Skip advert
Advertisement

New Jaguar F-Pace 25t 2.0-litre turbo petrol review

A new 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine adds more variety to the impressive Jaguar F-Pace range. We try it here...

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Jaguar F-Pace
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

In a world that is rapidly turning its back on diesel, the petrol-powered F-Pace 25t shouldn’t be ignored; it’s quiet, quick and well mannered, and brings with it everything we love about the current Auto Express Car of the Year. The punchy and refined 2.0d remains our top pick, but it’s clear the F-Pace is continuing its charge on the premium SUV segment with unrelenting momentum.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Last year, we awarded the excellent Jaguar F-Pace our coveted Car of the Year trophy. Since then, it’s seen off a glut of talented rivals including the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes GLC, and remains our favourite premium SUV.

From launch, buyers have been given a choice of 2.0 and 3.0-litre diesels, as well as a high-power petrol sourced from the F-Type sports car. Now, however, Jaguar is opening up the market by offering a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in its F-Pace for the very first time.

Best SUVs to buy now

Give or take a few hundred pounds, the new F-Pace 25t costs broadly the same as the (also new) uprated 237bhp 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel. With an extra 10bhp, the petrol car shaves four tenths off the diesel’s 0-62mph sprint, but loses out significantly when it comes to in-gear shove.

The 2.0d’s 500Nm of torque shames the 365Nm you’ll find in the 25t driven here. That’s not to say the petrol model feels sluggish – simply dial the JaguarDrive Control switch to Dynamic and take control via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, and the F-Pace will proceed at a decent lick. In fact, thanks to the taut chassis and responsive steering, the Jag sets a high benchmark among some very talented rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Even on our car’s optional 20-inch wheels, the F-Pace appears fluid and well resolved. Our car was fitted with Jag’s £1,185 Adaptive Dynamics Pack, and while the ride is on the firm side, the clever damping means you’re never presented with shocks through the chassis. Grip is good, too.

But while the diesel never feels strained, the course-sounding petrol engine makes quite a fuss at high revs. The flagship 3.0 V6 is smoother and more relaxed, though the 2.0 is incredibly refined at motorway speeds. Where the diesel ticks away in the background, the petrol motor is almost inaudible at 70mph.

What it gains in refinement, it loses when it comes to running costs, however. The high-power 2.0 diesel will return 48.7mpg, but the 25t falls short by more than 10mpg. The difference is less marked when it comes to tax, though; private buyers will pay the same flat-rate VED (£140 per year), while business users are split by a single Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax band.

Elsewhere, the F-Pace boasts a high quality and practical interior, loaded with kit including 18-inch alloy wheels, a powered tailgate and leather seats. Our R-Sport model adds sportier styling, xenon lights and gloss black detailing, while Portfolio cars get a panoramic roof and 10-way electric front seats. Disappointingly, the new, more responsive InControl Touch Pro infotainment system remains part of a pricey option pack.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

Our latest car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,080Avg. savings £3,600 off RRP*Compare Offers
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £23,500Avg. savings £4,311 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price
MG4 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: new MG4 long-range EV for a ridiculously low price

The MG4 is one of our favourite EVs on account of its sheer value for money. It’s our Deal of the Day for 11 December
News
11 Dec 2024
ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers
Nissan Cube

ZEV Mandate to spoil Christmas for 1,000s of petrol and diesel car buyers

Got an ICE car on order? Don’t bet on collecting it before the New Year…
News
10 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month
Kia Sportage - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Kia Sportage SUV is stunning value at just £260 a month

The Kia Sportage is a top-selling car and it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for 10 December
News
10 Dec 2024