2021 Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic SE D300 review

Jaguar’s first SUV instantly became the brand’s biggest seller when launched in 2016 thanks to a mix of style, brawn, performance and practicality. And while the first-generation model is getting on in years, a series of updates have helped it remain one of the more desirable premium crossovers on the market.

The 2021 Jaguar F-Pace received a significant refresh that followed in the footsteps of the XF sports sedan on which it’s based, wielding a few exterior tweaks, redesigned interior and, for the first time, mild-hybrid technology that features in six-cylinder P400 petrol and D300 diesel powertrains, the latter powering the subject of this review.

What is the Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic SE D300 like to live with?

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The five-variant F-Pace range is priced from $76,120 before on-road costs for the R-Dynamic S P250 while the R-Dynamic HSE P400, which currently tops the range, retails for $110,280 + ORC.

The F-Pace R-Dynamic SE D300 sits in the middle of the line-up and is priced at $95,566 + ORC, our test vehicle coming with $18,510 worth of extras including Pixel LED signature headlights ($4784); panoramic sunroof ($4420); 18-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation ($3094); 400W 13-speaker Meridian sound system with active road-noise cancellation; ($1560), privacy glass ($950); red brake calipers ($806), veneer engineered wood trim ($416) and the $2460 Technology Pack with solar attenuating windscreen, wireless phone charging and a head-up display.

Apart from the revised grille, bonnet and bumper designs and new LED quad headlights, exterior differences are subtle for the 2021 upgrade as the changes are primarily focused on the new crisp and clutter-free cabin layout shared with the XF sports sedan on which the F-Pace is based.

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The impeccably finished interior features an 11.4-inch curved touchscreen that floats in front of the dashboard and controls JLR’s latest Pivi Pro infotainment system with sharp graphics, intuitive menus, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto mirroring and displays including the surround-view 3D camera and rear traffic monitor.

This is complemented by a 12.3-inch customisable gauge cluster in front of the driver, which features 3D mapping and shows navigation directions.

Elegant touches include the multi-purpose air-conditioning dials and pop-up drive mode switch that you see in its Land Rover cousins.

The F-Pace R-Dynamic SE D300 sits in the middle of the line-up and is priced at $95,566, our test vehicle coming with $18,510 worth of extras.

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The interior of our test vehicle was tastefully clad in two-tone light grey and black and looked exactly how you expect a Jaguar to look. That said I reckon the sporty black Alcantara ceiling trim looked a little out of place.

The standard leather-appointed front seats are very comfortable, though there is no seat heating or ventilation. The F-Pace’s are comfortable but legroom is a little tight for an SUV this size, as is headroom due to the swept-back roofline.

What isn’t lacking for space is the big 755-litre boot, which is 1020mm long from the rear seats to the boot lip and 1050mm wide at the narrowest point. Lift the boot floor and you’ll find a space-saver spare wheel.

If you need to haul more it has a very handy 2400kg braked towing capacity.

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As far as running costs go, the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has an official combined fuel consumption rating of 7.0L/100km.

There are no service intervals. Instead, the vehicle will tell you when the next service is due based on various factors such as arduous conditions, driving style and climate. Jaguar offers a pre-paid service plan that for $2650 covers the F-PACE D300 for all services done in the first five years or 130,000km.

The Jaguar F-Pace is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

What is the Jaguar F-Pace D300 like to drive?

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I had to double-check the fuel cap label to make sure I wasn’t given a petrol F-Pace by mistake, such is its quiet engine, which lacks the truck-like knocking sound that’s typical of diesels, particularly when cold.

That refinement continues when you get going – this big cat purrs rather than roars and road noise is well contained, though you do hear some wind noise around the rear windows.

With output figures of 221kW and 650Nm, you expect some decent shove from the big 3.0-litre inline-six oil burner. It doesn’t disappoint, with that considerable punch – sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels – being sufficient to propel it from a standing start to 100km/h in about 6.4 seconds. Additional oomph is provided by the mild-hybrid technology that collects energy created during braking to provide a power boost wherever you are in the right rev range.

The result is a sprightly and very enjoyable driving experience.

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The F-Pace is one of the better handling big SUVs and it's only on tight bends that you feel its two-tonne heft, particularly at the back end. Body roll is well contained, which is no small feat considering its 213mm ground clearance, which makes it handy off bitumen too.

Electrically assisted, variable-ratio steering feels direct and provides good communication between the Jaguar's chunky leather tiller and the front wheels. It feels especially taut and springy when operating in the Dynamic driving mode.

Dynamic mode also tightens the adaptive dampers and firms up the ride for improved handling. While this can feel a little stiff, the suspension (double-wishbone front and integral-link rear) on the whole offers a nice balance between ride comfort and handling, helped by the chunky 255/50 rubber with the kind of generous sidewalls that you don't often find around 20-inch rims.

The F-Pace is one of the better handling big SUVs and it's only on tight bends that you feel its two-tonne heft, particularly at the back end.

What is the Jaguar F-Pace D300 like for safety?

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The F-Pace has a five-star ANCAP rating that was awarded in 2017. It has six airbags including two front, front-side, and full-length side curtains as well as seatbelt reminders.

Advanced driver assistance technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a driver alertness monitor.

You’ll have no excuses for not knowing what’s going on outside the F-Pace, as it now features a Clear Exit Monitor, which alerts both front and rear occupants to the presence of an approaching car or cyclist when exiting the vehicle. Also new are the 360-degree surround-view parking monitor and rear collision alert.

Verdict

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Show me a sedan and SUV that share the same underpinnings and I’ll usually choose the car in a heartbeat. But while I like the Jaguar XF, it's easy to be taken in by the F-Pace's beefy sophistication that kind of harks back to the old Jaguar XJS.

It's pleasing to the eye and even more so to jump in and drive, so I can see why it has been such a global success for the Coventry carmaker.

The turbo-diesel powertrain wouldn't be the first choice for many but it's a peach thanks to the additional boost provided by the mild-hybrid system, which makes this an excellent and relatively fuel-efficient luxury tourer.

One caveat I’d put on this is that another update is on the horizon that brings some additional tech and also heralds the return of the ballsy supercharged V8 petrol F-Pace SVR. The changes are worth waiting for, though on the plus side you may soon be able to snag a bargain on this 2021 model.

2021 Jaguar F-Pace R-Dynamic SE D300 specifications