The upcoming 2018 Jaguar E-Pace has been teased this week in a single image, ahead of its official debut on July 13.
Pitched as a “compact performance SUV”, the E-Pace will slot in below the larger F-Pace in the British marque’s line-up, competing with the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and stablemate the Range Rover Evoque.
In terms of design, it appears the E-Pace will look fairly similar to its bigger sibling, with a fastback-style tailgate and slim tail-lights inspired by the F-Type sports car.
Full details are still to be confirmed, though Jaguar has said the E-Pace will be powered exclusively by the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘Ingenium‘ turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, along with offering a “sports car-derived” all-wheel drive system, connected technology and advanced safety features.
“The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-Pace stands out,” said Ian Callum, director of design at Jaguar.
“Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-Pace will do just that, albeit with its own individual character.”
Despite the dynamic claims, reports out of the UK claim the baby Jaguar SUV won’t use a scaled-down version of the aluminium-intensive platform that underpins the larger F-Pace, but rather one that is loosely shared with the Range Rover Evoque – which could explain why early development vehicles were modified Evoques.
The Evoque, and the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, are both built on the LR-MS platform – itself an extensively overhauled descendant of Ford’s EUCD architecture.
For more details, we’ll have to wait until the E-Pace’s full reveal on July 13, so stay tuned for our coverage.
Australia
CarAdvice has contacted the company’s local arm regarding Australian prospects for the new E-Pace.
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