Jaguar has a lot at stake when it comes to designing a production new F-Pace. After all, if it could not compete with any German car, then Jaguar would essentially have to stop making cars and do some other business. Why? Everything is very simple. fans car brand the company would not have forgiven an unsuccessful crossover. As a result of failure, sales of the entire model range and huge investments in new model would bring huge losses and most likely the Jaguar would be on the verge of bankruptcy. But fortunately SUV Jaguar F-Pace turned out to be incredible car loved by even the harshest critics.
We live in some strange time and in unusual world. Jaguar cars are manufactured by the company " Jaguar Land Rover", which also produces several models of SUVs. Logically, it did not make sense for the British company to create new crossover. Especially under the Jaguar brand. After all, in the lineup automotive group and so many amazing SUVs, ranging from a convertible, and ending with Land SUVs Rover.
Moreover, sales Car Land Rover is well ahead of Jaguar sales.
For example, at the end of 2015, he managed to sell more than 400 thousand cars worldwide, while less than 100 thousand cars were sold under the Jaguar brand. As you can see common sense launch a new crossover model is missing.
However, Jaguar decided to create the first crossover without listening to the opinion of fans. After all, even from the moment the first information about the crossover appeared and subsequently, fans began general indignation that the company had betrayed them, deciding to start producing an SUV-crossover.
Indeed, for many it is still an insult. But in the end, knowing the suffering of the fans, the Jaguar team went for broke. Why? Where is the logic? The fact is that crossovers are a global trend for many years to come. Even those who are not familiar with simple mathematics can easily calculate that the main profit in the car market is now divided between SUVs (crossovers). So these days, marketers are ready to go against the opinion of fans, for the sake of easy profit in the market.
As a result, the world saw a virtually perfect 2017 Jaguar F-Pace, which can easily be outclassed by many German crossovers. Perhaps thanks to technical specifications and of course manageability. For example, as happened with the sedan, which easily outperformed the BMW 3-series in many ways and received more rave reviews in a short time than the restyled Bavarian Treshka.
According to experts (even those who criticized Jaguar for the decision to release a crossover two years ago), the new Jaguar F-Pace crossover could become the best-selling crossover in the world over the next few years. Surprised? You think that this is not possible. But if you look at the prices for this crossover on a global scale, read all kinds of reviews about the first test drives of an SUV and carefully study the technical stuffing of the car, then you hardly dare to argue with these forecasts.
By the way, when developing a crossover, the British considered that their lineup did not meet the demand of the younger generation of people. That is why F-Pace is equipped with a variety of fashionable electronic gadgets, has a stylish modern design(one might even say bold design) and enough performance to satisfy young buyers with their youthful ambitions.
Beauty and Lightness
You can’t look at the Jaguar crossover like a Land Rover SUV in beautiful wrapper. This is a completely different car and nothing like the Land Rover models. In fact, the F-Pace is an enlarged F-Type car, which has not only been significantly expanded and lengthened, but also raised above the asphalt. Finally now sport car accommodates quietly five people who will be comfortable inside the car.
But despite some similarities between the F-Pace and the F-Type, 81 percent of the crossover's parts are new. That is, almost all components have never been used on other Jaguars before.
At the first close inspection of the crossover, all the elements of the car will directly hint at its practicality. For example, in the cabin you will find 13 different compartments for storing various things. But the main highlight is the trunk, the volume of the cargo space of which is 650 liters. True, this volume is provided in cars that are supplied without a spare wheel (the car is supplied with a repair kit for sticking wheels). For Russian market The crossover will come with a full spare tire. But in the end, the trunk volume will be only 508 liters.
The F-Pace is available in two drive options: Rear-wheel drive, which is only for diesel vehicles and Full (only all-wheel drive vehicles). It should be noted that thanks to the aluminum frame of the body, rear wheel drive car weighs only 1665 kg. All-wheel drive diesel version already weighs 1775 kg. The heaviest F-Pace is the V6 diesel version, which weighs 1884 kg.
