What’s the model line-up from JLR for India and how do they stack up? We have the details. Now you can buy Jaguars and Land Rovers from dedicated showrooms in India. Indian owned or not, they represent some of the best sports cars and sports utility vehicles. Instead of bringing in entry-level Jaguar X-Types with diesel engines and the WWII inspired Land Rover Defenders, the Tata Motors-owned Jaguar-Land Rover combine has gone to the rarefied end of their model line-up to offer some extreme machinery for the discerning. While Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi have gone for a full-blown attack, with almost the entire range of cars being offered in India, JLR has selected the newest models, which will have a relatively longer shelf life for India. And very soon, the all-new flagship XJ will also be introduced in the country. For the moment, two versions of the Jaguar XF and XK will be on offer, along with the Land Rover Discovery and two versions of the Range Rover. Let us get to know these cars better.
JAGUAR XF and XFR
What is it?
This is the mid-size Jaguar that is getting rave reviews around the globe. Designed by Ian Callum, the XF blends traditional Jaguar lines to contemporary trends. The gaping grille may look aggressive, but it also improves the pedestrian crash-worthiness of the car. Why is it so special?
Because this is the newest Jaguar around… at least until the new flagship, the XJ sedan arrives. Two versions of a five-litre V8 will be offered initially — if the 379 bhp unit does not give you the kicks, the supercharged 503 bhp version certainly will. The XFR can manage 100 kph in less than five seconds flat and can do 250 kph when the cops are not watching. Despite the pupil-dilating performance, the XF is a genuine five-seater with a well-crafted interior (lots of polished wood and aluminium) and all the creature comforts you would expect from a car of its class. What is the price?
The normally aspirated version (no supercharger) will start at Rs 63 lakh ex-showroom Mumbai. Expect the XFR to reach the wrong side of Rs 80 lakh. What is the competition like?
BMW 5 Series and the Audi A6 are available with an excellent range of engines — both petrol and diesel. Mercedes-Benz is all set to launch a brand new E-Class. All these German brands are well entrenched in India and Jaguar is not. In short, competition is stiffer than the British upper lip. JAGUAR XK and XKR
What is it?
Another masterpiece from Ian Callum, the Jaguar XK looks better in the flesh than in the pictures. It may not be as much of a wedge as the grand old E-Type, but it defines the two-door sportscar than any of its contemporaries — both in coupe and convertible forms.
Why is it so special?
Today, Jaguar may have five-seaters that run on diesels in their line-up, but to many, Jaguar stands for sporty cars with two doors. The XKR is built using advanced lightweight technology with more aluminium than an average kitchen. While the base model churns out an enviable 380 horses, the supercharged engine is good for 503 bhp. If you like the idea of going bald quickly, then the convertible should be your choice — the triple layer fabric roof takes just 18 seconds to let the world in. More than anything else, this is a genuine sportscar that goes around corners well and one that demands a talented driver. What is the price?
The top-of-the-line XKR convertible will cost Rs 92 lakh, while the normally aspirated XK coupe will be around Rs 70 lakh. What is the competition like?
Want to spend more money? Then the Mercedes-Benz AMG SL 63 should fit the bill. Want to emulate Yuvraj Singh? The BMW 650i coupe/convertible (with a hard roof that folds at the touch of a button) will give the Jaguar a run for its money. RANGE ROVER and RANGE ROVER SPORT
What is it?
This is the machine that invented the Sports Utility Vehicle. Extreme off-road ability and all the comforts you want in a car makes a Range Rover. The formula of Range Rover has been attempted by many but none have succeeded in building such a well-rounded package. Superstar Dharmendra was the first Bollywood actor to buy one (the first generation model, back in the 1970s) in India. The King of Jordan gifted one to Rajiv Gandhi when he became prime minister. Why is it so special?
Land Rover knows how to make off-roaders — period. Some say that BMW bought Rover just to get access to the off-road technology that Land Rover had. The Range Rover is a showcase for this technology — but one that also features luxury features that can make a Bentley proud. The Terrain Response tech that Range Rover features optimises the settings of the gearbox, throttle, air suspension and traction control. Power comes from a 268 bhp twin-turbo V8 diesel or a 390 bhp supercharged V8 petrol — both can give Audi Q7s and BMW X5s sleepless nights. What is the price?
Around Rs 89 lakh is what is being quoted. What is the competition like?
The Audi Q7 has more presence, the BMW X5 is more talented on-road, the Porsche Cayenne is sportier and the Toyota Land Cruiser is a good all-rounder. But guess what, the Range Rover is THE original article.
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
What is it?
The ‘Disco’ is a more affordable SUV from Land Rover. The first generation Discovery was developed by Land Rover to counter the invasion of cheaper SUVs, especially from Japan, and has been a runaway success story. Why is it so special?
A nicer price tag, seven seats and a frugal diesel V6 motor that is good for 193 bhp. Yet the ‘Camel Trophy’ genes inherited from the Defender and the luxurious interior that apes the Range Rover makes the Discovery such a success. What is the price?
Rs 63 lakh — which makes it the cheapest Land Rover in India. What is the competition like?
Base versions of the German SUVs and now the smaller/less expensive entries like the Audi Q5 are expected to give a fight to the Disco.
