Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has once again clinched the prestigious Retailer of the Year (Asia Pacific) award at the Jaguar Land Rover Retailer Awards 2022/2023. This marks the third consecutive year and the fourth time overall that JLRM has received this esteemed recognition.
The Retailer of the Year Award, presented annually, acknowledges top Jaguar Land Rover retailers across the Asia Pacific region. It serves as a benchmark for retailers, setting high standards for delivering exceptional retail customer experiences. Nominees undergo evaluation based on specific performance criteria in marketing, sales, customer service, staff training, and retailer presentation.
Jaguar bids farewell to an era with the launch of the 2024 Jaguar F-Type ZP Edition, a last hurrah for the iconic sports car featuring a supercharged V8 engine. As the automotive industry accelerates towards the electric revolution, this limited-production F-Type serves as a nostalgic ode to the classic internal combustion engine sports cars.
The 2024 Jaguar F-Type ZP Edition is primarily an appearance package available for both the coupe and convertible models. Jaguar has entrusted its SV Bespoke group to elevate the exterior and interior aesthetics of this special F-Type. The visual journey starts with a choice of two colours reminiscent of the classic E-Type: Oulton Blue Gloss or Crystal Grey Gloss. Opting for the blue theme brings forth a two-tone interior predominantly featuring red and black, while the grey variant boasts a blue and black interior. These colour options are a first for the F-Type.
In a nod to the E-Type race cars from the 1960s, the doors are adorned with hand-painted roundels in bright white. The grille surrounds also sport this white finish. Each F-Type ZP Edition rides on 20-inch wheels with black inserts, exuding a sense of sophistication and sportiness. The interior is accentuated with additional black trims, and special badging distinguishes this model. The car is labelled with a special plaque indicating its unique production number within the limited 150 units to be built.
Mechanically, the F-Type ZP Edition mirrors the F-Type R in P575 trim. This means it houses a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine generating an impressive 575hp and 699Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Jaguar states that the F-Type R can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.
Jaguar Managing Director Rawdon Glover commented, “F-Type has captivated sports car drivers for more than a decade, just as the E-type did five decades before it.” He continued, “The ZP Edition is the ultimate celebration of that lineage, joining an illustrious roster of heritage-inspired collector’s editions including the 2015 Project 7 and 2020 Heritage 60 Edition.”
However, looking forward, Jaguar has made a strategic commitment to produce only electric vehicles from 2025 onwards. As a result, this special F-Type ZP Edition represents a final bow for the V8 era in Jaguar’s sports car legacy.
Electric vehicles have forced manufacturers to not only rethink the powertrain, but also the design of a vehicle. The design of EV’s need to be aerodynamically “slippery” to reduce drag as they cut through the air, a design element that ICE cars needed to have as well, but not to the extent of EV’s.
The basic idea of having a slippery design is to reduce the co-efficient of drag, a unit of measurement where the lower the number, the better. In simple terms, the sleeker the design of the car, the less air resistance it faces, the further it can go.
One of Britain’s most cherished automakers, Land Rover, is no more. As the custodian of the four brands Jaguar, Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender, it is currently known simply as JLR.
They are all turning electric now and a significant £15 billion (RM82.6 billion) investment in the UK automobile industry proves it.
There are likely to be many who grieve JLR’s decision to stop using the Land Rover name; it receives not a single mention in the press releases.
Having been around for 75 years, Land Rover is a brand name that is recognisable all over the world. Its original Defender model had a highly recognisable shape which is embedded in the brand’s design DNA. It is associated with 4×4 vehicles in the same way as Jeep and in fact, spread further around the world than the American brand.
In spite having periods of difficulty at different times in its history, Land Rover soldiered on like the tough vehicles it has produced. Although it can lay claim to having given the world the first premium SUV – the Range Rover – back in 1970, it only truly entered the premium segment when the 21st century began.
The success of the Range Rover in the premium segment led to the company establishing its name as a brand on its own around 10 years ago. The Range Rover brand would be for the premium models while Land Rover would be for models like the Freelander, Discovery and Defender.
The Jaguar I-PACE has been on sale since 2018, during which time it has done remarkably well and has been awarded titles like World Car of the Year as well as European Car of the Year, among many others. It has only just gone on sale in Malaysia today and Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) can offer it at under RM500,000, thanks to the government exempting battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from duties.
Priced at RM460,800 (without insurance) for the Black LE and RM498,800 for the HSE, the I-PACE is Jaguar’s first BEV and has been designed and developed almost entirely in the UK. Ralf Speth, the CEO of Jaguar Land Rover when the I-PACE was launched, said that the development team had ‘torn up the rulebook to create the newest member of the PACE family’.
Jaguar has had a long history of making sportscars – many of which have been famous. And where the F-TYPE is concerned, it has a rich bloodline spanning 75 years that includes some of the most iconic models ever built.