By the way, it is the diesel versions that are likely to become bestsellers in the global car market, thanks to the incredible torque and relatively low cost for cars of this class. And of course, models with a 2.0 liter will be best sold diesel engine 180 hp
For example, in Russia this version costs 3.2 million rubles, which you will agree is not bad. Yes, of course this model will not be able to compete in acceleration speed with the Porsche Macan, but in terms of handling, luxury, comfort and design, the new Jaguar crossover competes with the best-selling Porsche. In addition, in order to purchase the cheapest Makan, you will need to pay extra, at least half a million rubles.
In addition, the same 2.0 liter diesel version quietly competes in price with, which is also more expensive, and possibly inferior to the Jaguar in some characteristics.
Do you think that then the Jaguar crossover will compete with the Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC? But most likely the F-Pace is in an advantageous position against the background of these competitors, but not in terms of cost, but in terms of technical data and handling.
Dynamics and Power
F-Pace is not just a crossover. This is a real sports car. For example, its suspension exactly copies such models as XE, XF, and even (double-link suspension in front and upgraded multi-link suspension in the rear).
In addition, the crossover has a special clutch that distributes torque between the drives, leaving priority to the rear axle, for a more sporty character of the car. Also, the machine is equipped with an electronic system that can individually brake rear wheels V automatic mode for faster and more confident cornering.
Why does a crossover need such technologies? For example, for the powerful version of the Jaguar F-Pace First Edition, which is equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 petrol engine producing 380 hp. (450 Nm).
If you sit behind the wheel of this powerful version and press the pedal to the floor, you will reach a speed of 100 km / h in 5.5 seconds.
The cost of 2017 Jaguar F-Pace starts in Russia from 3.19 million rubles. The most expensive version F-Pace First Edition costs 5.05 million rubles. For comparison, the top version Porsche Macan Turbo costs 6.10 million rubles.
During a test drive, the 2.0 liter 180-horsepower version did not inspire confidence at first, since this seemed not enough to understand what it is. But after a few minutes while driving, we realized that this was enough to understand the nature of the crossover. After all, the good torque of the 2.0 liter diesel engine and the 8-speed automatic transmission will not let you get bored behind the wheel.
Fun on asphalt and off-road
The suspension of the crossover is designed in such a way that the car feels great on both high speed on asphalt, and not easy off-road. During the test drive, the car was tested both on asphalt at various speeds and.
Yes, of course, the F-Pace is not a Range Rover, but despite the fact that the Jaguar crossover has a stiffer suspension, it can easily cope with light off-road, pits and breaks in the road surface perfectly working out all the nervousness and obstacles on the road.
In general, of course, all the greatness of the crossover can naturally be checked only on asphalt. But you should know that this is not a passenger car. So, having bought this car, you will not be afraid of the places where the asphalt ends. (Author's note - perfect car For Russia).
british engineering
Inside the car, the center console houses an 8.0-inch LCD screen for the InControl Touch infotainment system. You can also purchase the 10.3" InControl Touch Pro as an option.
As dashboard engineers placed 12.3 inch digital screen, which displays all the necessary fixtures.
The digital instrument panel has 4 different style settings.
The infotainment system is equipped with a 100 GB hard drive. In addition, this system can distribute Wi-Fi to 8 devices at the same time, at speeds up to 1 Gb / s. Plus, the infotainment system is equipped with three connection ports: HDMI, MHL and USB (4 connectors).
Also, if you or your passengers need to charge phones or other devices on the road, there are 3 12-volt sockets in the car.
