Jaguar has hit the bullseye with its first SUV. The F-Pace is boldly styled, great to drive, refined and with decent practicality, and it proves that you needn’t sacrifice driving fun and style when choosing a family- friendly crossover. The 2.0-litre diesel is a punchy performer and R-Sport guise has all the essential kit – although it’s pricey. The F-Pace is as luxurious and comfortable as a Jag 4x4 should be, and both company car drivers and private buyers will find its price and low running costs attractive. All in all it makes Jaguar’s first effort in the crossover SUV market a notable success, as global demand for the car will surely prove. Only some of the cheap-feeling cabin materials let it down.

 Our Choice: 

Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d R-Sport auto AWD

The Jaguar F-Pace plugs a gap in the company’s range as it continues to consolidate its place in the new car market. It's the company’s first SUV, and with the crossover sector booming it’s sure to be a success in a cut-throat market against rivals such as the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Land Rover Discovery Sport. You can only buy the F-Pace as a five-seater, but it's a spacious model.

• Best 4x4s and SUVs

Trims range from the entry-level Prestige, through R-Sport, Portfolio and S. When the car first went on sale buyers were also offered a limited-run First Edition with bags of kit and huge 22-inch wheels. That has since sold out but most of its options are available on lesser F-Pace models. 

All cars come with 18-inch alloys, eight-way electrically adjustable leather seats, and Jag’s InControl touchscreen sat-nav. The interior is luxurious and well built and should feel familiar to XF andXJ owners, thanks to that synonymous rising gear selector on the auto models and thick-rimmed steering wheel. There are plenty of options to choose from, and top-spec cars boast things like a full-length panoramic roof and Meridian sound system as standard

 There are three engines to choose from, starting with the 178bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel. This car is available with rear or four-wheel drive, as well as a manual or slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. In fact, it’s our pick of the range thanks to its blend of performance, running costs and refinement. Those wanting a bit more punch should look at the V6 diesel or F-Type-sourced supercharged petrol – both of which come with four-wheel drive and an auto box as standard.

Jaguar F-Pace review