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2022 Jaguar F-Pace Review | Brings some flash to a subdued segment

The 2022 Jaguar F-Pace is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to the regular crowd of compact luxury SUVs from Europe and Asia. It bears the leaper proudly on its tightly-wrapped and attractive bodywork, and there’s little to complain about on the interior, too. Jaguar offers a level of performance available for whatever fits your fancy, but this SUV would rather be a cruiser and backroad bruiser versus a Nurburgring-carver no matter the model you choose. Some of our usual Jaguar Land Rover gripes have dissipated with the F-Pace recently, as itÂ’s now sporting a competent suite of tech to match its good looks. Plus, the new and complex inline-six engine is a real treat to use no matter the environment — it pulls hard when called upon, but has a smooth and luxurious side around town. We think itÂ’s the engine to get.  The F-Pace fits in nicely to this large group of luxury crossovers on sale today, offering an unmatched level of style and a good dose of substance to back it up. WeÂ’d still recommend a couple luxury SUVs before it, but the F-Pace is a more worthy alternative than itÂ’s ever been today.  Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Features   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features WhatÂ’s new for 2022? There are no notable changes for the F-Pace in 2022 beyond a few optional items being made standard. Those include a power tailgate and privacy glass for the four- and six-cylinder models, and adaptive cruise control with lane-following assist for the SVR. The F-Pace received a makeover for the 2021 model year, and you can read more about that here. What are the F-Pace interior and in-car technology like? The F-PaceÂ’s interior just went through a big rethink last year that upgraded it into the realm of a top-shelf luxury cabin. It has an upscale look, uses excellent materials, and while it may struggle to find that balance between the inclusion of features and maintaining ease of use, nobody will criticize it for a lack of trying with technology. Per usual with Jaguar, the color and materials choices are vast, allowing you to find a combination that best fits your personality. The standard heated (front) seats are comfortable, and the interior as a whole measures up to its leading competitors out of Germany in the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Jaguar's famed design director Ian Callum is quitting

Jaguar's director of design Ian Callum is officially stepping down. Callum has been with the company for over 20 years, leading numerous important and legendary designs. To name a few, Callum is responsible for recent cars like the Jaguar F-Type, XF and I-Pace. He also designed the C-X75, which was a concept hypercar that Jaguar absolutely should have made. "I have had an incredible career at Jaguar," Callum says. "One of my biggest highlights was creating XF because it represented the beginning of a new era moving Jaguar from tradition to contemporary design — it was a significant turning point in our story." Callum also says he isn't done designing cars — he's even going to continue to act as a consultant for Jaguar after his departure. It's unclear what his main project will be after he leaves in July, but he's left the door open for himself. "I came into this role with a mission to take Jaguar design back to where it deserved to be. It has taken 20 years, but I believe I have achieved what I set out to do. Given the strength of both our products and the design team I feel that now is the right time to move on, both personally and professionally, and explore other design projects," Callum says. In addition to slick sports cars and sultry sedans, Callum is also responsible for leading Jaguar into the era of SUVs and crossovers. He headed up the design for the F-Pace and E-Pace. We found both of those to be some of the better looking crossovers on sale today, so props to Callum for finding and implementing the Jaguar style in the inherently unstylish crossover format. Callum has designed plenty of great cars outside of Jaguar, too. A few examples include the Aston Martin DB7, DB9, Vanquish and Ford Escort Cosworth. Our big question is, what's next for Callum? Whatever car he decides to design is probably going to look the business, so we're excited for any projects he gets involved in after Jaguar. Taking his place at Jaguar is current creative design director Julian Thomson. He's been with the company since 2000, and has previously worked with Ford, Lotus and Volkswagen.

Weekly Recap: Hyundai scores NFL sponsorship after GM exits

Hyundai replaced General Motors as the official automotive sponsor of the NFL with a four-season deal that was announced this week. Hyundai gets exclusive sponsorship rights for mainstream and luxury cars, though not for pickups – as it doesn't have one in its current portfolio. "There may be another automotive truck sponsor, but not one that competes with our vehicle lineup," a Hyundai spokesman said in an email. That leaves the door open for another truckmaker to enter the fray. GM used the NFL to promote its GMC division, which makes pickups and sport-utility vehicles. The Detroit automaker decided to quit the sponsorship, which it had held since 2001, a GM spokesman said. Financials were not released, but ESPN said the sponsorship will cost Hyundai $50 million a year, double what GM paid. It gives Hyundai access to NFL trademarks for use in its marketing and advertising, and Hyundai will provide promotional vehicles to the league for the Super Bowl and other events. Hyundai celebrated the agreement by lighting up its Fountain Valley, CA, headquarters this week with a football field and the NFL logo. Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is the official automotive sponsor of the NBA. "We are huge football fans at Hyundai and feel there is no better venue to reach consumers, increase consideration, and tell the Hyundai brand story," Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said in a statement. Hyundai will officially kick off its sponsorship when the NFL season begins on Sept. 10 with a primetime game featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. OTHER NEWS & NOTES Toyota Mirai rated at 67 mpge, 312-mile range The Environmental Protection Agency gave the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric car a 67-miles-per-gallon-equivalent rating. The figure is for city, highway, and combined driving. The EPA also said the Mirai will have a 312-mile range. The sedan will arrive in dealerships in California this fall and will cost $57,500, though incentives can drop the price significantly. The Mirai will also be offered as a $499-per-month lease. Both come with three years or $15,000 worth of free fuel. Toyota plans to expand sales to the Northeast United States later. Toyota's top female exec resigns in wake of arrest Meanwhile, in other Toyota news, the automaker's communications chief and top female executive, Julie Hamp, resigned.