Jaguar F-Pace

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — and Ian Callum’s 2015 design didn’t need much fixing. The facelift subtly sharpens what was already a rakish, elegant SUV. Slimmer adaptive LED headlamps now feature a ‘double J-blade’ signature, and the grille is bolder with dark metallic studs. The rear gets slimmer tail-lamps echoing the front’s Double Js, a tidier bumper and diffuser-like black insert. The 19-inch five-spoke wheels look good too.

Jaguar interiors were once a weak spot, but no longer. The dashboard is all-new, with a split design in red and black (or tan), generous brushed aluminium, and Range Rover-grade switchgear. The rotary gear selector is gone, replaced by a stubby shifter styled like a cricket ball seam. While most touchpoints feel richer and the seats now offer lumbar adjustment, a few dated bits remain — like the glovebox release and awkward rear-seat recline switch.

Rear seat space is still excellent, with improved cushion comfort, dual-zone rear climate control and a huge, fixed panoramic sunroof. Oddly, no rear USB ports — just a 12V socket.

Power comes from either a 250hp petrol or a 200hp mild-hybrid diesel. The petrol, paired to a smoother 8-speed auto, remains lively and fun, if not the most refined.

Official WLTP figures rate the diesel at 15.87kpl and the petrol at 10.87kpl. Decent numbers, but not outstanding for a luxury SUV of this size and class.

The F-Pace handles brilliantly, defying its size with agility. The steering feels slightly heavy at low speeds but rewards you when pushing harder. The ride is firm over rough roads but smooths out at high speeds. Road noise, however, is an ever-present drawback.

Up front, you get USB 3.0 and Type-C ports, adaptive LED headlamps, a digital instrument cluster, 12-way powered front seats, four-zone climate control, 360-degree cameras, and ambient lighting. Missing goodies include cooled seats, powered steering adjustment, and Clearsight rear-view tech.

The new Pivi Pro infotainment system is a highlight — an 11.4-inch curved touchscreen with a crisp, modern interface, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto (wired), and an onboard e-SIM.

At Rs 72.90 lakh (ex-showroom), the facelifted F-Pace undercuts bigger rivals while offering standout looks, dynamics, and now, a cabin to match. Limited availability will be an issue, but that also makes it a hidden gem to snap up before Jaguar’s all-electric future arrives.