Here are more detailed Jaguar F-Pace specs and pricing:
| 2.0D | 3.0S | |
| Engine | Diesel, R4 | Petrol, V6 |
| Volume | 1999 cm³ | 2995 cm³ |
| Max. power, hp/r/min | 180/4000 | 340/6500 |
| Max. moment, Nm/r/min | 430/1750-2500 | 450/4500 |
| Drive unit | full | full |
| Box | 8automatic transmission | 8automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring, multi-link | Spring, multi-link |
| Rear suspension | Spring, multi-link | Spring, multi-link |
| brakes | Disc, ventilated | Disc, ventilated |
| Dimensions, mm | 4731 x 2070 x 1652 | 4731 x 2070 x 1652 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2874 | 2874 |
| Weight, kg | 1775 | 1820 |
| Clearance, mm | 213 | 213 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s. | 8,7 | 5,8 |
| Max. speed, km/h | 208 | 250 |
| 5,3 | 8,9 | |
| Price | 3 193 000 | 3 584 000 |
| 3.0TDV6 | 3.0S First Edition | |
| Engine | Diesel, V6 | Petrol, V6 |
| Volume | 2993 cm³ | 2995 cm³ |
| Max. power, hp/r/min | 300/4000 | 380/6500 |
| Max. moment, Nm/r/min | 700/2000 | 460/4500 |
| Drive unit | full | full |
| Box | 8automatic transmission | 8automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring, multi-link | Spring, multi-link |
| Rear suspension | Spring, multi-link | Spring, multi-link |
| brakes | Disc, ventilated | Disc, ventilated |
| Dimensions, mm | 4731 x 2070 x 1652 | 4731 x 2070 x 1652 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2874 | 2874 |
| Weight, kg | 1884 | 1861 |
| Clearance, mm | 213 | 213 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h, s. | 6,2 | 5,5 |
| Max. speed, km/h | 241 | 250 |
| Fuel consumption (mixed), l / 100 km | 6 | 8,9 |
| Price | 4 460 000 | 5 048 000 |
Not bad? Agree that for this level of crossover, pricing is optimal. Especially considering that almost all competitors are more expensive in Russia.
Word and deed
Nine years have passed, but as I remember now, the demonstration of a prototype business sedan Jaguar C-XF in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. Chief designer Ian Callum then assured me that cars of this kind were, are and will be the basis of the company's well-being. The maestro denied the possibility of a crossover in the lineup. Say, "jag" must have a squat body.
Crossovers and I are like parallel lines: we don't intersect!
Never say never". Already in 2013, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a Jaguar booth adorned the C-X17 concept car, drawn by ... right - Callum. The audience liked the crossover, and he gathered a positive press. Appearance production car was predetermined.
And here I am, spinning around one of the first crossovers released in Solihull. - practically a poured copy of the prototype: a long hood, a salon shifted back, a body tapering towards the stern. Huge air intakes in the bumpers, horizontal “gills” on the wings, impressive 22-inch wheels by the standards of the segment. And luxurious "thighs"! Expressive, energetic look. The F‑Pace looks even sportier than the BMW X4 coupe-crossovers and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, which, along with the Porsche Macan, the British consider the main competitors to their offspring.
Have you already noticed that no Land Rover fits this description? Is it really their own jaguar development? Yes. F‑Pace is based on the new modular iQ platform, known from the XE and XF sedans. The body is 80% aluminum, front and rear suspension also made mainly of winged metal. That is why Jaguar is at least half a centner lighter than the mentioned rivals, although it surpasses them in length and wheelbase.
Solid dimensions allowed the British to declare the most spacious cabin and trunk in the segment. As for the rear seat, I agree - the supply of space there is really large. But as for the trunk, a reservation is needed here. The record - 650 liters - is only valid for the version with a repair kit. In the version with a spare tire (only this will be presented in Russia), the trunk “dries up” to 508 liters, although this is a worthy indicator.
World sales of Jaguars are relatively small: 83,987 cars were sold last year (in Russia - a little less than a thousand). And representatives of the German "big three" sell twenty times more. It is from them that the British expect to steal some of their customers. According to marketing forecasts, F‑Pace will allow the brand to double sales. Moreover, half of the buyers will be new, that is, they have not previously owned Jaguars, and a third of the customers will be in the beautiful half of humanity. And if now average age buyers exceeds fifty years, then with the advent of F-Pace, it should drop to forty-odd.
A big heart
The five-minute prelaunch briefing lasted what seemed like an eternity. It is impossible to listen to the speaker when the key to the most powerful version of F-Pace is in your hands. Get behind the wheel!
