THE entry-level executive market has suddenly got a whole lot more interesting – and for once, the Germans aren’t going to have things all their own way.

Mercedes (C Class), Audi (A4) and BMW (3 Series) have dominated the sector for so long that things have become a little stale and while each of these cars is brilliant in its own way, it would have been nice to have the option of something a little different to put in the company car park.

The demise of Saab really robbed the market of a fourth option, and while Lexus owners may be keen to put forward an argument for the inclusion of the IS in this most exclusive club, the Germans really haven’t had too much to worry about – until now.

Jaguar’s launch of the new XE is about to throw a mid-size spanner in the German works.

And Jaguar is wasting no time telling its potential new customer base just what it has to offer.

Following the car’s launch at the Paris Motor Show, Jaguar has opened up the order books – and it has launched what it calls its online “configurator” so that buyers can load the specifications for their perfect car and then view it on their tablet or laptop.

Jaguar says that with its dynamic design and classic rear-drive stance, the XE is set to be the “most head-turning car in its class”. It is also highlighting innovations such as its aluminium monocoque construction, double wishbone and Integral Link suspension and a range of powerful and efficient engines – including the new the four cylinder Ingenium power plant which is being manufactured at JLR’s new £0.5bn engine plant near Wolverhampton.

The new car is also bristling with the latest technology, including Jaguar’s brand-new InControl infotainment system, which is standard across the five-trim level range, as is a forward facing stereo camera that enables autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.

Customers looking to personalise their vehicle will be able to choose from a range of paint colours, interior trims, alloy wheels and exterior packs. They will also be able to specify a range of hi-tech kit like a Laser Head-Up Display, which projects speedometer and satellite navigation information onto the windscreen; a Wi-Fi hot spot, to ensure driver and passengers are always connected; and Cabin Pre-Heat via a remote control so drivers can make sure their car is at a perfect temperature every time they get in.

Other optional equipment includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Jaguar Smart Key System with Keyless Start, a Meridian Audio system, Bi-function HID Xenon Headlamps with LED Signature daytime running lights, and Blind Spot Monitor.

The entry-level to the XE range, the SE model features cloth seats and a gloss black treatment for the door trim finishers and the signature ‘Riva Hoop’ sweeping above the instrument panel. Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and multi-function softgrain leather steering wheel.

Next up is Prestige, which adds heated front seats with Taurus leather upholstery plus Phosphor Blue ambient lighting. Inserts on the air-conditioned seat option are perforated and the ‘Riva Hoop’ and door finishers are finished in brushed aluminium.

The most luxurious XE model, Portfolio features a wide range of colour options for the premium softgrain Windsor leather with herringbone perforations. The instrument panel features split upper and lower coverings in two colours, complete with colour-keyed twin-needle stitching for a truly bespoke feel. The aluminium trim has an embossed surface finish.

Additional equipment on Portfolio models includes Meridian audio system, 10 way electric front seats, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED signature DRLs and 18” alloy wheels (except on 163PS engines).

Highlighting the firm’s sporting heritage is the R-Sport. This features heated sports seats, trimmed with perforated Taurus leather. The ‘Riva Hoop’ and door finishers are in etched aluminium, and the tread plates and sports steering wheel feature R-Sport branding. The exterior is enhanced by a rear spoiler and R-Sport body kit.

The car also has sports suspension delivers to deliver better handling, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED signature DRLs, gloss black window surrounds and two-tone 18” alloy wheels (except on 163PS models).

Top of the range is the high performance S. This features a race-inspired interior including heated, perforated Taurus leather seats; tread plates; and leather sports steering wheel – all carrying the ‘S’ logo. Meshed aluminium graces the door finishers and the ‘Riva Hoop’, while the centre console is gloss black. The front bumper’s enlarged air intakes hint at the performance potential of the supercharged V6 engine (not made at the new engine plant).

Completing the look are side sill extensions, rear spoiler, gloss black rear valance, red brake callipers, Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED signature DRLs, and 19” alloy wheels. The S model also benefits from luxuries such as a Meridian audio system, keyless entry and power-operated boot lid.

From an industry perspective, JLR said the XE together with the recent launch of the new Discovery Sport reinforced its commitment to product development and global expansion.

Both the Solihull-produced XE and Discovery Sport featured prominently on JLR’s stand at the Paris Motor Show, from where JLR chief executive Dr Ralf Speth had this to say: “The Jaguar XE and the Land Rover Discovery Sport are at the very heart of the UK’s manufacturing renaissance.  

