2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar broke new ground last year, introducing its first-ever SUV model in the F-Pace, which returns for 2018 with the addition of an entry-level four-cylinder engine and new luxury and active safety options.

The engine is a familiar one to those following Jaguar’s evolution over the last couple of years. It’s a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder shared with the XE and XF sedans and F-Type sports car, and tuned in the F-Pace for 247 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque. Like the rest of the range, the new motor comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Carried over from last year are two other powertrains: a 2.0L turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 180 hp and 317 lb-ft, and a supercharged 3.0L V6 generating 340 hp and 332 lb-ft, and 380 hp and 332 lb-ft in .

New interior options include upgraded front seats with power-adjustable headrests and airplane-style side supports. There are two new available safety features too: a forward traffic detection system that warns of obstacles in front when visibility is compromised, and forward vehicle guidance, which helps the driver steer the F-Pace through tight parking maneuvers, with the aid of the surround-view camera system and the car’s front parking sensors.

And, later this year, Jaguar will roll out a cashless gasoline payment system, developed in conjunction with Shell, that will let owners conduct the entire transaction using the touchscreen in their car.

The new engine gives Jaguar a proper base model to go up against entry-ticket versions of the Porsche Macan, Lexus NX and Volvo XC60, not to mention the Land Rover Range Rover Velar, which shares the F-Pace’s underpinnings.

The F-Pace 25t model, which uses the new four-cylinder gasser, now carries the range’s lowest price, at $50,250 in Premium trim, and includes 19-inch wheels, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, power tailgate, analogue gauges with five-inch TFT information display, electric parking brake, two-zone climate control, backup camera and passive keyless entry with push-button start.

Key additions in Prestige trim are xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, headlight washers, leather seating, chrome exterior trim and interior mood lighting.

R-Sport trim gets 20-inch wheels, trim-specific exterior body add-ons, steerable headlights and perforated leather seats.

And in addition to its uprated engine, the F-Pace S benefits from trim-specific 20-inch wheels and body kit, LED headlights, leather and suede sport seats with 18-way adjustment, adaptive dynamics, red brake calipers and satin chrome shift paddles.

Six-cylinder models get the option of a top-end Portfolio trim that gets its own 20-inch wheels, 10-way adjustable Windsor leather luxury seats, configurable interior mood lighting and gloss ebony veneer. It also carries the F-Pace’s highest MSRP, at $69,700.