Jaguar has added the delicious SVR version to its successful F-PACE range. Sitting at the pinnacle of the range, the SVR brings with it a host of performance features, exterior modifications and interior features.
It shares much of the same architecture as the glorious F-TYPE as well as that awesome 5.0L Supercharged V8. This is all packaged in a beautiful shape that seems to get the design balance just right.
The F-PACE has been a favourite with us for a few years now and variants such as the F-PACE 35t S, and F-PACE 25d R Sport have been COTY winners for our sister site OzRoamer
F-PACE SVR External
Even more stunning than the F-PACE 35t S. As we have noted before, the F-PACE has got the lines and proportions spot on. The F-PACE continues the design flair of the F Type sports car. It has typical flowing lines of a Jaguar.
SVR adds to the flowing lines, special features aimed at enhancing aerodynamic performance. An exclusive SVR bonnet features vents to help extract hot air from the engine bay and provide visual evidence of the SVR’s dynamic intent
Larger air intakes at the front and side fender vents lower pressure in the wheel arches, reduce lift and provide additional cooling while also optimising high-speed stability. In addition, unique wheel arch extensions and lower body mouldings provide a low-slung muscularity that sets the SVR apart.
At the rear, a unique spoiler is joined by a new bumper housing the quad tailpipes of the Active Exhaust system. The bumper incorporates side strakes that aid aerodynamic performance by smoothing airflow away from the rear of the vehicle.
The SVR runs optional 22 inch wheels with 265/40 ZR Pirellis at the front and 295/35 ZR Pirellis at the rear. Brakes are a massive and unique 395mm front and 396mm rear brakes. The brake discs feature an advanced two piece construction on the front and rear to reduce weight, further contributing to the SVR’s agile handling
F-PACE SVR Internal
Inside the SVR is the same as other F-PACEs with a few enhancements that cover both form and function. Like its brethren, in the SVR interior the driver has absolute focus from the vehicle. That doesn’t mean the other occupants are left behind, but you immediately feel part of the vehicle as the driver.
The air conditioned, slimline performance front seats provide enhanced lateral support and have signature lozenge quilting and embossed SVR logo. The range of adjustments available are extensive and there is plenty of seat slide for taller drivers as well as head room.
Typical “Jaguaresque” understated elegance creates the ambiance. The SVR branded steering wheel features tactile aluminium paddle shifters and perfectly frames the twin dial instrument binnacle. The centre screen houses the MFD which if configurable to an extent for personal preferences. The twin outer dials house the speedo and tacho. Standard colouring is white on blue for the dials with black background. Switch to Dynamic mode and the colouring changes to white on red with a red background.
There is an Optional 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display with four visual themes and full-screen navigation display, supplemented by optional laser head-up display that doesn’t polarise out with sunglasses.
The steering wheel has conveniently placed thumb swells, that allow either thumbs out driving in the ten to ten past style or you can hook them in in the quarter to and past style. I also like the fact that the indicator and lighting stalks sit proud of the wheel spokes for better visibility, while the transmission paddles are hidden.
Four interior colour themes help to highlight the vehicle’s high performance personality; Red with Jet, Light Oyster with Jet, Siena Tan with Jet and Jet with Light Oyster stitching.
The signature lozenge quilting highlights and mood lighting add to the overall appeal of the interior. The leather seats are soft, supple and feel as though they would only become more comfortable with time and use. Throughout the dash, door trims and more the same leather enhances the luxury feel.
Although the door sills feel a little high, the centre console arm rest is perfectly positioned. Trimmed in off white leather might not be the best if you have errant kids though. On the centre tunnel the Sports Shift Selector replaces the hidden rotary selector. I’m not a fan of the push forward or back style. I prefer a definite slot for gear selection.
The sleek theme continues with digital controls sitting underneath the centre stack. The stack also houses the Touch Pro: advanced infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen which, once you get used to it, is intuitive to use and probably has more functions than most drivers will use.
Rear occupants are also treated well. There are two individually sculptured signature lozenge quilting seats that are very comfortable. The back will manually recline (automatic adjustment is an option) but the seat squab is a touch short for taller passengers.
Likewise, taller passengers may feel the curved ‘C’ pillar is intrusive when getting in and out. There is good head, shoulder and derriere room with adequate knee and leg room if the front occupants aren’t too tall. Passengers also have a suite of controls for the rear air conditioner, seat ventilation and connectivity. Door storage is a little restricted.
The seats fold in a 40/20/40 configuration for maximum flexibility and add to the impressive boot capacity of 500 plus litres. Boot capacity changes depending on whether the spare is a full size or space saver repair. The boot area has tie down points, retractable hooks and a low load height and excellent shape at a little over 1.2m wide, as well as the automatic boot lid opening high enough for my 190cm frame to stand under comfortably. The floor itself is reversible: one side is carpeted, the other rubberised – making it ideal for sports equipment or pets.
