A decade ago, I joined a group of vehicle manufacturers on a mission to drive across Mzansi in a range of electric vehicles (EVs), not just to showcase this next generation of motorcar, but also to test the nationwide grid (very much still in its infancy). This included the Nissan Leaf, the BMW X3 and the Jaguar i-Pace.
I had previously driven the X3, but on this particular mission, well, let’s just say that Nissan South Africa had hired me as a videographer and photographer to focus on their Leaf’s exploits. So, while I got to spend some time with that particular Japanese EV, most of my time, ironically, was spent behind the wheel of a decidedly un-electric Navara. Years would pass, and I can proudly lay claim to having since driven pretty much every EV released from the likes of BMW, Audi, Volvo and others, even the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
As a result – and without attempting to deep-dive EV as a technology and its impact on motoring and society at large – will concede that I’ve enjoyed almost all of them. I’m a raging nerd, sci-fi is my jam, and I’m your classic early adopter of new gear. Yet, my concerns about electrification as a solution are well documented here and elsewhere, so I’ll admit that I was pretty bummed to have never had the good fortune of piloting the Coventry-based marque’s electric Jag… Until now, that is.
I am pleased to report, it didn’t disappoint. The visuals have only improved since its debut, with the exterior appearing more muscular – its metally skin now more taut, looking every bit like the leaping cat – promising the punchy performance that comes standard in highly torque-ative EVs. Indeed, with performance characteristics being somewhat similar between them, manufacturers have had to ‘flex’ their styling muscles and flaunt their DNA to distinguish their electric offerings from their rivals.
So, that leaves us with a heavily distilled Jaguar design that looks about ready to pounce, which, upon flattening the quick pedal, it promptly does. I say promptly, but what I mean to say is it properly tears off at the horizon. Sadly, it’s mostly done in silence, but there’s no hiding from that 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.7 seconds. And yes, there are quicker cars. Heck, there are quicker EVs, but I have to appreciate this one, not only for having been around this long, but also for only getting better with every iteration.