Introducing the Jaguar I-PACE
Winning an award is always a tremendous day for any manufacturer, but to have produced a model that gets named World Car of the Year is an entirely different achievement worth celebrating. But then, the Jaguar I-PACE is more than worthy of this kind of accolade.
What distinguishes the I-PACE from the rest of the competition is the daily usability it brings to the table. The large battery ensures the range is more than suitable for real-world use, while the innovative touches that Jaguar have implemented are engineered to make the transition to electric power much easier.
In comparison to a petrol or a diesel Jaguar, you can expect lower running costs and, due to emitting zero tailpipe emissions, you can even enter the London Congestion Zone free of charge: making the I-PACE a great luxury SUV for life in the city. But if you still need more convincing continue reading.
Boasting the proportions of an SUV, the I-PACE is proof that motorists can enjoy excellent practicality when making the transition away from cars powered by internal combustion.
Inside, there is acres of room in the front and rear for passengers to enjoy. In fact, even the leggiest of passengers will not struggle for comfort thanks to the high roofline. Families will find it easy work fitting a child's seat because the rear doors offer a wide opening; an added benefit is that the rear arch does not impede on the entrance.
Boot space is suitably huge, with 656 litres available with the rear seats folded up. Of course, fold those rear seats down and there is 1,453 litres at your disposal.
It is hardly a revelation to learn that the futuristic Jaguar I-PACE features a number of innovative technologies. There are three digital displays; one is sat behind the steering wheel and portrays a wide array of driver information (the visual layout can also be changed); the second contains the slick infotainment system; and the third provides controls for the climate control.
The Pivi Pro infotainment system itself is a fantastic piece of kit, it responds deftly to the touch and offers intuitive menus that are easy to navigate. It also features satellite-navigation, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ as standard. Connectivity is enhanced even further thanks to Amazon Alexa voice-control. The navigation system will even illustrate the closest EV charging points when battery power is getting low.
Safety features include:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Driver Condition Monitor
Roll Stability Control (RSC)
Traffic Sign Recognition
Emergency Braking
Despite the car's SUV proportions, drivers would be forgiven for thinking they are piloting a sports car. I-PACE utilises two electric motors, which combine to deliver an astonishing 395bhp to the front and rear wheels. As a result, the I-PACE will accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
Perhaps more impressively is the range. According to Jaguar, it is possible to drive up to 470km in the I-PACE. This may sound underwhelming compared to its fossil-fuelled counterparts, but it is still more than ample for the weekly commute and costs considerably less to recharge in comparison.
The aluminium architecture, low drag co-efficient, and driver modes ensure the I-PACE is a genuinely fun car to drive. After all, the transition to electric should never compromise on the driving thrills where a Jaguar is concerned.
Regardless of your residential situation, charging the I-PACE is simple. You can plug-in the electric SUV overnight so that its ready and fully charged for the next day. If you have off-street parking, the optimal method of charging is an AC wall box, which will recharge the battery from empty to full in 13 hours.
Not everybody has the luxury of off-road parking and that is not a problem when it comes to charging the I-PACE. Using the Mode 2 Home Charging Cable, that comes as standard, and a domestic three-pin plug socket, you can gain up to 11km of range each hour. This means you could gain 90km, more than enough for the average daily commute, in an overnight charge.
Running low on power whilst out and about? Do not worry there are thousands of public charging points located around Ireland, some even deliver charge rates as high as 50kW or 100kW for rapid charging.
There are a number of features to love about the Jaguar I-PACE, while some of you may be wondering how different the recharging process is compared to refuelling. The reality is the I-PACE is very easy to live with and offers an enticing option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on essential features.
For more information or to book a test drive, contact us here at Johnson & Perrott, Bishopstown. The home of Jaguar in Cork.