Footdown
Slinky Jaguar shows the joy of X
Jaguar Hong Kong has every reason to be excited about the all-new XJ (below). The dealership invited us to the car's unveiling in London, but most recession-hit accountants would say the Saatchi Gallery is a long way to go for a preview. The marque's new four-door 'flagship' looks sporty, is 'exhilarating to drive' and builds on the success of the new XK and XF, Jaguar says.
'The new XJ is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the quintessential Jaguar,' says Jaguar's design director, Ian Callum.
The marque might have gone into Gush Assist describing the XJ's cabin as 'a marvel in its own right', but the chrome and piano-black interior seems less fusty than its predecessors and you might agree with Jaguar's claim that the swishie seems sleeker and more airy, with a new panoramic glass roof.
Standard and long wheelbase models are available, the marque says, and Supercharged and the top-of-the-range Supersport versions are also in production. The range's engines seem impressive, too.
'All of Jaguar's acclaimed new ultra-efficient Gen III petrol and diesel engines will be available in the XJ,' Jaguar says. 'The three-litre V6 diesel, five-litre naturally aspirated V8 and five-litre supercharged V8 have already proved their breadth of ability, and they are joined by a 470 horsepower version of the supercharged engine. Fuel economy and emissions are also outstanding.'
The marque says the model's lightweight aluminium structure - with 50 per cent recycled material - 'enables the new XJ to minimise its carbon footprint.'
Watch this space for further details of the car's availability.
Serena gets a break
The Nissan Serena Green Highway Star multi-purpose vehicle is eligible for the government's first-registration tax break, with a maximum of HK$20,000 deductible, says dealer Honest Motors.
The new MR20DE engine and Xtronic continuously variable transmission make the Serena (HK$248,800 with a five-year warranty) one of the most fuel-efficient, greenest petrol-driven MPVs around, Honest says. Nissan says the Serena goes 13.2km on a litre of fuel and that tweaks to the air intake have bumped its oomph to 135 horsepower.
Its carbon dioxide spew is 176g/km, the dealer says, which is good for an MPV, but we are still bemused that the Hong Kong government should award a green tax discount to the Serena but not the Smart ForTwo,which spews about 120gpk.
The Serena boasts an all-black interior (above) and twin 'panoramic' sunroofs. The 'central walk-through' seating arrangement offers 'much more freedom for passengers and easier ingress and egress', the dealer says.
Bravo, Nissan, but if you plan to take granny out for a ride, pay special attention to the height and speed of the Serena's dual electric sliding doors.
