brand new from around £55k, you can pick up a used 2018 model for around the £42k mark.

The latest BMW X7, is their first full-sized 7 seater, and offers a luxurious, but yet highly practical interior and is nicely refined, and nimble for its size.