SERIOUS UP-DATES MAKE IT BETTER - AND IT'S DIESEL F-pace next level

THE F-PACE IS JAGUAR'S BEST SELLING MODEL AND continues to improve in all ways. The 2021 upgrades are sensational to the point where it now feels close to an XJ from the driver or passenger seats. It is that luxurious. It is multi-purpose too, so aside from family duties, it will handle the dirty stuff like a dedicated SUV and, encouragingly, Jaguar really has got its head around what the F-PACE was capable of achieving from its inception.

- Les. HugHes

What has been produced is a major mid-life refresh, mostly addressing the interior and user interface. All F-PACES are all-wheel drive only now and use the superb ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. If you think Jaguar has forsaken the sportier side of the F-PACE, it still has its Intelligent Driveline Dynamics which optimizes the chassis’ rear-end handling in most conditions.

The exterior changes are subtle but make the car look wider, and better planted. The newly redesigned bonnet stretches further to the top of the grille, while the grille itself has a new mesh design with diamond detailing and what Jaguar calls ‘noble chrome’ finish.

There are new bumpers, wider air vents and new slimmer (by 10mm) quad LED headlights. Similar up-grades go on at the rear, with a new lower bumper and tail lights akin to the I-PACE all-electric SUV.

The interior changes though are the most obvious and, we think, outstanding aspect of the largest SUV Jaguar. The 2021 F-PACE could only be a Jaguar.

It has a new drive selector with a leather-covered top some claim is inspired by the feel of a cricket ball - that might be a little piece of what you might politely term 'hyperbole'.

A rotary controller beside the gear shift configures the drive modes – comfort, eco, rain-ice-snow, and dynamic – by playing with the steering, transmission, and throttle calibration. We found it perfectly suitable in Comfort and soaked up the smooth feel of the car at speed and in this case, the 3.0 litre diesel engine’s charismatic shove. It will boogie if you’re in the mood, but what's the point around town?