Jaguar Car Dealers May Soon Offer New Features

It has been a big month for Jaguar. The company has gained its fame and following with tradition. Its line of vehicles seems to declare that change should happen gradually, and the business has always revered its past as much as it looks to the future. Critics have periodically argued that certain models continue to exist long beyond their expected shelf life, but the company always responds well in its own time. Rarely do Jaguar car dealers offer revolutionary features, but this month the company hinted that its line might see major changes—or at least, the option of them.

A diesel Jaguar is nothing new. European models of the brand have had the option for years: petrol or diesel. It’s a choice they take for granted, but many Americans have harbored jealousy for a long time, especially since gasoline prices began to skyrocket. Fuel efficiency is revered among even the least eco-conscious car driver. Diesel Jaguars get such amazing mileage that they consistently win European awards for being extremely green luxury vehicles. Since the whole line has always been among the more functional luxury cars, Americans keep hoping their Jaguar car dealers will offer a diesel option. After an exhibition last month, they may not have to hold out hope for much longer.

Just a few weeks ago, Jaguar made a widely publicized cross-continental trip in a diesel Jaguar XF. The whole journey took eight days but almost no fuel. In total, the car’s engine averaged over 50 mpg, a huge leap in efficiency above the current American models. The trip wasn’t coupled with an announcement as some people expected, but it was a brilliant demonstration of Jaguar’s potential. Many market analysts believe the act was meant to whet Americans’ appetite for a diesel option at Jaguar car dealers—and to gauge interest. As more and more luxury hybrids appear, though, that’s hardly necessary. Green isn’t just the color of cash; it’s the ideology of most future sales in the country. The masterminds behind Jaguar surely know that, which means a diesel choice shouldn’t be far away.

Engines aren’t the only major change coming to Jaguar car dealers. A more fuel efficient Jag remains speculation, but the company has begun to actively test an all-wheel-drive system for its whole line of vehicles. For a car brand that has established itself with rear-wheel-drive coupes and sedans, this new endeavor is big news, and it could cause a commotion. Here in Texas, all-wheel-drive is only necessary to drive across ranches, but in many parts of the country, this option makes sense. New England and Midwestern drivers face weeks if not months of restricted driving when harsh winters strike. For them, an all-wheel-drive system isn’t a flashy upgrade: it’s a necessity, and the opportunity to drive a luxury Jaguar over icy roads could hugely boost national sales.