Jaguar's small SUV has been updated for 2021, with most changes happening inside the car, but the other big news is the introduction of a PHEV model. But does it have enough to compete with cars like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3?

PROS

+ Beautiful interior and infotainment system

+ New PHEV engine offers great fuel economy

+ Generous boot space

CONS

- PHEV is expensive

- Flighty over bumpy ground

- More expensive than the Audi Q3 and BMW X2

Verdict:The Jaguar E-Pace has been improved significantly in terms of interior design and infotainment, but those who want an all-round comfortable ride rather than sharp handling might prefer the BMW X1 or Audi Q3.

New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace: the five minute read

The Jaguar E-Pace is a compact SUV with a premium price tag which sits in what is possibly the most hotly-contested segment of the car market right now. Trying to win the sales war against cars like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and X2 and the Volvo XC40 is no easy task, and while the E-Pace is a more affordable proposition than the bigger F-Pace, traditionally it’s not had quite as much going for it.

This new generation brings with it a range of more efficient mild-hybrid engines and an all-new PHEV option, but the biggest improvements regard the interior and infotainment system, which we’ll come to shortly.

Not a lot has changed when it comes to the exterior: the E-Pace still looks very different to the F-Pace, with a rounded appearance rather than a tough and boxy stance. A revised grille and lower aperture, as well as slimmer LEDs headlights with optional pixel technology, more or less takes care of the front updates.

At the back the lower bumper has been tweaked and now features a mesh insert between integrated tailpipes on the four-cylinder petrol options, while the lights have been updated to feature Jaguar’s signature chicane graphics.

Inside, the changes are far more comprehensive. The cabin is very driver-focussed and smartly packaged, while every part your fingers touch is wrapped in soft and tactile materials. A chunky new drive selector which is clothed in leather featuring stitching inspired by a cricket ball is a welcome improvement on the skinny and plasticky old drive selector, which was lifted straight from the Range Rover Evoque.

In keeping with the rest of Jaguar’s 2021 line-up the new E-Pace now comes with the new 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system which is large, intuitive and very responsive. It not only looks beautiful but can also receive over-the-air software updates, which should mean fewer trips to a dealership to keep the car operating with the latest technology and functionality.

The new E-Pace is a practical small SUV, it offers a good amount of headroom and legroom in the back and there is a generous amount of storage space in the door bins as well as the centre console. The 601-litre boot is one of the biggest in the class and beats the BMW, Mercedes and Audi alternatives.

A dazzling number of engines are available, which includes three mild hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol units, with power outputs ranging from 197bhp to 296bhp. Three diesel engines – two of which are mild hybrid – are available too, while a 305bhp 1.5-litre petrol PHEV is the most powerful of the lot. The PHEV engine is capable of up to 34-miles of electric only driving and offers up to a claimed 141mpg.

The new E-Pace is a big improvement over the last generation in terms of driving dynamics, but it’s still not the best in its class and doesn’t impress as much as its bigger brother, the F-Pace. The steering is very direct and responsive, and there is only a modest amount of body roll in corners, but at speeds the suspension can feel a little flighty and fidgety.

The new E-Pace is a big improvement over the last generation in terms of driving dynamics, but it’s still not the best all-rounder in its class and doesn’t impress as much as its bigger brother, the F-Pace. The steering is very direct and responsive, and there is only a modest amount of body roll in corners, but at speeds the suspension can feel a little flighty and fidgety.

That said, most people buying a small SUV will want nothing more than an easy driving experience, and the E-Pace certainly offers that.

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The extended read…

New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace interior and infotainment

While the old E-Pace couldn’t be accused of being lacking in the design department, it was let down by the odd bit of cheap plastic and didn’t quite achieve the understated class that something like the Audi Q3 does.

There’s now more space behind the drive selector for your phone and wallet than before, and a wireless charging pod is an optional extra. Metallic finishes on the vents and switchgear add to the premium feeling.

