Jaguar F-PACE 2.0 R-Dynamic S (A) Facelift Review

We're almost midway into 2021, and the crossover and SUV trend doesn't seem to be slowing down.

In any case, if you're looking for a premium SUV, there's the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC - all of which are capable, comfortable and no less luxurious.

However, if you find these choices a little bit bland, there is one other contender that you should take a good look at. It is the recently updated Jaguar F-PACE.

Hold up, it looks the same?

And take a good look you shall. On the outside, it takes a keen eye to spot what the facelift brings to the table.

The changes, from new bumpers to a new bonnet, sculpt a more sensual line in the F-PACE's sheet metal. Not to mention the slimmer LED head and taillights do their job to further accentuate its road presence.

The overall styling of the previous F-PACE have been impressive and this facelifted one continues just that. The changes, while subtle, add up to make the Jag highly appealing and desirable.

Better inside

Step into the F-PACE and the changes are even more significant. Here, it finally has what it takes to battle its rivals.

Most noticeable is the completely new dashboard layout, with a new curved 11.4-inch infotainment display that looks unlike anything in its class.

Jaguar calls the new system Pivi Pro, and it is pretty intuitive. For example, hitting the settings button gets you to the most important vehicle controls first, such as start-stop and auto brake hold.

The changes aren't just for virtual buttons, but physical ones too. Take the air-conditioning controls for instance. While minimal, it allows for both adjustment of fan speed and temperature using a single rotary dial for your given zone.

It is also a big step-up from the dated controls and LCD display in its predecessor.

That said, all key touch points in the car feel and look expensive. From the air-con controls we mentioned, to solid metal paddle shifters and even a suede-lined shift knob.

There's even a smart watch that Jaguar calls the 'Activity Key', offering you the ability to be a little bit more active in your lifestyle without lugging around the actual key fob.

Rear passengers will not miss out on the experience either. While the seats are plush and comfortable for three, there's also a decent amount of legroom for normal sized adults here.

And when it comes to luggage space it still manages to impress, with a gargantuan 794 litres of total boot volume with all seats in place.

Dynamics in check

Just as impressive is the way the SUV handles on the road.

Power remains the same, with the 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium lump pumping out 247bhp and 365Nm of torque to all four wheels. It nets a zero to 100km/h time of 6.6 seconds - 0.2 seconds faster than before.

Mind you, this is a car that tips the scales at over 1.8 tonnes. It is a big car, but it manages to turn and power out of corners with a good amount of verve that even cars like the Mercedes GLC cannot match.

It is no SVR, but it still is sprightly and light on its feet - and a lot of good fun to drive.

Turn down the fun and the F-PACE settles itself comfortably. Pockmarked roads are dealt with reasonably well despite its slightly firm ride. But it is far from being crashy through dips and undulations like some other SUVs.

And if you haven't realised it yet, this is a sizeable car. Thankfully, with a 360-degree camera, most road or parking situations are handled without breaking much of a sweat.

Cool cat

Jaguar might have been a little late to the SUV game when the F-PACE first launched five years ago. It had style and dynamic driving abilities, but this update brings about significant changes in terms of equipment and interior quality.

Which is important, as its priced at $264,999 (as of 23 May 2021), putting it right smack below the Merc GLC300 ($276,888) and the BMW X3 xDrive30i ($287,888), who all have similar power figures and all-wheel drive systems

But the Merc can never match the F-PACE's dynamic abilities and equipment. And the BMW, while it drives as well, isn't as sensual in the looks department like the Jag. And you part with less of your money when you buy one.

Its competitors will have some catching up to do again. But until its competitors do, the F-PACE has what it takes to lead the pack. And amongst the sea of SUVs out on our roads today, you'll have something that's just a little different.

Catch more of the new Jaguar F-PACE in this video here!