Fierce family hauler

“Incredibly entertaining!”

“A fiery 550 horsepower V8 on the stunning F-PACE, makes F-PACE SVR an affordable machine versus German contenders,” said Issam.

“It is time to actually believe that the world is becoming an SUV-wild world!”

“The F-PACE SVR lets you forget that you are driving an SUV.”

Machines, and more specifically SUVs, are the latest trend not only in the Middle East (which basically is among the largest SUV market) but also all around the planet, versus normal sedans. Market demand is increasing significantly year after year and that’s one of the reasons that automakers that didn’t produce SUVs in the past are doing so now. Yes, every single automaker is racing to fill every SUV or crossover niche in order to attract young, middle age and even mature clientele.

Apart from producing SUVs in general, automakers are also producing more powerful editions of their SUVs. Take, for instance, the German manufacturers; BMW has the M division, Mercedes has the AMG division and Audi has the RS Sport division. We can also add to this list Alfa Romeo, which has the QV or Quadrifoglio division and even Volvo with its Polestar division. The latest monster we drove was the Jaguar F-PACE SVR. Yes the SVR division belongs to Jaguar Land Rover. SVR treatment makes it the fastest and most powerful F-PACE yet, with an enhanced chassis and aerodynamics for maximum driver reward in all conditions.

Driving impressions

When I posted a few photos on my social media accounts I got tons of messages asking me about my feelings about driving the F-PACE SVR. I simply replied to most of them: “Not only is the F-PACE a gorgeous SUV to look at, now you can look at it and enjoy driving that monstrous engine by feasting your ears to this exhaust note!”

The best thing about driving the F-PACE SVR is that Jaguar has chosen the right roads to get the maximum out of it! Those French Riviera mountainous roads remind you of Lebanese mountains roads but are surely more civilized when it comes to the asphalt. Yes, I truly enjoyed my whole experience, even from inside the cockpit with the good-looking seats—and bear in mind not only are they good-looking, they are also pretty comfortable. The engine’s performance is really off the hook: incredibly entertaining! I am in love with the exhaust sound but I still would have preferred to have it be louder, although there is a button where you can turn it on and off.

Driving on open highways is not the part I would focus on. Come on! Any car can drive a straight line with zero effort. The mountainous, tight and blind corners are what I’m talking about. The F-PACE SVR handles almost like the F-TYPE SVR. The only difference is the higher stance. And let me tell you something, if you are driving in normal mode you would not even know that you are driving the F-PACE SVR; but activate the dynamic mode and you will get the fastest heartbeats ever!

Exterior

Aerodynamic enhancements include larger air intakes at the front and side fender vents that lower pressure in the wheel arches, reduce lift and provide additional cooling while also optimizing high-speed stability. In addition, unique wheel arch extensions and lower body moldings provide a low-slung muscularity that sets the SVR apart. An exclusive SVR bonnet features vents to help extract hot air from the engine bay and provide visual evidence of the SVR’s dynamic intent.

At the rear, a unique spoiler is joined by a new bumper housing the quad tailpipes of the Active Exhaust System. The bumper incorporates side strakes that aid aerodynamic performance by smoothing airflow away from the rear of the vehicle.

Interior

Inside, the F-PACE SVR features slim line performance front seats that provide enhanced lateral support and have signature lozenge quilting and embossed SVR logo. In addition, unique rear seats echo the heavily sculpted designs up front and the SUV’s sports car character is underlined by the Sport Shift Selector. Finally, the SVR branded steering wheel features tactile aluminum paddle shifters.

For all its performance, the SVR retains the practicality and versatility inherent to the PACE family, with its 650-liter load space (with rear seats up) unaffected by its enhanced performance. Jaguar’s SUV keeps passengers connected and entertained on the move with 4G WiFi for up to eight devices and is also equipped with the advanced Touch Pro infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster.

Four interior color schemes help to highlight the vehicle’s high performance personality: Red with Jet, Light Oyster with Jet, Siena Tan with Jet and Jet with Light Oyster stitching.

Drivetrain

The uprated chassis has progressive front and rear springs that are 30- and 10-percent stiffer respectively and incorporate an anti-roll bar specification that contributes to a five-percent reduction in body roll.

New, lightweight forged 21- and optional 22-inch alloy wheels are wider at the rear by 25mm (compared to the front) and contribute to the SVR’s enhanced handling. The 22-inch wheels are 2.4 kilograms lighter on the front and 1.7 kilograms lighter on the rear and are designed to deliver greater airflow to the uprated larger 395mm front and 396mm rear brake discs. The brake discs feature an advanced two-piece construction on the front and rear to reduce weight, further contributing to the SVR’s agile handling.

F-PACE SVR also features Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System. This provides a charismatic soundtrack and is another factor behind the SVR’s increased performance capability as the active system allows increased gas flow. The SVR exhaust is 6.6 kilograms lighter than the standard F-PACE system.

The first F-PACE to utilize Jaguar’s rear Electronic Active Differential (EAD), F-PACE SVR features a comprehensive range of advanced technologies, each calibrated especially for the task. The torque on-demand all-wheel drive system’s Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) control technology has been optimized to maximize the benefit of the EAD, while the software for the Adaptive Dynamics Suspension, Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and Dynamic Driving Mode are all bespoke to SVR. Engaging Dynamic mode initiates faster, more responsive gearshifts, sharper throttle responses and increased steering response for a more engaging driving experience in all conditions.

Engineered by Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), with a 44-percent uplift in power, the F-PACE SVR’s five-liter V8 supercharged petrol engine produces 550 horsepower and 680 Nm, enabling it to reach zero-to-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 283 km/h.

Drawing on Jaguar Land Rover’s extensive all-terrain expertise, the F-PACE SVR features a host of advanced technologies to ensure superb all-surface performance. All-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, All Surface Progress Control and Adaptive Surface Response ensure the SUV can handle conditions in all weathers.

Verdict

The 2020 Jaguar F-PACE SVR is not just a good-looking SUV; it is a fascinating and absolutely charming vehicle to drive! It is the kind of SUV that would fly so fast comfortably and at the same time can be a special family hauler. Yes, Jaguar has marked a new zone for the brand and its long and rich history.

 

Pros: Handling is pretty sharp, pricing better versus its rivals, cargo space bigger versus rivals

Cons: Apple CarPlay/Android auto are not standard, exhaust note should be louder

Rivals: Porsche Macan Turbo, Alfa Romeo Stelvio QV, BMW X3 M, Mercedes GLC 63 AMG

4 / 5 stars

one word: entertaining

Specs

5.0L, V8 supercharged, 550 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 680 Nm @ 2,500 rpm

AWD, 8-speed automatic

0-100 km/h: 4.3 sec, top speed: 283 km/h, fuel consumption: 12.3 L/100 km

Weight: 2,177 kg