Auto: double hot for Jaguar F-Pace, named Auto Express Car of the year in two cateogries

The Auto Express Car of the Year award is the latest major success in an incredible launch for Jaguar’s first ever SUV, which immediately became the brand’s fastest ever selling model. 

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK MD, said: “The response to F-PACE around the world has been absolutely sensational, both in terms of critical acclaim and sales, and for it to be named Car of the Year by the UK’s biggest-selling weekly motoring magazine is a real honour. The team behind F-PACE was set on creating a car that was more desirable, great to drive, and better value than anything else in its class – we didn’t want to just be a part of the performance SUV market, we wanted to own it. This award is the proof that we’ve succeeded, and we intend to carry this momentum into all our future products.” 

The F-PACE uses Jaguar’s Aluminium Lightweight Architecture to create a light, stiff body structure, allowing for great performance and emissions across the range. A rear-wheel-drive 180PS diesel F-PACE emits just 129g/km, while the 380PS supercharged V6 model is capable of 0-60mph in 5.1 seconds. With chassis technology developed for the F-TYPE, the F-PACE is the sports car that all others look up to, starting from £35,020. 

The F-PACE comes with a selection of high-tech equipment, too, including the Activity Key; a wristband that allows owners to leave their traditional key inside the car if they’ll be taking part in activities like swimming or running. There’s also a wi-fi hotspot in the car, allowing eight separate devices to connect, and an InControl app, which lets owners remotely access functions on the F-PACE, like pre-heating, checking the fuel status or even location. 

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: “Jaguar last won our overall Car of the Year award in 2008, with the XF – a car that heralded a forthcoming range of excellent Jaguar models. With the F-PACE you get the sense that Jaguar is on a roll again; the XE, XJ, all-new XF and F-TYPE are all world-class models. But it’s the F-PACE that really stands out for us – it’s a worthy winner of our 2016 Car of the Year title." 

As well as winning the overall Car of the Year award, Jaguar also took home the Compact Executive Car of the Year title for the second year running. Before the XE first won the award, it had been more than a decade since a non-German manufacturer had been named Compact Executive Car of the Year. 

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, and the man who styled both the F-PACE and XE, said: “What an incredible evening for us; we’ve got two cars competing in the most highly sought-after categories and not only have we won them both, but F-PACE is Car of the Year, too. As ever, I’m amazed and proud by what the Jaguar team is capable of.”

Auto: Much better later than never - the Jaguar F-Pace

Jaguar has hit the bullseye with its first SUV. The F-Pace is boldly styled, great to drive, refined and proves that you needn’t sacrifice excitement when choosing a family-friendly crossover. The 2.0-litre diesel is a punchy performer and R-Sport models have all the essential kit – although it’s pricey. The F-Pace is as luxurious and comfortable as a Jag 4x4 should be, and both company car drivers and private buyers will find its price and low running costs attractive. All in all, it makes Jaguar’s first effort in the crossover SUV market a notable success, as global demand for the car will surely prove. Only some of the cheap-feeling cabin materials let it down. 

Jaguar has finally entered the SUV market with its first-ever offering, the F-Pace. It fills a gap in Jaguar's range to compete against the ever-expanding crop of cars in the crossover market. It will inevitably bring great success to the brand, even if it has to take on SUVs like the Porsche Macan, BMW X3, Audi Q5 andLand Rover Discovery Sport. You can only buy the F-Pace as a five-seater, but it's a spacious model.

You can choose from one of four trims: Prestige, R-Sport, Portfolio and S. When the car first went on sale, there was also a limited-run First Edition model, which came with a massive equipment list and enormous 22-inch wheels. That model has since sold out, but you can still get most of the options from it on other F-Pace models.

All F-Pace models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, Jaguar's InControl infotainment and sat-nav system and eight-way electrically adjustable leather seats. The interior is suitably plush, and will feel familiar to XE and XF owners, thanks to the rising gear selector on automatic models and a thick-rimmed steering wheel. You can choose from a huge number of desirable options, including a full-length panoramic sunroof and a Meridian sound system.

- from Auto Express (UK)

top  photo : Michael A.D.Edwards

Auto: GLS, Grand Luxe Saloon, (or Wagon)

No, that's not what the letters GLS designate, but it wouldn't be a far off description.

Jamaican Mercedes Benz dealers Silver Star Motors this week debuted the largest, most powerful Benz SUV - the GLS.

It matches the long wheelbase (3.08 metres) configuration of the GL line to the upscale S-line, with performance to boot.

The two models on show (one physically in the showroom) are the 258-hp diesel and the monster 585-hp GLS63 AMG for those who like speed with their splendor.

All the tech specs and expected interior trimmings are built in. The GLS also has the added feature of live exchange with the phone hookup - meaning you can use all your phone apps - Internet and otherwise - within the vehicle as you would outside.

A small but eager group of media, customers and well-wishers got the opportunity to feel the GLS (at least the stationary one) up close and personal, and to get news of toher impending arrivals at Silver Star as the company gears up for the impending Jamaica Auto Dealers Association expo later this year.

Auto: Magna Rides into Midtown

Its becoming a fairly crowded block of real estate for car dealerships between Oxford Road and Cross Roads itself. With BMW, KIG and Audi and VW already hanging their banners from showrooms in that radius, along comes another global carmaker, through their reps, this time with a Latin twist:

Magna Motors Dealership Limited, the exclusive dealers of Hyundai in Jamaica has opened its new showroom at 27 Old Hope Road, a facility built on the foundations of the Hyundai “modern premium” philosophy of simplicity and perfection, world class luxury vehicles, andexceptional industry-leading experiences.

The showroom will feature Hyundai international top sellers, including the likes of the Tucson, Creta, Accent, Sonata, and Veloster,Santa Fe, Grand i-10 Hatchback and Sedan, H1 Minivan and Panel Van. The All New 2017 Elantra will join the lineup in the coming weeks. The space boasts a creative design, with elements accentuated by Hyundai’s “shaped sky”, “vertical green”, and “cellular landscape” – which is applied to the floor patterns of the showroom, conjuring up a feeling of nature.

“Our new showroom represents Magna Motors’ commitment to the development of Jamaica’s automotive industry,” said Juan Vargas, Managing Director. “We’ve invested US$10 million dollars to date, since entering the Jamaican market last August and we plan to double that figure by the end of 2017.”

Carlos Geourzoung, Sales Manager, Magna Motors Dealership Limited expressed satisfaction with the new facilities, and the elevation of Hyundai Jamaica to meet the international brand standards. “The showroom will act as home to preview our award-winning vehicles and gain more details and insight on Hyundai. We are happy to be changing gears to ensure we exceed expectations and create even more memorable customer experiences,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming customers here.”

The showroom is backed by the Hyundai Service Centre which opened in September 2015 at 22 Balmoral Avenue. Both facilities are designed to meet Hyundai's technical performance and quality specifications, with the latter featuring the latest Hyundai servicing equipment, Hyundai-trained service technicians, and a comprehensive parts inventory.