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Sunday, September 27, 2015

Short Drive: The Jaguar XJL 2.0 Ti - If I somehow became CEO of a public listed company, this is what I'd want

Admin 5:58 AM 0

I have been a little bit busy enjoying life with my family over this past week. If it's one thing for sure it is with family. So I have decided not to post anything over the past few days and just spend some quality time with them, as well as doing the other things that I like to do in life. I have mentioned before, it isn't just about motoring that interests me. I have pursuits in various other grown men stuff. But do note that it is all about quality of some sort.

I have a certain belief these days. The belief is simple that one should invest in a little quality most of the time in order to lead a fairly fabulous life. The simple motto one should follow is – Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. And so with quality, there is a price to pay for it. But sometimes, you can get a bit lucky as there are versions of quality that would not break the bank.

Now whilst the Jaguar XJL 2.0 Ti in this review would break the bank, and backs, of most of you readers out there, it is actually something worth every sen of the RM653,888 (w/o insurance) asked for it and is considered a bargain against its rivals. It is also a stunningly good drive and one which you actually need to get rid of the chauffeur and drive it yourself. Unless the traffic is ridiculously bad that is.

The current Jaguar XJ series has been around for quite a while. It was first sold in 2010 and has a lightweight aluminium chassis. This makes the Jaguar XJ the lightest of the full sized luxury sedans out there and it actually weighs as much as the smaller, mid-sized XF (BMW 5 series) car. For those that need more comparison, it actually is a Mercedes Benz S-class sized of car but it is as light as a Mercedes E-class. In fact, this long wheel based version is still super light compared to its long wheelbased rivals.

So what does lightness get you? A lot of good things actually. The Jaguar XJL can be stuffed with a smaller engine that what you would expect in a premium full sized sedan. This 'entry-level' model gets the 2.0liter four cylinder engine. Note that the closest competitor in this class runs a 3.0liter V6. This entry level XJL just needs a 2.0liter turbocharged engine with 240hp / 340Nm torque to get it to 100kmh from nought in 7.5seconds and onwards to a top speed of over 240kmh. All with the help of ZF's brilliant 8 speed automatic which shifts smoothly and fast too.

Now because of its light weight, its relatively small petrol engine and extremely efficient gearbox, it actually consumes very little petrol. Even though petrol is relatively cheap these days, the XJL makes ownership costs lower even more by burning less of the stuff needed for it to move. But the best thing about the lightness is how the darn thing handles. I have never actually driven something so large take corners with so much composure and surefootedness. I have drive and sat in full sized BMW 7 series and Mercedes Benz S-classes. The XJL may have the same length and same amount of grandeur, but it handles so much better than expected.

The ride is actually very good on a front steel sprung, rear air suspension setup. It actually rides nicely on its 19inch wheels and if you're seated at the back it is all cosy and quiet. I feel that the S-class is the plusher and slightly quieter of the two, but you're talking about decimal points. Once you get into the front seat and start driving the XJL, its a whole different thing. You can get nice and low in the driver's seat. The steering seems to be nice and solid with feedback coursing through the wheel. You can feel the car responding to your inputs in an instance. There is no delay and there is no feeling of added bulk that you may feel if you're taking a corner in one of the other German luxo-barges.

There is no nose heaviness like in an Audi A6/A8. There is no lurch and complain like in an S-class. Even the ultimate driver's machine called the BMW 7 series has that feeling that is is carrying a tad too much weight compared to this lightweight baby. You push or pull on the steering wheel and it follows your inputs. The nose of the car is also obedient and it has that nicely balanced rear wheel drive feel to it. Floor it mid corner and the tail with help push you through the corner. Jaguar's designers have set up the suspension very well indeed. And again, this is what 1,800+kg does instead of 2,000+kg like its rivals.

Now whilst you're doing all of that you are actually sitting in a cabin that is very cosy. The round air vents, traditional round instrumentation and that strip of walnut remind you that you're actually in something special. So does the leather and that nicely crafted gear selector (I cannot say it is a gearknob as it isn't – it is a round cylinder that rises once you start the Jaguar up). This car has that old school sense of occasion that is only found in some Bentleys priced higher up as well as in the newest Mercedes Benz S-classes. Audis and BMWs seem new school compared to this. It has that old school opulence that is severely lacking these days, even the XF does not feel this traditional. And one must note, a Jaguar may look super modern on the outside but a bit more traditional on the inside. There is no other luxury sedan in the market that has this sort of looks as all others follow the long bonnet, high roof look to it. This one looks so different yet so opulent at the same time. I love it how Jaguar brings unique exterior styling and a sense of old world class inside.

