What's all this about?

Jaguar has introduced a plug-in hybrid model to its popular F-Pace SUV range.

Oh yes? Can you give me the basics?

The new model, called the P400e, combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol 'Ingenium' four-cylinder engine with a 17.1kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor. The P400e's combined power output is 404hp, with 640Nm of torque. It will accelerate from 0-62mph in just over five seconds, and can rapid-charge at speeds of up to 32kW.

Jaguar tells us that the new half-electric F-Pace will go 33 miles on one charge, and that its CO₂ rating is 49g/km.

That sounds very 'green'.

It's not just about efficiency, though. Jaguar says that it has been keen to maintain the F-Pace's nimble handling, even with the added weight of the plug-in hybrid system. "Intelligent packaging of the battery power electronics means we've been able to maintain the right height centre of gravity" said a Jaguar spokesperson. "That allowed us to tune the delivery of the torque available from the electric motor to provide a greater dynamic response. We use the electric motor to infill torque, giving you a more immediate response to driver inputs versus a conventional combustion engine. We've actually applied race-to-road knowledge here, using our Formula E experience to inform our torque strategies. You will notice that the F-Pace plug-in hybrid is particularly nimble and responsive to throttle inputs on the move, especially in driving out of corners."

The F-Pace's plug-in hybrid system also includes intelligent battery management, which tries to save at least four miles worth of charge so that you can drive on zero-emissions power when you reach an urban destination.

The addition of the P400e model is part of a general update for the F-Pace, which includes new, more conventional, engines too. The older V6 petrol and diesel models are being replaced with Jaguar's new family of inline-six powerplants, with a range-topping P400 model that features both an electric supercharger and a twin-scroll turbocharger.

Oh, so Jaguar is not one of those manufacturers abandoning diesel?

Not at all. The new D300 straight-six diesel model comes with 300hp and 650Nm of torque, which also has a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and, claims Jaguar, achieves a 48 per cent reduction in real-world NOx emissions compared to the outgoing V6 diesel engine.

There are also new entry-level four-cylinder diesel engines, also using mild-hybrid power, which range in output from 163- to 204hp, and updated four-cylinder petrol engines with 250- or 300hp.

While the F-Pace has only been lightly tweaked, in styling terms, on the outside (slimmer lights, bigger grille, new bumpers, new brake lights) inside, it really is all-change with an entirely new cabin that looks set to eradicate the slightly-too-cheap feeling of the outgoing model.

The new dashboard is now a full-width design, which does away with the 'floating hump' look of the old F-Pace, and it introduces a rather Tesla-like infotainment screen. This huge, curved, 11.4-inch touchscreen used Jaguar's latest Pivi Pro infotainment system, which is said to dramatically cut the number of presses and swipes needed to access the most commonly-used functions. It's fully connected, and can receive over-the-air software updates, as well as allowing you to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Cabin quality looks to have taken a major step forward too, with new seats, and new trim items such as matte-finish chrome and natural, 'open pore' wood.

"When you look at the new F-Pace, you'll see far more than a traditional mid-cycle refresh" said Julian Thompson, head of Jaguar design. We've done a fantastic job with the team to create something really, really special, particularly with the F-Pace which is a car we hold really close to our hearts."