MANILA, Philippines – British luxury car maker Jaguar, which marks its 75th anniversary this year, stepped up its legacy by coming up with a saloon that combines beauty, style and advanced technology—the All-New Jaguar XJ.

According to Mick Razza, Director of Jaguar Overseas Operations, Jaguar has been revitalizing the brand since 2006 by releasing 4 new cars in 4 years.

Its latest model, the Jaguar XJ, was launched in the Philippines on Thursday at the Republiq Club, Resorts World Newport City in Pasay City.

“The All-New XJ really underlines what it was that it was aiming to do,” Razza said during the launch. “In 4 years, we’ve completely rejuvenated the brand.”

The main man of Jaguar in the Philippines, Wellington “Willie” Soong, echoed Razza’s statement on the XJ.

Soong, Chairman and President of Jaguar Cars Inc., even called it as “Jaguar’s Brightest Diamond” because it is the British company’s most luxurious and technologically advanced vehicle to date.

“It’s one of the most advanced in technology. The car has a lot of intelligence now,” Soong told abs-cbnNEWS.com.

He said that he also used the term “diamond” to refer to Jaguar’s 75th anniversary in the car manufacturing industry. Sir William Lyons launched the world’s first Jaguar, the SS 10, in 1935.

Innovative technologies

Regional Manager of Jaguar Overseas Operations Graham Hatch, meanwhile, elaborated on the XJ’s advanced new technologies.

“Jaguar is not just a producer of beautiful cars. It is also a leader in innovation and technology,” said Hatch.

He mentioned that the Jaguar XJ has 12.3-inch high definition Virtual Instruments that complement a Dual-View technology 8-inch touch screen that can project television programs or DVD movies to passengers while the driver looks at vehicle functions.

Such technology is paired with a selection of colors, veneers and leathers not seen before in a Jaguar.

Hatch also mentioned innovations in the XJ’s audio entertainment system.

It has the 1200W Bowers & Wilkins system, hard drive-based audio and navigation systems, plus comprehensive connectivity for portable audio and video devices via the powerful Media Hub.

With the XJ’s stunning design, intuitive technology and innovative thinking, Hatch declared that Jaguar makes “cars that stand out and cars that stand apart.”

Privileged ownership

Soong, meantime, talked about what it means to own a Jaguar.

“The ownership of a Jaguar is a privileged ownership,” he stated. “It’s a premium car, very exclusive.”

He said the all-new XJ costs P9 million to P10 million.

His son, Jaguar Cars Inc. Executive Director Marc Soong, also shared his thoughts on Jaguar’s latest model.

He revealed during the launch that the latest XJ is close to his heart.

“Never have I been more excited about the Jaguar brand than today,” said the younger Soong.

The Jaguar XJ is available in the Philippines in Long Wheel Base configuration, fitted with a 5.0-Liter V8 Petrol Engine producing 290 HP of power and 515Nm of torque, paired with a 6-Speed Automatic transmission.

It can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds, reaching an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph. – Report by Ma. Rosanna Mina, abs-cbnNEWS.com