KUALA LUMPUR: The Jaguar F-PACE sport utility vehicle leaps in with two variants that are eager to go on the prowl - meet the Prestige and the R-Sport.

The Prestige version is priced from RM598,800, while the higher-spec R-Sport retails from RM658,800 and both get Jaguar Care's five-year warranty that includes free servicing for five years and roadside assistance for three years.



We managed to get a hands-on experience with the F-PACE while on a trip to Montenegro back in July.

The 80% aluminium chassis holds the 4,731mm-long, 2,175mm-wide and 1,667mm-tall SUV together while it rolls on the F-PACE's 2,874mm wheelbase.

At 1,820kg (kerb), this SUV has a 63-litre fuel tank feeding a 3.0-litre (2,995cc) V6 engine fitted with a Twin-Vortex supercharger to dish out 340PS at 6,500rpm and 450Nm of torque at 4,500rpm, while getting managed by an 8-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic gearbox.

While the F-PACE is able to sprint from 0-100kph in 5.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250kph, it can also tow up to 2,400kg.



The F-PACE has a bold front grille, muscular bonnet and full-LED headlights.

With a 508-litre boot, the cabin for five adults feature the British sports car maker's 8.0-inch InControl Touch infotainment system that supports smartphone and tablet "swipe" gestures.

The more premium Touch Pro system that's available for the R-Sport variant uses a 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation instead and changes out the instrument cluster to a 12.3-inch HD virtual instrument cluster.

Ride and handling is taken care of by the F-Type's double wishbone front and integral link rear suspension that uses monotube dampers, or an optional electronically-controlled Adaptive Dynamics (AD) system.

Other standard features include torque vectoring and an electric power-assisted steering system, intelligent driveline dynamics, dynamic stability control, all surface progress control and low friction launch.

But, get the R-Sport and AD comes as standard - measuring body and wheel movement 100 and 500 times per second respectively.

Also, an exclusive Black Pack option applies a gloss black finish to the front grille and surrounds, body colour door claddings, side power vents and then adds a "R-Sport" badge as a final finishing touch to help discerning owners stand out.

More additionals for the R-Sport includes configurable dynamics - allowing for individual settings for the throttle, automatic transmission, steering, and, where fitted, the AD system too; adaptive surface response (from Land Rover's Terrain Response technology),

For those with active lifestyles, there is Jaguar's Activity Key (waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder) wearable that's available as an optional extra.

This allows the keyfob to be securely locked within the vehicle - especially when going kayaking, surfing, biking or running. By locking the F-PACE with the wearable, it disables any keyfobs left within the cabin.

Compared to other luxury SUVs in its segment, the F-PACE offers a better proposition all-round – better drive, better looks and better technology,” said Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia managing director Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

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