Overall storage is good, with decent cup holders for front occupants, medium size centre console and glove box and fold down arm rest for rear passengers with cup holders. The cubby box offers a 12V socket and up to two USB ports. The rear console provides up to two more 12V sockets or two additional USB ports, with cupholders integrated into the rear armrest.
F-PACE SVR Features
Whether you want to start the engine using a smartphone app, mirror your phone screen with Apple CarPlayâ and Android Autoä or have a navigation system that can tell your contacts when you’ll arrive for your meeting, connect up to eight devices using the Wi-Fi hotspot, or just stream your favourite playlists – the F-PACE delivers.
The amount of computing ability in some vehicles today is amazing. Touch Pro is designed and developed in-house around technologies including a quad-core processor and ultra-fast Ethernet network. The system features a 10-inch Touchscreen and, like a tablet, there are no buttons: in their place are soft keys integrated into the bottom section of the Touchscreen, making interaction smooth and seamless and customisation convenient.
Touch Pro offers a choice of two digital audio systems developed with renowned British experts Meridian, including a 17-speaker, 825W Surround Sound System which delivers ideal sound reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion.
Drivers can use their iOS and Android smartphones and the Remote app to connect with the F-PACE from anywhere in the world. Remote Essentials functionality can show if the vehicle is locked or not and if any of the doors or windows are open. It can also show how much fuel is in the tank, where the vehicle was last parked, and warnings such as low windscreen washer fluid levels.
Remote Premium goes much further, enabling the driver to use their phone to lock or unlock the car, receive an alert if the alarm goes off, and reset the alarm. The beep and flash feature can help drivers to find the car – ideal for large multi-story carparks.
In addition to this technology, there is a long list of standard features, matched by an equally long list of options. With the SVR things like heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, electronically adjustable steering column, activity key, head up display and others luxury items are part of the standard list.
F-PACE SVR Engine and Drivetrain
This is what all the fuss is about. That beautiful 5.0L supercharged V8.
The F-PACE SVR is powered a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine which is shared with the F-TYPE sports car. This produces power of 405 kW @ 6500rpm and torque of 680Nm @ 2500-5500rpm. The engine is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and torque on demand all-wheel drive.
The F-PACE SVR model and can launch it from 0-100km/h in only 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 283km/h. On the freeway I was getting down to around 8.8l/100k and around town that averaged around 17.5L/100KM for an overall average of 12.9L/100K. Have a heavy right foot and enjoy the exhaust note from the quad pipes and that figure will head north rapidly.
To make the most of this powertrain, Jaguar’s eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission has been specially calibrated to suit the characteristics of the SVR and the uprated suspension delivers driving dynamics to match its performance. The uprated chassis has progressive front and rear springs that are 30 and 10 per cent stiffer respectively and incorporate an anti-roll bar specification that contributes to a 5% reduction in body roll.
The Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) has been tuned to manage the specific demands of high speed cornering and the steering adapts depending on the drive mode selected – in Dynamic mode drivers experience a sportier set-up with enhanced steering feel and more direct response.
Performance is characterised by the immediate throttle response throughout the rev range, linear power delivery and unique intake and exhaust sound. Under normal driving conditions, all of the engine’s torque is sent to the rear axle, maintaining a rear-wheel drive character.
F-PACE SVR also features Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System. This provides a charismatic soundtrack and is another factor behind the SVR’s increased performance capability as the active system allows increased exhaust flow. The problem with the exhaust is that is sounds so good you end up giving the pedal a push just to hear the crackle from the pipes over and over again.
Whenever greater traction is needed, Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) ensures that precisely the right amount of torque is transferred to the front axle. From a standstill it can make the transition from 100 per cent rear-bias to a 50:50 torque split in 165 milliseconds or just 100 milliseconds when the car is moving and is virtually transparent to the driver. IDD is also networked to JaguarDrive Control and the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system so that torque distribution can be even further optimised.
Beyond the visual enhancements, the F-PACE SVR features a comprehensive range of advanced technologies, each calibrated especially for the task. These include the sports-tuned Electronic Differential and Adaptive Dynamics, while Torque Vectoring by Braking provides controlled independent braking on the individual inside front and rear wheels, maximising capability through even the tightest corners.
The Dynamic Stability Control system has been adapted to suit the added performance potential of the F-PACE SVR with the system able to reduce engine torque or apply braking to individual wheels to help maintain the chosen line when cornering.
Jaguar’s engineers have developed a unique Dynamic Driving Mode for the SVR, which initiates faster, more responsive gearshifts, sharper throttle responses and increased steering response, which all combine to provide a more engaging driving experience.
The first F-PACE to utilise Jaguar’s rear Electronic Active Differential (EAD), F-PACE SVR features a comprehensive range of advanced technologies, each calibrated especially for the task.
Configurable Dynamics, first developed for the F-TYPE, enables the driver to tailor the vehicle’s character by individually selecting dynamic or normal modes for the throttle mapping, transmission shift strategy, steering feel and, where fitted, the Adaptive Dynamics system, all using the central touchscreen.