At the driver's workplace, the environment is familiar from fresh XE and XF sedans. Here you have an arc running under the windshield, and similar steering wheel and center console. But in some ways, the F‑Pace compares favorably with its relatives. For example, a virtual instrument panel is available as an option. On the walls of the massive tunnel there are pockets in which it is easy to attach mobile phone, and on door cards instead of controversial recessed handles, full-fledged handles appeared. The main difference is the sense of security unknown to passengers of sedans, which is given by wide window sills, as in Land Rovers, and a high seating position. I've never looked down on a road from a Jaguar before. And I love that feeling.
- On the conveyor since 2015
- Class K1
- body type 5-door crossover (SUV)
- Assembly
- Platform iQ
- checkpoint 6-st. mechanics | 8-st. machine
- Drive unit rear | full
- Suspension double-lever front and multi-link Integral Link rear
- brakes
- Price 3,610,000 - 5,580,000 rubles
ENGINES
| Volume |
power hp at rpm |
Torque N*m at rpm |
consumption l/100 km highway / city |
acceleration sec. |
Max. speed |
| 2.0d | 180 / 4000 | 4,5 / 5,7 | 8,9 | 209 | |
| 3.0d | 300 / 4000 | 5,6 / 6,9 | 6,2 | 241 | |
| 3.0i | 340 / 6500 | 7,1 / 12,2 | 5,8 | 250 |
Jaguar F-Pace (Jaguar F-Pace)- 5-door crossover class "K1". world premiere serial version model was held at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015.
Powerplants at launch: 2.0-liter diesel with 180 hp paired with mechanics (all-wheel drive / rear-wheel drive) or automatic with AWD; 2.0-liter gasoline with a capacity of 240 hp (AWD/RWD); 3.0-liter diesel engine designed for 300 hp with automatic and AWD; familiar 3.0-liter gasoline (340 hp and 380 hp) with automatic transmission and AWD. The latter is able to overcome the mark of 96 km / h in 5.1 seconds.
Jaguar F-Pace is built on a modular aluminum chassis, shared with the XE and XF sedans. According to the "passport" data, even the most powerful F-Pace with a V6 engine weighs less than 2 tons: 1,861 kg. Despite the fact that the Jaguar crossover came out larger than its main competitors: Mercedes GLC and Porsche Macan. Trunk volume "practical sports car" - that's what the crossover is called in Jaguar - is 650 liters.
Salon new F-Pace trimmed in the spirit of modern Jaguars. The interior of the car can accommodate five seats. The instrument panel is a single large (12.3-inch diagonal) LCD display. A second screen measuring between 8 and 10-plus inches crowns the center console.
What is the point of talking about the size, clarity and detail of the display multimedia system if the process of taxiing does not cause emotions? And why do you need a virtual dashboard, where the speedometer and tachometer can castling or disappear altogether, giving way to navigation, if the car is not hot?! But in the case of the F-PACE, Jaguar's first off-road vehicle, let it be all and more, because it drives and how!
The company calls it the brand's most practical sports car. But a crossover, by definition, must have this quality, otherwise who needs it. Something more is expected of him. F-PACE lived up to expectations. And if so ... Why shouldn't he really trump with his practicality, when there is more than enough excitement!
The test drive of this cross plunged us into a state of internal uplift and took place in an exchange of interjections the size of a three-meter Exclamation point. Ah, what a car! For a long time I did not come across anything that I would like immediately and unconditionally, in its entirety and in detail. It seems to me that some gentlemen from Jaguar revere Chekhov, because in this crossover, as in a person, everything is fine: the “face”, and “clothes”, and even the “soul”, but he has it. You can, of course, not immerse yourself in metaphysics, but it seems that it could not have done without it - the communication turned out to be so sincere.
Look at F-PACE - front, side, rear. Don't you think that designers should bathe in a sea of compliments? Indeed, despite the impressive dimensions - length, width, height, wheelbase new items are respectively 4731, 1936 (without mirrors), 1652, 2874 mm, a completely unexpected clearance of 213 mm, the car does not look big, bulky, overwhelming in its size. She retained her "cat" grace, visually reminiscent of the F-Type, and looks extremely harmonious when nothing can be taken away or added.