To mark its final model year and also 75 years of Jaguar sportscars, the carmaker is offering special editions in the form of the F-TYPE 75 and F-TYPE R 75. These will be distinguished by unique interior and exterior design elements, carefully curated specifications, and, of course, the supercharged 5-litre Jaguar V8 engine that is synonymous with F-TYPE.
These exclusive models will be a fitting celebration of internal combustion engine performance before Jaguar becomes a pure electric modern luxury brand from 2025.
The F-PACE, Jaguar’s first SUV, has been in the global market since 2016 and over the past 6 years, it has been selling well and even winning the overall World Car of the Year award in 2017. It appeared in Malaysia in 2018 and like many SUVs in the premium luxury segment, it has not had a shortage of buyers.
With its success, it’s clear that the F-PACE ticks all the right boxes for customers and has been a well designed and engineered product from the outset. But it has been 6 years and in an industry where someone is introducing something new every month, periodic refreshing of the looks and enhancing the features list is necessary to keep the model fresh.
Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM) has now begun selling the 2022 model of the F-PACE which has some cosmetic changes on the outside and updated features within. While the overall form and profile are unchanged, the sculpted bonnet has a wider power bulge for a stronger presence.
The lighting units are new and super-slim (10 mm slimmer) all-LED quad headlights that give stronger illumination. At the same time, they also create greater visual width. The lights have a ‘Double J’ signature graphic formed with the Daytime Running Lights to identify the F-PACE from a distance.
At the rear, the new tailgate accentuates the visual width of the vehicle and below it is a redesigned lower bumper. The new fully LED rear lights with sculpted lenses are inspired by the fully electric I-PACE and feature Jaguar’s chicane graphic.
The cabin of the F-PACE has an elegant ambience merged with elements of engineering ingenuity. The revised cockpit area has a bolder, more dynamic look with greater focus on the driver. The new Drive Selector epitomises Jaguar’s approach to contemporary controls. The soft upper trim wraps round the ‘palm grip’ and proudly features a ‘cricket-ball’ stitch, inspired by iconic British craftsmanship. Below, the precision-engineered metal cradle is sculpted for added tactility and an engaging quality feel.
The centrally mounted 11.4-inch curved-glass HD touchscreen is the control centre for the new Pivo Pro infotainment system. Besides more intuitive operations, it also provides greater clarity for ease of viewing in any lighting conditions. Its simplified menu structure (mimicking a smartphone interface) allows the driver to carry out 90% of common tasks within two taps from the home screen. This reduces the time spent looking towards the display panel, which is safer when driving.
The Pivo Pro system can also connect to compatible smartphones using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto which can put favourite apps like Waze or Spotify on the display panel, and they can be operated from the touchscreen. The wireless approach extends to charging too as there is a charging pad available.
Though the cabin size is unchanged, there is a feeling of extra spaciousness with softer forms and dramatic contrasting use of colour at eye-level. One trick used by the interior designers: light-coloured finishes on lower sections of the cabin which immerse the interior in one tone, visually enhancing the sense of space.
The 5-seater cabin has exquisitely crafted leather upholstery with the rear seats having a 40:20:40 division so that there is flexibility to carry extra cargo or people. With the seats folded, there’s a long floor all the way to the back seats, ideal for bringing home furniture packs from IKEA.
“By offering modern luxury with this latest evolution of the award-winning F-PACE, we are raising the bar even further with this best-in-class SUV, which combines practicality, performance and comfort with a distinctive look and cutting-edge technologies. Everything in the design and the specifications, from the sleeker silhouette and all-new Drive Selector to the spacious and luxe interior equipped with an intuitive infotainment system, are all geared towards ensuring an enriched driving experience,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia.
“Tapping into the positive growth prospects for the luxury car segment as well as the SUV segment in Malaysia, the Jaguar F-PACE bridges both worlds as a globally renowned premium SUV. This is part of Sime Darby Motor's continuous expansion of our range of vehicles through new and exciting models,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail and Distribution of Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.
Priced from RM598,800 (inclusive of sales tax but without roadtax, registration fees and insurance) the latest F-PACE is available only in the R-Dynamic version. This has a 2-litre 4-cylinder 250 ps/365 Nm Ingenium petrol engine.
To know more about the new F-PACE and other Jaguar models in Malaysia, visit www.jaguar.com.my.
The latest Jaguar XF is now available from Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia (JLRM), the model updated with a new distinctive exterior design and enhanced interior. Priced from RM498,800 (with 10% sales and service tax, but excluding roadtax, registration fees and insurance), the new Jaguar XF will be available in the R-Dynamic version. Orders are now accepted at the showrooms.
This version comes with a revised front-end design that features a new grille with a repositioned ait intake. The Full LED headlights not only provide strong illumination but also a ‘Double J’ visual signature to identify the XF from afar. The rear bumper profile has also been given a sleek profile.
The enhanced interior maintains the luxury and comfort for which all Jaguar models are known. Its dynamic and bold cockpit design has been devised with the driver’s experience in mind. The cockpit has a sportier centre console that merges into the dashboard.
