An Auto Plus reader has uploaded several images of
what appears to be a test mule of the Jaguar E-Pace on the A75 in France.
Expect the E-Pace to also draw
some cues from the all-electric Jaguar i-Pace crossover, featuring sleek
headlamps that flank a large Jaguar mesh grille, wide rear haunches that
complement its stance, thin F-Type inspired LED taillamps, steeply-raked
windscreen and dual exhaust pipes. The E-Pace’s dimensions are likely to be
around the Evoque 5-door’s 4,360 mm length, 1,635 mm height, 2,120 mm width and wheelbase of 2,660 mm.
The E-Pace will ride on the D8 all-steel platform
that also underpins the Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque, and will
offer JLR’s Ingenium lineup of 4-cyl petrol and diesel engines sourced from the
XE. The engines will be transversely-mounted to keep
the snout in proportion with the rest of the body, which means that base
variants of the E-Pace could send power to the front wheels – making it the
first FWD Jaguar since the X-Type sedan.
The Jaguar E-Pace is expected to break cover
sometime later this year, before it goes on sale in 2018. Given that it’s an
entry-level Jaguar crossover based on a less expensive platform, it could be
the least expensive Jaguar in the portfolio, which may attract attention among
premium car buyers. It will rival the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and the upcoming Mercedes
GLB.