A powerful radiator grille, huge air intakes, a cabin shifted as far back as possible, a long embossed hood ... The silhouette, the contours are carefully calibrated, hence the very decent coefficient aerodynamic drag 0.34, achieved, according to the developers, solely due to the carefully thought-out body structure. Dynamics is present even in static: F-PACE resembles a predator that is ready to jump.
And he made his jump: when Jaguar Land Rover announced that it would create a crossover, a flurry of indignation fell upon him, the company was accused of betraying the interests of brand fans who, in principle, could not imagine the appearance of an all-terrain vehicle in the Jaguar model line. But he ignored all the attacks, listening to the requirements of the market, and, hurrying slowly - sometimes it is useful, went to his goal. Where are the critics now?
Cross is clearly a success, it has every chance of becoming one of the best-selling SUVs. He will not have to look for a place at the "table of seven seas" for a long time, where everything, it would seem, is already divided between Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Lexus and other players who have long established themselves in the popular segment. Because with such trump cards as a spectacular and at the same time noble appearance, stylish and spacious salon, very convincing in its capabilities motor line, outstanding ride and handling, do not stay in the dressing room. Royal flush, gentlemen! How will you answer?
Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X4, Porsche Macan… In terms of the above positions, F-PACE is not inferior to them, but in some ways even surpasses them. "Makan" managed to push everyone in dynamics (5.2 seconds to the first "hundred" with a 3-liter 340-horsepower V6), but it is also more expensive - in the initial configuration - 3,686,000 rubles. With the top-end 380-horsepower engine, F-PACE is a mere 0.3 seconds behind. Just! But it also has advantages: more practicality, more space in the cabin, for example.
And against the background of other competitors, it initially looks more advantageous, including in terms of dimensions and geometric cross-country parameters. The F-PACE is also one of the lightest cars in its class: side panels, hood, fenders are made of "winged metal", the share of which is 81 percent, that is, today it is the most aluminum of all Jaguars, the lightweight architecture of which provides an almost perfect, in a ratio of 50:50, weight distribution along the axes.
In addition, in its arsenal there is a weapon that makes the car more affordable, namely, a 2-liter inline diesel "four" of the Ingenium family. This - new line Jaguar engines Land Rover, which is characterized by high performance, enviable economy, low level CO2 emissions. The motors have an all-aluminum construction (average weight minus 20 kilograms) and are equipped with a number of intelligent technologies, such as an adaptive engine cooling system controlled by a computer and activated only when needed. The turbocharging system with variable geometry turbines. As a result - 180 hp. and a thrust of 430 N.m, which is removed in the range of 1750 - 2500 rpm. With such data, the F-PACE accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8.7 seconds, which is quite decent for a crossover weighing 1775 kg. Accordingly, the price starts from 3,289,000 rubles, which for a car of this class really looks like a tempting offer.
Let's leave the 180-horsepower option for "warming up", although you won't get bored with it either. Let's turn to the evil V-shaped diesel "six", which develops a power of 300 hp. and just kills with its torque of 700 N.m, achieved (attention!) at 2000 rpm! This unit is equipped with a fuel injection system under high pressure(HPCR) and a sequential turbocharging system that provides a more even and faster power delivery at any speed and provides two-stage water cooling. "Sotka" is taken in just 6.2 seconds, but this is not the limit.
The supercharged 3.0-liter petrol V6, as in the F-Type model, is available in 340 and 380 hp versions, but the unit has undergone some modifications dictated by the specifics of the F-PACE. For compactness, the Roots supercharger with two screw shafts is installed in the collapse of the cylinder block. In combination with direct injection, intake and exhaust phase shifters, light alloy pistons with ultra-low friction rings, and it delivers the performance and efficiency it claims. 450 Nm of torque is removed in both versions at 4500 rpm, but there are “inconsistencies” in the dynamics: acceleration to 100 kilometers per hour is 5.8 and 5.5 seconds, respectively. It seems that such agility is not necessary for a crossover, but F-PACE, and Jaguar insists on this, is, first of all, a sports car for which a quick start matters.
