Jaguar Land Rover adds brand new XE, F-PACE to Canadian lineup
Hang onto your horses — or should I say felines — Jaguar Land Rover fans. The premium British nameplate is bringing not one, but two brand new products to dealerships in 2016: the XE compact sports sedan and the F-PACE performance crossover.
Jaguar XE
Launched in select global markets this year and on sale in Canada come spring, the sporty four-door will slot in next to the XF and XJ as a well-priced, fun, all-wheel-drive-only option for consumers. Advertised as a “true driver’s car,” the vehicle is made largely from lightweight aluminum and includes a choice of two engines. A fuel-thrifty 2.0-liter turbo diesel powerplant, badged the 20d, makes 180 horsepower.
“The new generation of Ingenium diesel engines are wholly designed and manufactured in-house at our new engine plant in Wolverhampton (UK),” said Ron Lee, Jaguar group chief powertrain engineer.
“No opportunity has been missed in ensuring their design is right on the cutting edge of technical advancement to achieve the highest levels of efficiency, performance and refinement.”
Alternatively, for speed junkies the 35t offers a 3.0 L V6 producing 340 horsepower. The supercharged motor will allow for a 0 to 100 km/h time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
The exterior of the XE borrows some style from both the mighty F-TYPE and iconic E-TYPE, shown in the muscular hindquarters and circular headlights, respectively. The car features short overhangs on both ends, a coupe-like silhouette, and inside, drivers sit low further reinforcing its sporty pretentions.
Jaguar F-PACE
The automaker announced their first five-passenger performance compact SUV addition to the Jaguar family back in January, and officially unveiled the vehicle recently at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Like the XE, there’s no doubt that the F-TYPE provided a source of inspiration. Just look at the slim rear LED taillights, raked roofline and rear fender bulges. To match the aggressive appearance, three powertrains will be available in Canada: a 180 hp, 2.0 L turbo four-cylinder diesel; a 340 hp, 3.0 L supercharged V6; and a 380 hp, 3.0 L supercharged V6. All trim levels are equipped with AWD.
The F-PACE promises to be one of the most practical models for the company, affording nearly 950 litres of cargo capacity in the luggage compartment. Buyers also receive Jaguar’s first ever Activity Key, a shock and weatherproof wristband that acts as a remote when worn, so you can feel free to leave your keys safely locked in the cabin while you’re out on an adventure. Non-battery operated, drivers just need to stand near the tailgate to activate the lock and unlock feature.
The gasoline versions are expected to hit stores first, in the spring of 2016, with the diesel variant to follow afterwards. Both the XE and F-PACE will be badged as 2017 vehicles.
