LAST Saturday saw an elegant refined motor vehicle showcased when ATL Automotive displayed its range of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) vehicles on the manicured lawns of Rio Chico in Ocho Rios.

Making her debut on a splendid evening was the new Jaguar F-Type.

Speaking with Caribbean Business Report ATL Automotive’s Director of Sales Hugh Okoye said: “We are seeing an uptick in JLR sales, particularly with the Discovery. There are a set of very brand loyal motorists in Jamaica and that number appears to be increasing. The Discovery and Range Rover are the must-have brands on the roads of Jamaica and people are loyal to them.

“Later this year we will be launching the brand-new Range Rover HSE and the Range Rover Sport. There will also be a face-lift for the Freelander.

“JLR will be launching a number of new models over the next five years geared to a younger market with a fresher look, with vehicles big on reliability. There will be a Jaguar SUV coming on the market which will be a head-turner.”

JLR has seen a boost in total world sales, which in the year to the end of March 2013 rose to 375,000, 22 per cent higher than last year.

Pre-tax profits of 1.67 billion pounds were 11 per cent higher than the previous year. This profit figure derived from revenues of 15.8 billion pounds, a 17 per cent increase on last year. In the year to March 2014, JLR’s parent, Tata, will invest 2.75 billion pounds in the company.

The Jaguar F-Type replaces the venerable E-Type, which was a quantum leap in sports coupes. It will retail in Jamaica for J$18.9 million.

Speaking about Jaguar’s latest sports car Okoye said: “This car is on par with an Aston Martin and Jaguar is reflecting what Aston Martin brings to the table. It is a very fresh design and the price point makes it a bargain in its segment. ATL Automotive is the only car dealer in the Caribbean to have the Jaguar F-Type.”

The F-Type’s lightweight aluminum body structure with high torsional rigidity is the ideal platform for a convertible sports car.

The 3.0 V6 340Ps features a Roots-type twin vortex supercharger mounted on the ‘V’ of the engine to maintain its compact dimensions. The F-Type has a top speed of 161 mph and an mpg of 31.4

It has taken almost 40 years for Jaguar to dream up the successor to its E-Type. Has the wait been worth it? It sure has. This muscular roadster only comes as an automatic. Designed by the legendary Ian Callum, this two-seater is a work of art and heralds Jaguar’s return as a badge of honour.