Jaguar launches XJ 2.0-litre petrol
Jaguar started locally manufacturing the XJ earlier this year which significantly reduced the price of XJ 3.0-litre diesel to Rs 96.5lakh from a whopping Rs 1.40 crore. Joining the local manufacturing trend is the 2.0-litre petrol engined XJ LWB Portfolio priced at Rs 93.24 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai, Pre Octroi).
The new XJ is powered by an in-line, four-cylinder, 1999cc engine that also does duty in manufacturer’s mid-size luxury sedan, the XF 2.0 petrol. The turbocharged engine develops 237bhp at 5500rpm and 340Nm at 1750rpm, and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The car can zoom from 0–100kmph in 7.5 seconds and will reach a top speed of 241 kmph. The luxury sedan will also return a promising fuel efficiency of 9.4 kmpl (ARAI certified).
Like any Jaguar, the new XJ comes loaded with features, though with more focus on the rear of the cabin. The features include electrically adjustable rear seats with massage function in three intensity settings, increased rear headroom, two 10.2-inch LCD screens, electric rear side window blinds, an 825-watt Meridian Surround audio system, LED reading lights in the rear, and business tables.
Speaking on the launch Rohit Suri, Vice President, Jaguar Land Rover, India said, “We are excited to introduce the locally manufactured Jaguar with a 2.0L petrol engine, a first in its segment, at an attractive price point. The recently launched XJ 3.0L Diesel received an overwhelming response from customers across India. The introduction of the all-new 2.0L petrol engine is keeping in mind our endeavour to broaden the appeal of this fabulous car to customers who are more inclined towards driving a car with a powerful petrol engine at its heart.”
We are quite curious as to how this engine will perform in a segment where the Xj’s rivals do not offer a 2.0-litre petrol engine. A smaller engine means the new XJ will be the cheapest in the lot and deliver better fuel efficiency than the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi’s A8. The new XJ is has a gross weight of 2265kg while the XF (with the same engine) weighs 2240kg, which means that, on paper, the XJ is underpowered compared to its competition.
