A well-camouflaged Jaguar E-Pace was spied testing in cold weather conditions. These shots reveal that the F-Pace’s smaller sibling has the dimensions to compete with smaller luxury crossovers like the Audi Q3 and BMW’s X1.
Also, one will agree that it would be difficult to plonk a longitudinal inline four cylinder or V6 motor into such a visibly small hood. If the E-Pace were to use a transversely mounted engine with a front wheel drive application, it can’t use the other Jaguar platforms as they’re built for rear wheel drive models. Plus, Jaguar has revealed that it would be difficult to scale down their existing platforms for a car this size.
This can only mean that Jaguar would have to explore the Group’s Range Rover Evoque platform. A platform that can support a compact SUV and can also house a transverse engine layout. If true, then Jaguar can also look at a few engine options from the Evoque and Discovery Sport line-up, in addition to engineering an electrified version for future applications.
Sources report that Jaguar’s E-Pace could make it to an international auto show in 2018 before going mass market, so stay tuned to CarTrade for more news.
Source: autoblog