There is just something about a Jaguar that makes it special

BY RICH POLLACK

Maybe it’s the lines,

the design that is instantaneously recognizable. Or maybe it’s the appointments – the plush interior and the wealth of accessories. For some it could also be the quality of the ride, smooth yet powerful.

For many however, the Jaguar with – its most inexpensive model coming in at over $50,000 – has just been priced too far out of reach.

But now, that’s about to change.

By the end of spring 2016, Jaguar will have two new vehicles on the market – a compact sedan and a cross-over branded as a sports activity vehicle. It will also have a completely redesigned XF, which will be in showrooms this fall.

The compact, the XE, will start at about $34,900 while the SUV, the F-Pace, will come in at a competitively priced manufacturers suggested retail price of about $42,400.

But wait – there’s more.

As part of what the manufacturer is calling “The Next Generation of Jaguar,” the automaker is offering price cuts on some models as well as additional standard equipment on some existing models at no extra price.

In addition, all 2016 Jaguars now come with what is being called Jaguar EliteCare coverage, which includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

“Jaguar has always been a brand that people wanted,” says Kellen Barten, sales manager at Alpine Jaguar in Fort Lauderdale. “Now it’s possible for someone who always dreamed of owning a Jaguar to actually own one.”

Between the price reduction on 2016 models, the addition of two new competitively priced Jaguar models and a new warranty and maintenance package, customers will see a considerable savings in the cost of owning a Jaguar.

“You’re getting the best of both worlds,” Barten said.

As part of the EliteCare coverage, available right now on all 2016 Jaguars, customers will see the factory warranty expand from four years or 50,000 miles to five years or 60,000 miles.

The complimentary maintenance will extend from just one time during the warranty period to all scheduled maintenance while the car is under warranty.

In addition, all new Jaguars will include complimentary roadside assistance while under warranty as well as what the manufacturer calls its InControl Remote & Protect system. The system allows owners to start the vehicle remotely and will automatically contact first responders in the event of a serious accident.

“The Next Generation of Jaguar is about bringing really great products to market that are as competitive as possible in their class,” says Nathan Hoyt, a spokesman for Jaguar North America. “It’s also about peace of mind. The EliteCare coverage says we’re going to stand behind these cars so you don’t have to worry about anything other than driving them.”

In its effort to become more competitive with the wide array of other luxury vehicles now available, Jaguar is overhauling its pricing structure on a variety of levels.

For example, the price of the 2016 Jaguar XF midsize sedan has been slashed by about nine percent, with the V6 trim model starting at $51,900. Future models could be available for under $50,000.

Buyers of a 2016 Jaguar XJ may not see the price reduced but what they will see is an increase in the amount of standard equipment available. The XJL, for example, will include quilted leather, massage front seats and traffic-sign recognition as well as the InControl system. Jaguar says enhancements on the XJ could be valued at as much as $7,000.

For Jaguar, the revamping of its pricing structure and its product line is all about reaching more consumers.

“Jaguar is really hoping to expand its footprint,” Hoyt said, adding that the manufacturer expects the F-Pace and XE to represent about 60 percent of sales in coming years.

Here in South Florida, the team at Alpine Jaguar – the highest-volume Jaguar dealership in the nation – is welcoming the changes that have already arrived and waiting with anticipation for the new vehicles.

Barten believes that with the changes, Jaguar will be able to compete even more effectively in the South Florida luxury market while at the same time attracting younger buyers who could grow with the brand.

A young family, for example, could purchase or lease a new XE or F-Pace and in a few years be ready for the larger XF sedan.

Barten, who is still in his 30s, said he’s had the opportunity to drive the XE and found it powerful, yet comfortable to handle.

“The XE will bring back excitement for people who love to drive,” he said. “It makes driving fun.”

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