[E-Pace News]

Slightly smaller than the F-Pace, the Jaguar E-Pace was spotted cold weather testing with its production bodywork for the first time.

Previously, spy photographers have spotted test mules of the E-Pace using a modified Range Rover Evoque frame and now we have images of a distinct body style similar to that of the F-Pace hidden under the camouflage.

Essentially looking like a smaller and chunkier F-Pace, the new premium compact crossover seems to be sporting slender headlights similar to its larger sibling and the bonnet may also follow the same design language. What sets them apart is the side profile with a steep rear windshield rake, shorter wheelbase as well as overhangs, and shoulder lines that makes the rear appear squat.

While it may be too early to speculate on the E-Pace's powertrain options, we're most likely going to see Jaguar's new Ingenium family of engines including the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel. The automaker may even come out with a hybrid variant as one E-Pace mule was registered as a 2.0-litre diesel electric hybrid.

Set to rival the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA in the compact luxury crossover segment, Auto Express is expecting to see it debut sometime this year and arrive on showroom floors in 2018.

 

[Jagernaut]

Since it's most likely sharing bits and pieces with the F-Pace, I'm hoping the E-Pace doesn't come with the same problems as its larger sibling. The F-Pace's interior is known to flex a lot more than normal and uneven roads with snow and salt can exacerbate the problem. Let's see if the test engineers have fixed it in the E-Pace after these tests.

 

[Pacer]

Not only the interior but body panel fitment was horrendous on the F-Pace. Bumpers, trunk, fender, etc. It was all over the place.

 

[Jagernaut]

That's probably why I won't buy a new model within the first year of its release, give the assembly line time to perfect the process and fix any problems like panel fitment. Just have to wait for the later batches to come out and you'll get more room for negotiations as it'll be seen as an older model at that point.

 

[JagMan]

Not only the interior but body panel fitment was horrendous on the F-Pace. Bumpers, trunk, fender, etc. It was all over the place.

At least that is something we can see for ourselves in the dealership before taking delivery and not something discovered later down the road unless things are that loose and messed up. My biggest fear would be panels so messed up that they dig into each other, expose metal and start to rust.

 

[Pacer]

Something like that would be the worst case scenario but at that point the dealer would have to warranty and remedy all of that. Ford is having issues with that on the new F150s in the front end I believe.

 

[Jagernaut]

The Jaguar E-Pace was spotted up close in Belgium! the camoflauge gusy are spot on because I can't tell what's a real pinched line or just extra padding.

 

[Pacer]

Here's a video of it as well, thought we should just post it all in this thread