New Engine Brings More Power, New Entry-level Models to Jaguar Range

Another relic of Jaguar’s ill-fated relationship with Ford has been kicked to the curb.

For 2018, Jaguar ditches its old 2.0-liter turbo and adds a new base four-cylinder engine to its lineup, bringing more power and efficiency to the XE sedan and a new starting point for its XF and F-Pace.

The new Ingenium engine, designed in-house, is a turbocharged 2.0-liter unit making 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, topping the outgoing engine by 7 hp and 18 lb-ft.

With twin scroll turbos on tap, Jaguar claims the mill should address complaints related to lag and throttle response. The big technological news, however, is an electrohydraulic valvetrain that gives the engine’s electronic nanny full control of intake valve lift. This should translate into improved fuel efficiency and greater power delivery at all engine speeds. Maximum torque is now available at just 1,200 rpm.

Also new on the Ingenium unit is a reworked direct-injection system and an exhaust manifold that’s integrated into the cylinder head casing. Expect faster engine warm-up times, Jaguar says, thanks to coolant flowing through the manifold.

While Jaguar has maintained its existing 2.0-liter diesel and two supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engines in 2018 models, it adds the gas four to the higher-end XF sedan and F-Pace SUV.

That translates into fewer bucks for an entry-level XF, which sees its base MSRP fall from $48,250 to $47,775 (excluding a $995 delivery charge and fees).

When installed in the F-Pace, Jaguar says the Ingenium gas four will move the SUV to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in 6.4 seconds. Price, on the other hand, hasn’t become more competitive. Starting MSRP rises slightly to $42,065.

Besides a new engine, the XE gains a range-topping S trim for 2018, adopting the 380 hp supercharged V6 from the F-Type, which tops the second-rung R-Sport by 40 hp. Now better positioned to tackle its formidable German competition, the XE sees its entry price jump to $35,725 from 2017’s $34,900.

A limited-edition Portfolio trim is available on the XE, XF and F-Pace, powered by the 340 hp V6.

To keep pace with its rivals, Jaguar boosted the amount of driver assist technology on its models. The full suite is now available of more trims, and two new features arrive for 2018. The first is Forward Traffic Detection, which uses a forward-facing camera and corner radars to pick out obstructions, while Forward Vehicle Guidance is meant to assist drivers performing low-speed maneuvers in tight spots.

[Image: Jaguar Land Rover]