Jaguar F-Pace 2.0 Chequered Flag

Every buyer wants maximum bang for their buck, and in the case of the Jaguar F-Pace Chequered Flag, the added kit offered and discounted price means that there’s plenty going for it. Despite the fact a facelifted car is due shortly, the F-Pace still competes with the best in the class thanks to its sharp styling, impressive practicality and brilliant handling.

The Jaguar F-Pace has long been one of our favourite mid-size SUVs. But, having been on sale for almost four years, a mid-life refresh is due soon to help it keep pace with rivals like the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio. 

Until then however, Jaguar has pepped up the line-up with the new Chequered Flag trim level. It’s a spec we’ve seen previously on the XE and XF, while the smaller E-Pace has been released in a similar guise at the same time as its bigger SUV brother.

Taking the R Sport trim as a base, the F-Pace Chequered Flag gets a host of extra cosmetic and trim upgrades to set it apart from the rest of the range. From the outside, it’s most clearly distinguished from lesser models by the front bumper, which is lifted from the sporty F-Pace S, while the rest of the body kit is carried over from the R Sport.

However, all the usual brightwork is deleted; the grille surround, side window trims, door claddings, roof rails, and side vents, which also feature an integrated and unique Chequered Flag badge, are all finished in gloss black. The standard 20-inch wheels – the model we tried came with 22-inch items – are finished in a similar hue. There are three paint finishes to choose from: Yulong White, Santorini Black and Eiger Grey.

Open the doors and you’re greeted with special treadplates on the sills, while the interior upholstery and roof lining are all finished in black. The only contrasts to the sporty (or gloomy, depending on your point of view) darkened look, are the bright silver stitching and the meshed aluminium trim panels. 

Beyond the cosmetic, the standard kit list is boosted beyond the standard R Sport, too. A panoramic roof is standard, as is a heated steering wheel, a heated windscreen and electrically adjustable front seats. Jaguar upgraded the infotainment systems throughout the F-Pace line-up to include both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display are the fanciest available in the range.