Jaguar just gave itself a much-needed shot in the arm to make a bigger impact in the rapidly-growing Indian luxury car market. Indians love their SUVs and crossovers and, by not having one in its portfolio, Jaguar was losing big time to its rivals. F-Pace, Jaguar's newest crossover that made its global debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, is now on sale in India, plugging a big gap in the British luxury car-maker's lineup.
Jaguar announced the prices of the F-Pace earlier this month and started accepting booking soon afterwards. Official deliveries have commenced a couple of days back, we hear. Available in four trim levels - all powered by diesel engines - the F-Pace range starts from ₹68.40 Lakhs for the Pure variant and goes all the way up to ₹112 Lakhs for the First Edition. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi. Click on the image below for a snapshot of the F-Pace.
The F-Pace's biggest trump-card, according to us, has got to be its styling. With spot-on proportions and gorgeous detailing, this Jag impresses the moment you set your eyes on it. The best part is Jaguar didn't have to look elsewhere for inspiration with the F-Pace's derivative styling borrowing heavily from the brand's existing models. The large mesh grille up front with the chrome surround, the sleek headlights with the signature 'J-Blade' design, the sexy taillights that we fell in love with - we have seen them all. In addition, the power bulge in the bonnet, the flared wheel arches and the prominent shoulder line that wraps itself around combine to make this one attractive vehicle.
With CX-17 Concept-inspired styling elements, 'S' body kit, 20-inch Venom alloys finished in gloss black and red brake calipers, the First Edition F-Pace is quite a sight, more so in the gorgeous 'Caesium Blue' colour.
Powering the F-Pace are two turbocharged diesel engines from Jaguar's 'Ingenium' family - a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder unit that produces 177 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque with a top speed of 208 km/h and a 3.0-liter V6 mill that churns out 296 horsepower and a whopping 700 Nm of torque with a claimed top speed of 241 km/h. The latter is exclusive to the R-Sport and First Edition trim levels. Both the engines are mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission with power being delivered to all four wheels through Jaguar's Intelligent Drive Dynamics software-equipped AWD system.
As you would expect from an automobile of this price, the F-Pace boasts a luxurious, feature-loaded cabin. Standard across the range are dual-zone climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, Jaguar's InControl Touch infotainment system with USB, Aux, iPod and BlueTooth connectivity, push button start, cruise control, six airbags (driver, front passenger, front side and full-length curtain), Stop/Start system, Hill Launch Assist, Emergency Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Torque Vectoring system and JaguarDrive Control with Eco, Dynamic, Normal and Rain/Ice/Snow modes to choose from.
Hidden amongst the laundry list of optional features in the F-Pace is Jaguar's Activity Key, an unique 'waterproof' wearable wrist band that can be used to lock and unlock the car, letting the lucky owners enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about losing the key.
The F-Pace is an important launch for Jaguar in India, one that could lay the foundation for making the British brand a volume-player and a strong contender against the German trio and Volvo. While the initial impressions have been positive, let's wait and see what the discerning luxury car-buyers have to say!
No comments:
Post a Comment