Soaring demand from Kiwis for Jaguar F-PACE SUV

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AutoTrader NZ
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Published 3 September 2020

Famous for its iconic models such as the 1960s E-Type Roadster, the MK2 driven by Inspector Morse and muilti-award winning XE and XF cars, Jaguar’s new generation of luxury vehicles has been given a distinctly modern twist, with the company’s first foray into the SUV market – the eye-catching F-PACE – leading the way.

With sportscar performance and handling packed into an SUV’s body, the F-PACE has been a global hit since being launched in Frankfurt in late 2015. Global supply has been stretched, with lead times for orders in Britain stretching to 12 months. Here, an unprecedented number of pre-launch orders and sales enquiries indicate the F-PACE will be a much sought after item when it officially hits the New Zealand market next month.

“The F-PACE is one of the most highly anticipated models the brand has seen and we anticipate the First Edition models will sell quickly,” general manager for Jaguar Land Rover Steve Kenchington said.

The first Kiwi F-PACE will be unveiled at Fieldays on June 15 but already 15 per cent of the stock shipped to New Zealand has been snapped up – including all of the First Edition models, and pre-launch enquiries are 275 per cent higher than for any previous model.

“This is an exciting opportunity not just for Jaguar enthusiasts throughout the country, but anyone that is looking for sports car performance combined with SUV practicality,” said Kenchington.

Pricing for the F-PACE range starts at $NZ95,000 for the F-PACE Prestige through to $165,000 for the F-PACE First Edition – of which a limited number of a global run-out of 1700 have been sold directly into New Zealand. There are also versions available at $100,000 (F-PACE R-Sport) and $125,000 (F-PACE S).

An “all-weather, all-surface” vehicle “life-proofed for five people and their belongings”, the F-PACE is “equipped with real-world answers to everyday questions”, says Jaguar Director of Design Ian Callum.

The F-PACE comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a luxury SUV, but is still distinctly a Jaguar.

“By remaining true to our design principles the all-new F-PACE is immediately recognisable as a Jaguar,” said Callum. “It offers all of the interior space you would expect – and more – but because of our disciplined approach to surfaces, proportions, and purity of line, we have designed what I consider to be the most balanced, most attractive vehicle in its class.”

With Jaguar Land Rover reporting record sales figures, the market seems to agree.

Expect, then, to see the F-PACE popping up on a Kiwi road near you very soon.