This is the entry-level model in Jag’s new crossover range. It’s based on the same platform as the XE and XF, which is a good start, and powered by the already familiar 2.0 Ingenium engine.

There’s also a 3.0d in the range, as well as a 3.0 Supercharged petrol unit, so this is the boggo engine. As standard, it gets a six-speed manual box and rear-wheel drive, but the one we tested had an eight-speed auto sending power to both ends.

It does so more quietly than some vehicles powered by this engine, which is just as well given the refinement of the competition. The engine has its work cut out at times, though – but being so much lighter than either of the 3.0-litre units, it allows the F-Pace to steer with greater precision.

As a whole, Jag has made the vehicle extremely willing to be enjoyed in corners. Running on 20” rims no doubt helps that (though you can specify up to a 22”), yet it doesn’t translate itself into any kind of unsteadiness over bumps. The engine pulls smoothly, the chassis rides smoothly. It’s smooth.

It does need to be noted, however, that along with the all-wheel-drive auto transmission our test car was running on adaptive shocks. So there are a lot of pricey options in the mix here – enough to send our R Sport model’s £40,360 list price out the window.

Nonetheless, this is a very refined and extremely well sorted car. Its cabin is well enough appointed at this sort of money, too – though range-topping models will be up against SUVs that ask questions it may struggle to answer.

You can’t argue with the room in both rows of seats, however, nor indeed with the 650 litres’ worth of cargo you can fit behind them. Posh SUVs like this tend never to be taken off-road, but they are still expected to work for their living, and there’s every sign that the F-Pace has the right stuff to do that.

Is it good enough to displace the established leaders in the premium SUV market? Well, price-wise it threatens to make the X3s and Q5s of this world look like better value than ever. But what Jag really wants it to do is steal sales from the Porsche Macan, and it certainly has price on its side there – as well as the dynamics to make it a hard-fought battle.

Jaguar F-Pace 2.0d AWD R Sport

Location: Montenegro

On sale: Now

Price: £40,360

Engine: 4cyls, 1999cc, diesel

Power: 178bhp at 4000rpm

Torque: 318lb ft at 1750-2500rpm

Gearbox: 8-spd automatic

Kerb weight: 1775kg

Top speed: 129mph

0-60mph: 8.2sec

Economy: 53.3mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 139g/km, 25%