The wraps are slowly...
The wraps are slowly being peeled back on Jaguar"s new Big Cat ò€“ the XJ. These teaser pictures were released at the Shanghai Motor Show, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-Class rival, which will go on sale before the end of the year.
The main styling changes...
The main styling changes centre on the nose, with a pair of redesigned headlights accentuating the lines of the bonnet. These run into a fresh, slimmer bumper with a revamped and simplified grille section.
On the inside, new interior trims refresh the Espace"s cabin, as does the optional Bluetooth Nav-Com system - complete with a seven-inch screen - which can be built into the dash. Under the bonnet, the French family mover is now available with a new 175bhp 2.0-litre dCi powerplant which returns 38.2mpg. This is joined by an updated version of the flagship 3.0-litre dCi V6 oil-burner that develops 180bhp and 400Nm of torque. The derv unit will be available from the spring, and can be mated to a new six-speed, flick-shift automatic transmission.
Prices range from ÷£19,700 for the Authentique 2.0-litre 16v, to ÷£35,400 for the all-singing Initiale 3.5 V6 auto. The first UK cars are expected in April.
The 2006 Espace comes as Renault designers are having their efforts scrutinised by new product planning chief Patrick Pelata. He"s criticised previous offerings from the French manufacturer for being styled to appeal to executives at the company and fellow designers, rather than customers.
"We don"t want cars the boss will like or which win contests. We want ones people will buy," he stormed.