The first official image of the E-Pace has been released by Jaguar ahead of its July 13 debut. It has the same LR-MS steel platform as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque. The new, smaller SUV is expected to surpass Jaguar's hugely successful F-Pace in the market.
The car will use 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and diesel Ingenium engines, including 163hp and 180hp diesels. The higher variants will be made available with 240hp, 2.0-litre diesel or a 250hp, 2.0-litre petrol. The E-Pace will come with either front or four-wheel drive and a choice of either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed auto gearbox.
It could also be the first model to receive Jaguar’s new hybrid powertrain. Its ‘MHEV’ system will combine a battery-powered electric drive motor and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre Ingenium diesel engine and would be shared with the Evoque and Discovery Sport.
The 5-seat E-Pace will lock horns with competitors like BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Though nothing has been announced yet, Jaguar is expected to launch its new SUV in India in 2018.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
