Yahoo Autos The Jaguar F-Pace SVR Is a Fast, Hilarious Egg
Most enthusiasts wouldn’t give the Jaguar F-Pace a second glance. It’s a run-of-the-mill crossover that blends into the background at the luxury crossover hang. There’s nothing extraordinary about it, unless you opt for the SVR trim.
Unveiled back in 2018, the F-Pace SVR is the sportiest version of Jaguar’s largest crossover. It has the 550-hp, supercharged V-8 engine from the F-Type R and Range Rover Sport SVR, making it loud and astonishingly quick. On top of that, it has massive brakes, all-wheel drive, an electric limited-slip diff in the back, and more aggressive spring rates. It’s a solid package for a sporty crossover, offered at $86,000 to start.
The sophisticated hardware translates to the road extremely well. The F-Pace SVR is hilarious fun.
Even with performance snow tires mounted, driving through rain, the F-Pace put its power down confidently. On upstate New York roads, chucking the 4800-lb SUV into corners was a joy. Slapping through gears with its eight-speed automatic and revving its 5.0-liter V-8 to the engine’s power peak at 6,500 rpm was addictive. That engine and its loud-mode exhaust also make hilarious crackling noises, the ones you either love or loathe from the F-Type. Consider them a guilty pleasure. As is putting its 3.8-second 0-60 time to the test on interstate onramps.
In the city, the 550 hp is overkill at its best. Even the lightest throttle applications launch you to law-breaking speeds at a moment’s notice. Once you fine-tune your right foot to match the SVR’s trigger pull, you’ll be able to tame it. But the supercharged V-8’s torque doesn’t get any less addictive.
It’s more than just a power-hungry crossover. The SVR is far more agile than one might expect from its relatively unassuming egg-shaped body. Its massive, electric-assisted brakes have fantastic bite and decent feel. Want to put your passenger's head against the dashboard? These brakes are willing to do that at any time. The steering is well-weighted and direct, and not too heavy or quick for urban duties. My only complaint is that its performance-tuned suspension is a bit jittery for regular in-town usage comfortably, especially on New York City streets full of cavernous, wheel-destroying, potholes. If you’re regularly commuting over rough pavement, it’ll get old quick.
Thankfully, the F-Pace’s interior is a great place to spend time. The SVR comes with hip-hugging performance seats up front, holding you in place when you send the SVR through tight corners. The truck's interior blends performance, luxury, and ease-of-use well.
Jaguar Land Rover’s 11.4-inch touchscreen is also a joy. It’s lightyears ahead of the slow disaster the F-Pace was equipped with before its refresh. The F-Pace swallows up three adults and a child without complaint. It is a crossover, after all.
Thankfully though, it’s more than just an anonymous hauler. The F-Pace SVR is a fantastic, sporty all-rounder. JLR’s lovable supercharged V-8 has a rightful home in this crossover. Between its added practicality and its convincingly sporty prowess, the F-Pace SVR is one of the most enjoyable performance SUVs on the market.
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