F-PACE SVR Driving Experience
If it is even possible the F-PACE SVR is even better balanced than the Range Rover Discovery Sport SVR we tested last year. After that I have been looking forward to driving the F-PACE SVR and it didn’t disappoint.
In short the SVR is the complete package for Sport SUV driving engagement.
The word ‘Jaguaresque” keeps coming to mind. I know it’s not a real word, but it should be. In every aspect the F-PACE displayed the complete Jaguar DNA.
The chassis dynamics handled everything asked of it without fuss, the balance between steering input and throttle input allowed me to have complete control at all times and revel in that direct responsiveness. The engine blip provided an aural delight and the ride, even on uneven surfaces and mid corner bumps was so smooth, it just soaked it all up.
In tight twisty undulating roads, there was minimal weight shift through corners, it just sat flat and you had to push extremely hard to engender minimal understeer. It might sound a bit kitschy, but as a driver you felt as one with the vehicle. It is an engaging drive that stirs all the senses.
F-PACE SVR Dimensions
The Jaguar F-PACE dimensions are: 4737mm long, 1936mm wide, 1667mm high and a wheelbase of 2874mm. This places it around the middle of the segment in size. As the most dirt the F-PACE is likely to see is the gravel driveway to the weekend abode, it really isn’t appropriate to discuss clearance, wading depths etc. However towing at 2400 kg and a tow ball weight of 175 kg means that it is more than useful for the jet skis or small boat or lightweight camper etc. It does promote an active lifestyle.
F-PACE SVR Safety
The F-PACE offers all of the technologies needed to make journeys easier and safer, from traction systems to get you moving on low friction surfaces to selective Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist to reduce driver fatigue. The collection of safety technologies have resulted in the F-PACE being awarded the full five-star safety rating from testing body ANCAP.
Some key features include; All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), Low Friction Launch (LFL), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Forward Traffic Detection, Forward Vehicle Guidance is fitted as part of the optional 360º Surround Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Reverse Traffic Detection, Park Assist
Standard safety items include: dynamic stability control (DSC), roll stability control (RSC), electronic traction control (ETC), trailer stability assist (TSA), hill start assist (HSA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), emergency brake lights (EBL), emergency brake assist (EBA) , corner brake control (CBC), forward traffic monitor, 360 degree park assist, adaptive driving beam, six airbags: driver and passenger, thorax, and side curtain airbags. Front and rear seat occupants are also protected by seatbelt pre-tensioners, while two ISOFIX points are fitted to the outer rear seats for the protection of small children.
F-PACE SVR Little Niggles
There are a couple of little niggles for me.
The A/C is excellent and you have a choice of having the recirculating function on for a little while, say while you are going through a tunnel, or if you press the button for a little longer it will stay on. My issue is that every time you start the car you have to make that choice again. As I run my A/C on recirculating 24/7/365, this is a pain as I often forget to reset the recirculating function and only realise when there is exhaust smells in the cabin.
The Bluetooth is a little finicky, sometimes disconnecting for no reason. There isn’t really a place for your phone,, but there are two neat pockets alongside the transmission tunnel. The auto high beam is a little sensitive switching on and off. Occasionally the adaptive cruise control will hit the brakes when a car on front moves to the next lane on a curve. All small things but no car is perfect.
F-PACE SVR Fit for Purpose
Jaguar F-PACE is all about the engine and driving dynamics. The F-PACE 35t s is almost as quick, yet for some buyers almost isn’t good enough.
F-PACE SVR provides stunning performance, ride and handling while transporting the family of four with luggage in luxury, comfort and style. It is exceptionally fast point to point. In short it fits the brief of a Sport AWD SUV perfectly.
F-PACE SVR Summary
It’s no secret that the F-PACE is definitely a favourite of mine. Right from the F-PACE 25D to now the SVR.
It could possibly be the best balanced Sport SUV on the market.
The performance, ride, handling and sheer enjoyment that the F-PACE SVR provides is stunning. It’s the SUV for urban adventures, long distance cruising and finding a tight windy road and letting rip.
Forget bush tracks or sand driving and think snow trips.
The only question I have is that for some $37,000 plus over the F-PACE 35t S is the extra half a second from 0-100kmh worth it. For some the answer will be no, they will be happy with the 35t S. For others there will be no question. It the SVR or nothing.
What’s Good:
- Stunning performance
- Stylish looks
- Dynamic ride/handling
What’s Not:
- Only having the car for a week
- Limited off road capability
- Pricey options
Also Look At
Model Jaguar F Pace SVR
Model Price $140,262 MLP*
Engine 5.0 L V8 Supercharged
Drivetrain AWD 8 speed Auto
Power 405 kW @ 6500 rpm
Torque 680 Nm @ 2500 – 5500 rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 272 g/km
Economy ADR 11.7 L/100km
Tow Capacity 2400 kg
Tow Ball Rating 175 kg
Servicing TBC
Warranty 3 Yr./ 100,000 km with 3 Yr. roadside assist
Overall Rating: 90/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 10
Ride & Handling 10
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 10
Design/Style 7
Lifestyle 8
Value for Money 9