A wider choice of engines heads a range of newly-announced improvements to the Jaguar F-Pace, XF and XE ranges.
The Ingenium engine range is expanded by two new four-cylinder petrol models and a high-output diesel unit.
The petrol engines produce 200 and 250hp respectively. The smaller unit is only available with the XE and XF, and models fitted with it will wear 20t badging. The 250hp unit can be fitted to all three cars and carries a 25t badge.
Both engines use electro-hydraulic valve control, which varies the intake valve lift for optimum efficiency, power and torque across the rev range. A new 200bar direct injection system improves efficiency and reduces emissions.
Technical first
Debuting on these engine’s is Jaguar’s first exhaust manifold integrated with the cylinder head casting. Passing coolant through the manifold significantly cuts warm-up times, when engines are at their least efficient, to improve fuel consumption and again reduce emissions.
Diesel choices are expanded by a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with twin turbos and a 240hp output, along with 500Nm of torque.
Alongside the wider engine choice, the latest Jaguar XE and XF models will be offered with ‘Configurable Dynamics’. The system allows drivers to set up the vehicle to suit their personal preferences by choosing Normal or Dynamic settings for the engine, gearbox and steering. The chosen combination is activated by engaging ‘Dynamic’ mode using a chequered flag button on the central console.
Interior upgrades
Seat changes in the F-Pace and XF see winged headrests added in the front, with powered height adjustment, the sides altered manually. All three models can now also be fitted with InControl technology allowing the driver and front-seat passenger to view different display on the 10-inch central touchscreen at the same time. For example, the passenger can watch a TV programme while the driver follows satnav instructions.
Two new safety technologies are added. Forward Traffic Detection uses a discreet forward-facing camera in the grille to warn if a potential hazard crossing in front of the car is detected – for example when exiting a junction with limited side visibility. Forward Vehicle Guidance works with the front parking sensors to help drivers park in tight spaces.
XE and XF models also gain Blind Spot Assist, and improvement on the existing Blind Spot Monitor system by applying a gentle steering force to keep the car from pulling out of its lane if a hazard is detected.
Pay for fuel on the dash
The most novel addition is cashless fuel payment. Using an app on the touchscreen, drivers will be able to drive up to any pump at a Shell service station (initially in the UK and then globally) and use the vehicle’s touchscreen to select how much fuel they require and pay using PayPal or Apple Pay. Android Pay will be added later in the year.
Once the fuel has been taken, an electronic receipt will be displayed on the touchscreen, so the driver can leave the forecourt confident of having paid. A receipt will also be sent directly from the pump to the driver’s email address.
According to Jaguar Land Rover managing director Jeremy Hicks, the new models are core to repeating the company’s record sales performance in 2016. “These models are attracting new customers to the Jaguar brand and now with an extended offering this appeal can only grow,” Hicks says.
“It is all about giving our customers more choice – all three vehicles offer a wider range of engines and a suite of new technology, comfort and convenience enhancements that will make them even more relevant for UK buyers,” he adds.
Jaguar dealers are now taking orders for the updated cars and will hope to maintain a strong start to 2017 for the brand. Jaguar recorded its best January performance in the company’s history, 20 per cent up on 2016 with 2,694 vehicles sold.
