Car review: Jaguar E-Pace

Looking a little like a ‘shrunken’ F-Pace - but to many observers, more handsome - it’s at once dynamic, subtle and premium, ready to take on rivals such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes GLA.

It’s a high-riding SUV with - just - enough room for three small adults in the rear, a reasonably-sized - though not enormous - load space, and action-ready, eye-catching lines.

There are multiple diesel and petrol engines on offer in this boutique new Jaguar, including a reasonably refined 178bhp diesel, offering a claimed ‘combined’ fuel consumption figure of just over 60mpg and 124 g/km. There’s also the entry-level 148bhp unit, with either front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive. The most powerful diesel is the 237bhp D240 twin-turbo, in four-wheel drive and automatic guise only.

Or, on the petrol front, there’s a 247bhp unit and the 296bhp ‘P300’ model, available only with four-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission, claimed to offer from 36.7mpg. Emissons from petrol units are from 174 g/km.

The impressive look outside is continued inside; the interior is unashamedly upmarket, with, generally, a light and airy ambience and smart detailing.

What’s it like to drive? I tried the petrol version first and - while enjoying the near-perfect driving position - found it responsive, and refined. The ride was slightly harsh over rougher surfaces, however. By contrast, the ride quality of the diesel felt more refined and the steering slightly better weighted; even though the engine is no fireball.

Handling is very sure-footed, with little lean through bends, making this a fun driving companion on twisty roads. Road noise is well suppressed, although there is some wind noise around the front screen and the mirrors, as there tends to be with many SUVs.

The view out, at junctions and in traffic is good from the front and sides - less so out of the back, but fortunately all versions include a reversing camera, which I like, especially in congested London.

Passengers and drivers alike will like the look of the slightly bling 10-inch infotainment screen, but in practice some of the icons are a little small, fiddly, and slow to operate, compared to rivals’.

This is an enjoyable car to drive and - given its prestige looks coupled with compact dimensions - 4411mm compared to the F-Pace’s 4731mm - it should prove a winner in London, with prices starting at £28,500 for the entry-level diesel, rising to £50,710 for the fast 2-litre P300 R-Dynamic HSE AWD.