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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

Used - available now

2023 BMW

5 Series

61,961 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £22,800

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2018 Audi

A1 Sportback

79,404 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £6,995

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2018 Audi

TT

22,262 milesManualPetrol1.8L

Cash £16,495

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2018 Fiat

500

29,942 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £7,795

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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.

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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.