Jaguar puts the E into E-Pace

​Jaguar has brought the E-Pace range up to speed with rivals with the addition of a PHEV powertrain to make it more tax efficient. 

The new E-Pace P300e uses the same plug-in hybrid system as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e models, with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 107bhp electric motor, a 15kWh battery and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

The battery pack is hidden under the boot floor while the electric motor is on the rear axle, making the P300e all-wheel drive. 

P300e uses a 15kWh battery and 1.5-litre petrol engine

When fully charged, the plug-in Jag can manage 34 pure electric miles, return a claimed 141mpg and a company car driver-pleasing 44g/km of CO2. That's a little less green than the mechanically-identical Land Rover sister cars but still low enough to give the E-Pace a 10% benefit-in-kind tax rate for company car drivers. 

Charging the 15kWh battery pack takes 30 minutes for a zero-to-80% top-up when connected to a typical public ‘rapid’. Using a home wallbox will take about an hour and 30 minutes at 7kW AC, while a conventional three-pin plug socket will take just under seven hours.

​Jaguar hasn't just introduced the P300e but also given its small SUV range a refresh throughout the range. There's tweaked styling at the front - including a new grille design - and at the back, while the interior features upgraded materials and Jaguar Land Rover's new Pivi Pro infotainment system. 

Prices for the new PHEV start at £45,995 and rise to £50,860.

Oddly, the Jaguar is less efficient than the Range Rover Evoque