Jaguar recently announced a few upgrades and a new engine to the local E-Pace line-up.
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It now features Jaguar’s self-learning technology, Smart Settings. Debuted on the all-electric I-Pace which is scheduled for South African launch early in 2019, Smart Settings learns the driver’s habits and anticipates their needs to make their life easier.
The car basically recognises the approaching driver, based on both a key fob and smartphone Bluetooth signal. The vehicle will then adjust the seat, climate and infotainment system based on the driver’s normal preference.
Over time, algorithms tailor settings based on time, location, weather and behaviour patterns – for example, pre-heating the steering wheel and seats on a cold day, or changing the media source on a particular day of the week or time of day. Up to eight profiles can be set up.
The Intelligent Phone Reminder function will also tell the driver if they forget their smartphone, while the Predictive Call List learns patterns of phone use to cue up popular contacts at the appropriate time.
Smart Settings is offered as part of the Connect Pro Pack, which also consists of a 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot, Pro Services and Navigation Pro – offering real-time traffic information, door-to-door routing from your smartphone, street view and parking availability.
Adaptive Dynamics offers improved handling response, body control and ride. It monitors vehicle movements every 2 milliseconds and calculates the required damping force every 10 milliseconds to respond instantly to the driver’s inputs and road surface changes, providing greater control and minimising body roll. Rough surfaces and off-road conditions are sensed immediately, and the damping adapts accordingly.
The all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol delivers 147kW, which is enough for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.2 seconds. Jaguar claims it will only use 8.2l/100km on the combined cycle.
The 147kW E-Pace is scheduled for introduction in October, but is available for order immediately.