A wider 11.4-inch curved glass HD full colour touchscreen is now provided and besides being 48% larger than before, it is also 3 times brighter for enhanced clarity. The latest Pivi Pro infotainment system has a simplified menu structure that streamlines access to common tasks from the home screen in two taps or less.
With enhanced connectivity, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, drivers can easily connect their smartphones to the touchscreen and use popular apps from the screen. There is now a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones, making it unnecessary to have cables.
Other notable features with the latest XF include the segment-first Active Road Noise Cancellation technology which can help to reduce the noise levels within the cabin. The technology can lower disruptive noise peaks by 10 decibels and overall noise levels by 3 to 4 decibels. The system, which employs technology developed by Silentium, works like the noise cancellation systems in headphones. Tyre and road noise are constantly monitored by sensors on all 4 wheels and an opposite frequency is generated (through the Meridian sound system) to cancel out the noises.
The new XF also benefits from the latest generation of driver assistance technology, providing alerts to the driver when there is a risk of an accident and taking action (like automatic braking) if the driver fails to act in time. Besides monitoring the position of the car in its lane and warning the driver when it starts to wander out of the lane, there is also a Driver Condition Monitor which will determine when the driver may be drowsy and recommend stopping for a break.
The version imported by JLRM has a 2-litre 4-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine powering the rear wheels. With an output of 250 ps/365 Nm, the claimed acceleration time from 0 to 100 km./h is within 7.1 seconds. Power delivery flows through Jaguar’s 8-speed automatic transmissions which also has a manual mode that the driver can use with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
“With performance at the heart of its DNA, the new Jaguar XF continues to redefine modern luxury. With its inspiring design, intuitive state-of-the-art technology and engaging dynamics, we are pleased to raise the bar once again to elevate the driving experience of our vehicles for customers,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Syed Faiz, Managing Director of JLRM.
“We strive to offer world-class vehicles that suit the diverse needs and preferences of Malaysians. In line with this, the Jaguar XF is a mid-size luxury sedan that is best in its class, renowned for its superb performance. With continued robust growth in the luxury car market, we are confident that the latest model is a highly attractive option,” added Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Retail & Distribution, Sime Darby Motors Malaysia.
The latest XF appeared in the opening car chase action in ‘No Time to Die’, the James Bond movie that was screened last year.
Many companies are participating in the Platinum Jubilee (70 years) of Queen Elizabeth II, the British monarch, and among them is Jaguar, a very British brand. For this very special occasion, the carmaker provided 15 of its cars in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant recently, including a one-of-a-kind 1965 Series 1 E-type Roadster.
The unique E-type, which made its debut alongside a selection of historically important Jaguar E-types, was commissioned by a customer who had specific requirements. He wanted a Roadster manufactured in the year he was born and finished to a bespoke specification.
The team at Jaguar Classic set to work and tracked down a Series 1 E-type that was built just 2 days after the customer’s date of birth. Over the following 12 months, the car underwent a complete rebuild, beginning with the bodywork. Finished in a unique deep metallic blue inspired by the blue of the Union Jack, the new colour was exclusively mixed by the paintshop following numerous consultations and sample creations to craft the perfect hue over several months.
With the body assembly and paintwork complete, the engineering team went to work refitting mechanical elements – including many enhancements. The original 4.2-litre straight-six was replaced by a larger 4.7-litre engine, delivering better performance. It is optimised for road driving and married to Jaguar Classic’s specially developed 5-speed gearbox, giving a smoother, quieter and more refined driving experience.
The uprated suspension ensures the 57-year old chassis can exploit the performance provided by its powertrain, while wider wheels, tyres, and uprated brakes deliver the grip necessary for safe driving at high speeds. A sports exhaust and manifold ensure the E-type’s soundtrack suits its dynamic character.
The bespoke interior features striking leather upholstery finished in a shade of red inspired by iconic British pillarboxes. It was hand-finished using traditional methods at the in-house Jaguar Classic Works trim shop.
Modern technologies include 21st century connectivity provided by the Classic Infotainment system – combining touchscreen controls, satellite navigation and Bluetooth with a period-look that is perfectly in-keeping with the rest of the vehicle. Powerful exterior LED lighting also brings illumination up to modern standards.
Whilst most of the project has bespoke items, certain elements are also available for other E-type owners to purchase and benefit from. These include Jaguar Classic’s specially developed 5-speed gearbox and their Classic Infotainment system. The gearbox was originally unveiled on the E-type 60 Collection. Not only does it give the E-type added usability and comfort, but its installation requires no cutting, and therefore no loss of integrity to the vehicle.
Jaguar Classic specialises in restoration work, bringing old models to their original specification. It has the advantage of being in close contact with the factory and having access to old documents that can help in its work for clients. This bespoke example showcases the full breadth of personalisation available.
Besides the Reborn restorations for both Jaguar and Land Rover, Jaguar Classic has also been building the exclusive New Original continuation cars such as the Jaguar Lightweight E-type, XKSS, D-type, and C-type.
Various Jaguar models taking part in the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London recently to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years as British monarch.