Four interior colour options are available for the entry trim level (simply called E-Pace), with the further three choices for the R-Dynamic and the range-topping 300 Sport versions, which uses the 296bhp engine. The R-Dynamic also comes with sports seats and R badging on the steering wheel, while the 300 Sport gets illuminated Jaguar treadplates and a Meridian sound system.

The new Pivi Pro infotainment system is leaps and bounds better than the old system in JLR products: it’s one of the best infotainment packages on the market. The screen is huge and therefore easy to read and control, and 90% of the most common functions can be achieved in two clicks or less. It’s mated to a 12.3-inch digital driver display which hosts a range of information, although it's slightly confusing to work at first.

Thanks to a dedicated power source the system doesn’t need to wait for the car to power up to be operable, and live sat nav updates mean you no longer need to rely on something like Waze for the most accurate journey information.

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New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace practicality and boot space

Legroom both front and back is generous and despite the car’s sleek exterior design headroom is just about generous enough to accommodate averagely tall passengers. There’s enough space for a family of five, although you wouldn’t want three adults in the back for longer journeys - whoever is in the middle would feel cramped.

Boot space is up over the last version and now stands at a very healthy 601-litres which rises to 1,386-litres with the rear seats folded, which drop in a 60:40 split. This comfortably beats the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40, so if load space is the most important thing to you then this is important to note. The E-Pace’s boot will happily swallow a pushchair and a few suitcases.

Getting in and out of the E-Pace is easy thanks to its raised ride height and there’s the option of adding a powered tailgate, which comes as standard on high trim levels.

New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace engines

Jaguar Land Rover’s new range of mild hybrid (MHEV) petrol and diesel engines are smooth and efficient, and the addition of the new P300e PHEV means the choice is plentiful, if a little confusing. The diesels will still suit those who do high mileages better but there’s much more fun to be had with the petrol engines, especially the 300 Sport which offers a 0-62mph time of 6.9-seconds.

For the best all-round performance and everyday usability we’d recommend the 198bhp (200PS) which offers 320Nm of torque and does 0-62mph in 8.5-seconds and returns a claimed 31.9mpg.

The P300e PHEV uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to an 80kW electric motor on the rear axle which combined produce a total of 305bhp, making it the most powerful E-Pace currently available. The 0-62mph sprint is over in a frisky 6.5-seconds, while Jaguar claims up to 144mpg is possible. The PHEV can cover up to 34 miles on electric-only driving, which more than enough for the UK average daily commute.

On a fast charger (32kWh) up to 80% of charge can be achieved in half an hour, while using a 7kWh charger would take just under one and a half hours.

Most engines come with a ZF nine-speed automatic gearbox, except the entry level 160bhp diesel which gets a six speed manual and is the only model which is front wheel drive. And the PHEV has an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace driving

The new E-Pace drives a lot better than the generation it replaces, with very sharp steering and little body roll in corners. But things underneath can get a bit flighty and floaty, especially at speed. The cabin is quiet and refined and in general it is a very pleasant car to drive, especially the P300e which offers a smooth power delivery.

Performance from the two most powerful engines - the P300e PHEV and 296bhp P300 petrol - is impressively brisk, and even Jaguar’s middle-ground P200 unit pulls happily thanks to generous amounts of torque, and the nine-speed automatic box is highly capable and rarely found on the wrong cog.

New 2021 Jaguar E-Pace prices and on-sale date

Prices start at £32,575 for the entry level E-Pace and rise to £33,975 for the R-Dynamic trim, which adds front fogs lights and some chrome trim to the exterior. The 300 Sport costs from £47,595 and not only gets the most powerful pure-petrol engine but adds dynamic headlights with high beam assist and twin tailpipes. The P300e PHEV model starts at £45,995 and comes as standard in the R-Dynamic trim.

The new Jaguar E-Pace is available to order now.

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