FROM RECEIVING socks for your birthday to all of my jokes, there’s plenty in this world that’s underappreciated. Another is the Jaguar E-Pace. Since its launch in 2017, this compact SUV hasn’t caught the attention of consumers like other, more popular off-roaders have done, such as its own Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque cousins.
I’ll admit to being as guilty as anyone for overlooking the car. You may remember my column in the April 2024 issue when I said that despite driving several examples over the years, I’d totally forgotten the E-Pace was still in production.
And so to put that disservice right and explain why the car is better than its lack of reputation would suggest, I’m driving a 1.5-litre P300e PHEV version from one underappreciated part of the UK another.
My starting point is Crummock Water, a 2.5-mile long body of water located to the west of the Lake District. By being enclosed by hills in every direction it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited. One of these peaks is Mellbreak that follows the contours of the western shore so faithfully, as famed guide book author, Alfred Wainwright, said, “No pairing of hill and lake in Lakeland