Despite all its power, this cross does not splash liters right and left: with gasoline engine, regardless of the version, consumption in combined cycle is 8.9 liters. According to the passport, a diesel V6 requires 6 liters, but, of course, the 2-liter unit remains the most economical, consuming 6.2 in the city, 5.3 in the combined, and 4.7 liters per 100 kilometers in the suburban cycle.
Having made such a detailed excursion into engine compartment, which is simply necessary in the case of this car, let's try to talk about how the F-PACE behaved in the city, on the highway and in this very “combined cycle”. Without interjections and emotions. At all. Although where there ... The spirit was intercepted immediately, as soon as they descended from dealer center onto the rokadka and, in order to immediately fit into the main stream, we slightly pressed the accelerator pedal. This "slightly" pressed us into the backs of the seats. So far not very strong, but with the promise of closer contacts.
No, that's to be expected, of course. test car was introduced by the R Sport version. This was evidenced by the badges at the bottom of the three-spoke steering wheel, on the sills and fenders, the fiery red body color, 19-inch 5-twin-spoke Bionic wheels with Diamond Turned finish. Also, front and rear bumpers r-sport, sports seats with perforated Taurus leather trim, interior ambient lighting, high-gloss black roof rails, some other exterior touches, and a 340-horsepower V6.
It was later revealed that the "fire red" was Italian Racing Red, the most provocative of the sixteen body colors. He was the first to send a combat alert, which, to be honest, my colleague and I did not really listen to. Therefore, they were taken a little by surprise by the indefatigable temperament of the machine.
Breaking free F-PACE and strove to indulge in all serious. And the question is: why is there such power, excitement and sports anger in the city? Nothing new, perhaps, I will not say: in order to accurately and without interfering with anyone to make the necessary maneuver. Of course, without coming into conflict with traffic rules, which we respect and always try to comply with.
It is absolutely impossible to drive F-PACE without emotions, especially outside the city. On a straight line and in turns rulitsya easily and accurately. Its improved suspension is a kind of collective image of the chassis of a sedan, a sports car. By the way, in Europe the car is available in rear- and all-wheel drive versions. For Russia, the 4 × 4 formula is reserved and it is the only one. Under normal weather conditions, 90 percent of the torque is transferred to rear axle, but when required, an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch transfers up to 50 percent of thrust in 165 milliseconds, and in unstable road conditions - all 90 percent, to the front wheels.
Rear-wheel drive helps a lot in corners, keeping you on track and refueling the car inside the turn. Let's try to drive harder. Here! The stern veered slightly to the side, but was immediately caught by the Torque Vectoring system, which is responsible for controlled independent braking of the rear and front inner wheels, providing a balance of the rotating forces acting on the car. It improves handling in the tightest corners, which is what a sports car needs.
Yes, but we have a crossover ... But here it is, exceptionally fine, well-knit and well-trained. Front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension were, as already noted, somewhat modernized, in particular, the integral multi-link is designed in such a way as to separately manage the transverse, longitudinal and vertical forces acting on the suspension, increasing both handling and comfort, with some of its components being made of aluminum by forging or hollow casting. The front has also been improved and enhanced with the optional Adaptive Dynamics system, which constantly monitors the position of the steering wheel and body movements, reading road conditions and adjusting damper settings. Everything is done to ensure that the car demonstrates excellent stability, a smooth ride does not notice the asphalt comb, potholes, rather impressive longitudinal cracks, one of which we just yawned. And what? Nothing at all!
In fact, there was no need to look for off-road, it itself, without asking, declared itself with such broken-down asphalt, such godless potholes and potholes that the search for a country road suitable for demonstrating the all-terrain capabilities of the F-PACE disappeared by itself. The “country road” found us on its own, moreover, in the city, when we bypassed the long traffic jam on Gagarin Avenue with winding paths. We overcame something almost crawling, other obstacles - by active taxiing and at a normal speed for yards, only slightly slowing down. No "drum roll", suspension breakdowns, vibrations, pecks. At the "exit" - a feeling of comfort and complete mutual understanding with the car, which dived in time into unexpected, at 90 degrees, and very narrow turns, easily driving around with oncoming traffic.