So why is RM650,000+ a bargain in terms of quality? It is actually one of the most affordable full sized luxury sedans sold in Malaysia. All of its rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz are similarly priced but all of them run a 3.0liter engine. The Ford based 2.0liter turbo in the Jaguar saves a bit on road tax, fuel costs and if you think about it a whole lot on maintenance costs. It may be a tad less refined in terms of having a four cylinder thrum instead of a V6 burble but I find that very minimal as the levels of soundproofing in a full sized luxury car to be high. Not much engine noise actually gets through to the cabin. Do note that the engine will actually cost less to maintain in the long run compared to the petrol-electric hybrid in the S-class as well as the sometimes sensitive and temperamental Audi and BMW cars.

And then there's the handling. I love a large car that can handle. Never have I driven something this long that can be thrown around with abandon. Of course if you crash it, aluminium is harder to repair but the Jaguar Land Rover 3S showroom in Glenmarie is fully equipped to do so. Just ensure that your insurance is up to date and if you do own one, drive the XJL like how a Jaguar is meant to be driven.

If by some fantastic twist of fate I suddenly become a CEO of a company earning RM2.6billion per annum this is the company car I'd like the board to buy for me. No, you don't have to buy me one of every colour. One unit of any colour will do.

Jaguar XJL 2.0 Ti

RM653,888 (w/o insurance)

1,999cc turbocharged 4 cylinder - 240hp 340Nm

8 speed ZF automatic

0-100kmh 7.5seconds

Top Speed 241kmh

Est fuel consumption 9.1liters/100km

Pros – ride, handling, lightness, performance from the lightness, old world luxury inside, equipment levels, fuel economy, affordable road tax, fabulous ZF automatic

Cons – Sometimes people want to brag about engine size and you only have a 2.0liter, S- class slightly more plush riding and quieter, wish it were cheaper

Conclusion – In a perfect world the 3.0liter supercharged version would be the one to get, but this car handles like a dream. No other large sedan drives like it. Looks like a dream too. Makes you think you're working for M.I.6 if you're being driven in one.

Sisma auto officially opens its new Jaguar Land Rover 3S Centre in Glenmarie

sisma auto glenmarie

Admin 8:07 AM 0

Today is the day before the start of the Fasting month and the last of a slew of events that automotive manufacturers have decided to do before things actually slow down a fair bit (with the exception of some binge eating and drinking of water when it comes to breaking fast). Over the past month or so I have attended numerous launches of vehicles, products and did a few tests. In fact, there have been so many launches until I have a few articles and test drive reviews in the back burner.

Anyway, today Sisma Auto, the largest official Jaguar Land Rover dealer in Malaysia has officially opened its new Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre located at Glenmarie, Shah Alam. This is the company's second major new branch after the one located at Menara Worldwide, Jalan Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur. This latest 3S centre is actually located adjacent to its old facility in Glenmarie and has a total build up area of 25,000 square feet. The new dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre features double the service capacity with 16 work bays and an interactive bay. It has a very spacious showroom, at twice the size of the previous showroom and has the capacity to showcase the complete range of Jaguar and Land Rover models. According to SISMA Auto Managing Director Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim, the company had invested over RM2 million into this new centre and it definitely shows.

This 3S centre offers all major vehicle repair and maintenance services; namely mechanical and electrical systems, steel and aluminium body and paint works, air-conditioning systems and even auto-detailing. It has all of the special tools required to keep any Jaguar or Land Rover in prefect running condition.

Aside from this, Sisma Auto also has plans to invest a total of RM20 million into new 3S centre in Penang to cater to the folks up north. It will start with an interim facility sometime in July 2015.

Things are moving in a big way for Jaguar Land Rover. The Jaguar car line-up in Malaysia consists of the XF, XJ sedans and the F type coupe. These are impressive vehicles that are actually very, very interesting to drive. The XJ L 2.0 (above) with its fully aluminium chassis construction is a mind bending drive as it keeps things so light that is actually handles like a smaller car instead of what it is....a full sized, long wheelbase luxury sedan. In fact, the smaller XF feels as nimble as the larger car or vice versa. That XF is a brilliant car too, and what everything sports sedan should feel like. I will write about the short driving experience of these two cars soon. Hopefully will get all of the backlog of writing done during this no eating and drinking period.

Also expect the small all new XE series car to be launched in Malaysia sometime before the end of this year too.

As for the Land Rover range of vehicles, everything is actually quite good. Icons like the Land Rover Defender and the flagship Range Rover carry the badge well. The other models like the Land Rover Discovery 4, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport will be supplemented with the all new Land Rover Discovery Sport soon.