“Jaguar Land Rover is delivering solid financial results and has good sales momentum globally. Our manufacturing plans around the world and product launch programmes are on track, as we deliver vehicles appealing to more customers than ever before.”

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the first member of the new Discovery family, which forms a crucial part of JLR’s strategy to introduce 50 new products or updates in the next five years.

The new Discovery Sport is being built at the firm’s Halewood plant on Merseyside, following a multi-million pound investment.

Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, said: “Both the Discovery Sport and XE are exciting developments for Jaguar Land Rover that demonstrate our commitment to continued investment in new models and innovation.

“Costing from £26,995 for the entry level XE and less than £30,000 for the Discovery Sport, both new models are breakthrough vehicles for Jaguar Land Rover and explore new segments of the market as well as representing a step change in the customer base for both brands.”

Aston Martin set to tempt buyers with special editions

 
SPORTS car manufacturer Aston Martin, which shares its Gaydon base with JLR, has also been quick to use the Paris event to raise its profile.

Following the appointment of new CEO Andy Palmer – and armed with fresh investment – the company has been turning the focus back on to its glamorous and exciting sports cars.

Occupying a prominent spot on the stand in Paris is the firm’s new V12 Vantage S Roadster (pictured), which is accompanied by the newly-unveiled Vanquish Coupe Carbon Black special edition.

Palmer began his tenure at the head of the firm on October 1 by addressing the workforce at Gaydon before heading over the Channel to the French capital.

He said: “Aston Martin is an iconic brand with tremendous global recognition and potential. The company is at a significant point in its development. Building on our contemporary and relevant product line, we will work hard to extend the company’s global presence while preserving its British heritage and craftsmanship.”

Of the cars, the V12 Vantage S Roadster is the most potent, quickest and fastest-accelerating production convertible yet produced by the firm.

Equipped with the latest 565 bhp (573 PS) Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring state-of-the-art Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 201 mph and sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds.

The car on show in Paris also showcases a number of bespoke styling additions by the brand’s blossoming personalisation programme: Q by Aston Martin.

An expertly tailored Diavolo Red exterior paint colour gives way to an interior that includes a full carbon fibre centre stack, exquisite saddle leather detailing and the now synonymous Q by Aston Martin badges.

Other eye-catching models sharing the limelight in Paris include the sporty V8 Vantage N430 and luxurious Rapide S four-door sports car, the latter also featuring more elegant additions via Q by Aston Martin.

“A busy show stand at Paris typifies the strength and optimism to be found throughout the Aston Martin business worldwide,” said Palmer.

“The news of major investment, key technical alliances, new sports cars and the growing desire for more Q by Aston Martin personalisation gives everyone associated with the great British brand both deep pride in the present and real confidence for the future.”
 

Jaguar launches new luxury goods collection

IN addition to debuting two new models, JLR has also used the Paris show to launch something a little more in keeping with the city’s fashionable reputation.

In common with many other lifestyle brands, JLR has added a new aspect to its cars with the launch of a new luxury goods collection.

Barbour for Land Rover sees two quintessentially British icons launch their first clothing collaboration, which is ready for Autumn Winter 2014.

Meanwhile, the Jaguar Heritage ’57 Collection is said to be inspired by Jaguar’s 60th anniversary of the D-Type and features a range of branded goods linked to the winning No.3 vehicle driven by Ron Flockhart and Ivor Beub for the Ecurie Ecosse team.

Signature items include the Jaguar Heritage leather jacket and leather race holdall, which have been crafted in England and are made from soft, supple Pittards leather.

JLR’s own style guru, design director Ian Callum, said: “Occasionally it’s great fun to celebrate the past, especially something as momentous as a winning Ecurie Ecosse D-Type. The collection is distinguished by the blue flag and draws on signature cues from the winning No.3 car.”

In addition to the jacket and holdall, then collection features the Heritage ‘57 Jaguar D-Type Collector’s Model, a hand-crafted and assembled 1:8th scale model of the winning No. 3 ‘Ecurie Ecosse’ D-Type. The detailed model is said to take craftsmen 300 hours to complete and each matches exactly every element of the D-Type from exterior, interior and engine bay.

Then there is the Heritage ‘57 T-Shirt 24 Heures, a high quality t-shirt, printed with a vintage graphic of the D-Type and the Jaguar Heritage lozenge logo on the sleeve. In addition, the Heritage ‘57 paddock shirt offers “a contemporary interpretation of Jaguar’s racing history”.

Further items include wash bag, iPad case, leather wallet featuring iconic imagery, together with smaller items such as keyrings, cufflinks and a racing children’s bear.

All just in time for Christmas.

Drive safely.