We are not the only ones so smart, someone bypassed the traffic jam in the opposite direction, because of which
right wheels constantly had to cling to the curb. The Torque Vectoring system helped out here a couple of times when I had to brake sharply in “bends”, lightly sprinkled with sand and fine gravel, from which you can only expect various unpleasant things. Against them, however, there is another effective antidote - a system of adaptation to pavement ASPC, which works like an off-road cruise control and is activated by the corresponding buttons - you set the speed from 3.6 to 30 kilometers per hour and rudders at your pleasure: the system will support desired speed, providing maximum grip on problematic surfaces.
We also came across a rather long full-fledged gravel section (apparently they forgot to lay asphalt), poorly rolled, with a slight difference in heights and weighty “pebbles”. Suspension worked it for a five with a fat plus. To be correctly understood: I don’t want to say at all that everything around us was rocking, and we were driving without moving, it’s just that all our movements on the ground, gravel, asphalt charms were not furious, and we didn’t stop praising the simply wonderful work of the suspension for two voices, and also - a very decent soundproofing F-PACE.
In the “dynamic” mode, with our backs pressed into the seats, we already felt how the car’s settings were changing: the reaction to the “gas” accelerated, the electric power steering became heavier (but not so much, and for F-PACE it’s even good), the gears snapped off faster . At this moment - when switching to Dynamic - the red illumination of the instrument panel turns on, and the speedometer and tachometer change places - the revolutions are set in the center, and the speed is on the right. An interesting feature. Moreover, already at two - two and a half thousand, the engine is ready to give out almost everything that it is capable of. It seems that from this moment the real ride begins. But what if you move the selector of the 8-speed "automatic" ZF to the "S" position and switch paddle shifters? The car becomes even more exciting. Drive in the square, turning into a full buzz ...
By the way, the virtual instrument cluster, which I had to get used to for some time (well, without the aesthetics of wells with analog dials recessed into them ?!) is only available with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which has a 10.2-inch touch screen on the center console, which is easy, convenient, fast and pleasant to work with.
Although it seemed to my gadget-obsessed colleague that it could be even faster. Everything suited me, especially navigation, which graphically looks interesting, and warns of a shortage of fuel in the tank, and “points” to gas stations on that section of the road where the fuel can run out completely.
But back to the virtual dashboard. Everything here is organized in such a way that you don’t get distracted by anything - the control algorithm for various functions is so convenient: you can quickly turn off the Start / Stop mode, the step that appears when you open the doors, if you don’t need it, set the temperature in Fahrenheit if you are carrying a friend -a foreigner, "mark" the speedometer in miles, make it digital ... Everything is simple, and most importantly - intuitive.
I would like to have greater stroke elevator driver's seat but this is a personal preference. The very same it is very comfortable: perfectly holds the back and has a well-developed lateral support. On the back sofa - expanse: three passengers will be accommodated without interfering with each other. True, the one in the middle will “get” the central tunnel ... However, such indicators as legroom and knees, which are 945 and 65 mm on the “gallery”, a cabin height of 1007 mm in front and 977 mm in the rear, almost negate this forced inconvenience.
The rest, perhaps, is nothing to complain about. Three 12 volt sockets (two in the cabin, one in the trunk) - hardly too much. In certain circumstances, they may come in handy at the same time. And there are a few more "chargers", connectors for various devices, shelves, pockets.
One of the main achievements is a trunk with a volume of 650 liters, however, we will not see it, since cars are delivered to Russia with a full-fledged spare wheel that eats up more than 140 liters. Total 508, and when fully folded rear seats- 1598 liters of usable volume.
... What do we primarily seek to obtain from the car? Well, of course, the feeling of speed, albeit within the framework of the road catechism. If this is not the case, it remains to be content with the latest electronic systems, all sorts of gadgets and other achievements of automotive progress, most of which, according to by and large, are not needed, because they will not replace the drive. They can only add. And then - happiness! The same happiness that you feel when everything works out for you, as it happened with F-PACE.