These are exciting times for Jaguar Land Rover. Unique designs, styling and character backed up by heritage for those of you who can afford these vehicles. Totally different from the usual slew of German luxury vehicles we see on our roads yet still quite familiar and totally at ease in terms of quality, luxury and specification. And that heritage, tons of it. Heritage is always a good thing to have in a luxury brand. Both Jaguar and Land Rover have it in spades.

The Car Configurator to assist customers into making their choice in specification of their Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

PRESS RELEASE

NEW MODELS DRIVE SISMA AUTO’S RAPID EXPANSION

Company to retain its unique family-owned business approach and personalised service focus even as it expands

Glenmarie, June 17, 2015 – A host of highly desirable new models in the pipeline is driving dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover dealer SISMA Auto Sdn Bhd’s rapid network expansion.

The company has opened its new Glenmarie 3S centre, its second major new branch in less than a year. The first was its city showroom, SISMA Auto Kuala Lumpur, at Menara Worldwide, Jalan Bukit Bintang, which commenced operations in October 2014.

SISMA Auto is also investing up to RM20 million in a new Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre in Penang to cater to the Northern region. In the meantime, the company would be opening an interim facility there in July.

The rapid expansion is to support incoming new models that are expected to grow Jaguar Land Rover’s customer base in Malaysia in the near term. These include the highly-anticipated Land Rover Discovery Sport; and the new XF sport sedan, all-new XE compact executive sedan and F-Pace, the first-ever performance crossover from Jaguar.

Both brands have enjoyed renewed popularity in Malaysia in recent years, benefiting from Jaguar Land Rover’s aggressive product development strategy.

Jaguar and Land Rover have been introducing a succession of new models that marry design, innovation, performance, practicality and capability that have helped broaden the appeal and reach of the two brands.

Speaking at the official opening, SISMA Auto Managing Director Syed Khalil Syed Ibrahim pledged that the company would retain its signature family-owned business approach and emphasis on personalised service even as it embarked on a network expansion.

“This approach has served us well for the past two decades as SISMA Auto became synonymous with the Jaguar brand. Nothing will change despite our new expanded role as a dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover dealer and the fact that we are now growing our network. We will ensure that our customers are able to focus on enjoying the ownership experience while leaving the rest to us,” he said.

He cited the complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from customers’ residences or offices as one of the highlights of the premium ownership experience from SISMA Auto.

“The city-centre location of our Menara Worldwide showroom also makes it an extremely convenient and accessible service drop-off point for our customers,” he added.

SISMA Auto’s new Glenmarie 3S centre is located adjacent to its existing facility at Temasya Industrial Park, Glenmarie.

With a total build up area of 25,000 square feet, the new dual-brand Jaguar Land Rover 3S centre will feature double the service capacity with 16 work bays and an interactive bay. Its spacious showroom, at twice the size of the previous showroom, has the capacity to showcase the complete range of Jaguar and Land Rover models.

The new Glenmarie 3S centre will emphasise SISMA Auto’s Total Care philosophy which offers all major vehicle repair and maintenance services; namely mechanical and electrical systems, steel and aluminium body and paint works, air-conditioning systems and even auto-detailing.

Furthermore, SISMA has invested in a sophisticated Corghi Blue Light Laser Wheel Alignment equipment that enables alignment with maximum precision.

The new showroom will also feature some of the most sophisticated tools and equipment, including more than 500 special tools and diagnostic equipment unique to Jaguar and Land Rover, that will make it a truly one-stop facility for all repair and maintenance needs.

Customer comfort comes in the form of massage chairs, freshly brewed premium coffee and tea and refreshments as well as entertainment for the entire family at the waiting lounge. A vehicle configuration section and dedicated delivery bay enhance the purchasing experience while ample parking spaces at the front make customers feel more welcome. For more information on SISMA Auto, please go to www.sismaauto.com.

About SISMA Auto

SISMA Auto is an authorised dealer and service provider for Jaguar and Land Rover in Malaysia.

Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between SISMA Auto and Sime Darby Motors, is the exclusive importer for Jaguar and Land Rover in Malaysia. The joint venture was formed via SISMA Auto’s acquisition of a 40% share in Sime Darby Motors’ Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which was then renamed Jaguar Land Rover (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

SISMA Auto commenced operations in 1994 as the sole importer, distributor and exclusive accredited aftersales service provider for Jaguar cars in Malaysia. 2014 marked the 20th anniversary of SISMA Auto and Jaguar. Over the past two decades, the company has invested significantly to provide services befitting Jaguar and its VIP customers and witnessed the brand’s transformation.

SISMA Auto is the automotive arm of the SISMA Group of Companies. It was founded by the late Dato’ Syed Ibrahim Syed Mohamed and his brother, Syed Hussain Syed Mohamed, the current Chairman. Today, the SISMA Group is proudly a second-generation family owned group of companies.