Jaguar introduces 2016 F-Pace

[...] perhaps it was with Porsche's success in mind - not to mention how well mainstream luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW have done with SUVs - that the storied British sports car brand Jaguar has finally joined the fray, debuting its first sport utility, the five-passenger F-Pace, for 2016.

Besides accelerating and handling at least as near to a real sports car as possible in such a practical vehicle, the F-Pace looks distinguishingly like a Jaguar car, as well.

There's even a roomy cargo area that can handle up to 33.5 cubic feet of "stuff," from luggage to beach gear to soccer equipment or the week's groceries.

Jaguar said the F-Pace was inspired by the Jaguar C-X17 concept vehicle, and was "designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement that Jaguar cars are renowned for, together with the exceptional dynamics and everyday versatility of an SUV."

Among the options were the Technology Package ($3,200), Vision Package ($2,100), Comfort and Convenience Package ($1,800), Head-up Display ($990), Gloss Black roof rails ($350), Black Design Package ($350), satellite radio ($350), Loadspace storage rails ($150), and Gloss Figured Ebony Veneer interior trim ($300).

The Prestige 35t model comes standard with 19-inch wheels, a power-operated panoramic sunroof, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats with four-way lumbar support, smart key system with push-button start, rearview camera, navigation, front and rear parking aids, a 380-watt Meridian audio system, driver memory, and the folding rear seatback.

Overall, the F-Pace is a nice luxury SUV that offers sports car styling and sporty handling in a vehicle the whole family can enjoy - and at a price that's in line with most other midsize crossovers these days, including some non-luxury brands.

Midsize, five-door, five-passenger, four-cylinder diesel or V-6 gasoline-powered, all-wheel-drive luxury crossover utility vehicle