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What does SVR stand for? Special Vehicle Racing, that’s what! Designed by the special vehicle operations division at Jaguar, these vehicles badged SVR are the ultimate in sporting prowess, quality and refinement from the brand.  

The F-PACE undoubtably deserves the title “Sports Utility Vehicle”. The car is dynamic to drive and arguably the best driver’s vehicle within its segment, in fact.

So, what happens when you combine an incredibly good SUV with the best from the engineers racing division? The F-PACE SVR is what: Sharp and fast (283 km/h fast) featuring a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine that packs a whopping 405 KW/ 680 NM, using a four-wheel drive system to let it blast from 0-100 Km/h 4.3 seconds.

So, we know it is fast, but it is also furious. “Ridiculous” is a descriptive I used when asked what I thought. To be fair, this was on day one of the week’s test. I was intimidated but I got used it its beastly nature in time.

Inspired by the F-TYPE sports car, the new SVR features Jaguar’s Variable Valve Active Exhaust System which provides a throaty soundtrack. This feature is another factor behind the SVR’s increased performance capability and the part I thought was bonkers! The note is very audible. There is even a button to increase the snap-crackle-and-pop sound effects omitted for when the mood applies. Note – you will get stared at.   

Like a sports car, SVR-specific lightweight forged 21- and optional 22-inch alloy wheels are wider at the rear by 25mm compared to the front and contribute to the SVR’s enhanced handling. The 22-inch wheels are 2.4kg lighter on the front and 1.7kg lighter on the rear and are designed to deliver greater airflow to larger 395mm front and 396mm rear brake discs. Brake discs feature an advanced two-piece construction on the front and rear to reduce weight, further contributing to the SVR’s agile handling.

Despite all the sporting enhancements, this is a comfortable vehicle to both drive and travel in. There is beautiful compromise between firm sporting assuredness and supple comfort. I’d argue this setup is almost flawless.

Inside, the F-PACE SVR features slimline performance front seats that provide enhanced lateral support and have signature lozenge quilting and embossed SVR logo. Unique rear seats echo the heavily sculpted designs up front and the SUV’s sports car character is underlined by the Sport Shift Selector. An SVR branded steering wheel features aluminium paddle shifters.

The SVR sacrifices nothing to the rest of the F-PACE range in terms of practicality and space, and still features a 650-litre loadspace (with rear seats up). Jaguar’s latest SUV keeps passengers connected and entertained on the move with 4G Wi-Fi for up to eight devices and is also equipped with the advanced Touch Pro infotainment system with 10-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster.

The only question left to ask: Is it too much of an athletic vehicle? That would depend on you and your preference. Either way, this is a unique vehicle with an outstanding presence. 

The competition

Alfa Romeo QV, BMW M X3/X4/X5/X6 Competition, Land Rover Range Rover Velar/Sport, Mercedes-AMG GLC/GLE, Porsche Macan/Cayenne and Maserati Levante.

Pricing

R 1 655 726.00

Service and warranty

The Jaguar F-Pace SVR comes with Jaguar’s standard 5-year/100,000km Care Plan.

www.jaguar.co.za