Jay Leno hosting

Jaguar offically launched the all-new Jaguar XJ at the Saatch Gallery in Chelsea with the US chat show celebrity, Jay Leno, hosting the event. The new XJ is ready to order now with the first cars expected in early 2010. This sleek, sporting, sophisticated all-new Jaguar builds on the success of the new XK and XF models and becomes the flagship of the Jaguar range.

All-new Jaguar XJ

The car will be available in standard-and-long wheelbase options and offers three specification levels namely; Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio, allowing you to tailor the right car for you. At the top end there will also be a Supercharged and Supersport model providing the ultimate in luxury and performance.

All cars will come with the ultra-efficient Gen 111 petrol and diesel engines, with a 3.0-litre V6 diesel, 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 and 5.0-litre supercharged V8. They will be joined by a 470hp version of the supercharged engine as well. The diesel model offers a combined fuel consumption of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.

As you would expect the cars have a high specification with stunning 12.3 inch high-definition Virtual Instruments, Dual-View 8 inch Touch-screen and top of the range premium sound systems to name just a few of the new technical innovations. Car leasing rentals on the all-new Jaguar XJ will be available soon however prices can be obtained on the rest of the range now.

Jaguar XF

EurotaxGlass’s publish the industry’s residual value bible, Glass’s Guide, which is used by the motor trade to value cars of all ages. Their experts are predicting that the Jaguar XF will be worth around 18 per cent more, than the equivalent Audi in 12 months time and nine per cent more in three years time.

Jason King, Head of Market intelligence for EurotaxGlass’s, said ” The XF has made a very impressive entry into the segment and has shaken up the established German players. A striking new look, luxurious,modern interiors and much improved build quality have all helped to make the XF one of last year’s best sellers- and this all has a positive impact on the value predicted for used models on garage forecourts”.  

He went on to say “With the introduction of the excellent new 3.0-litre diesel engine we predict that residual values will become an even stronger proposition. For the customer a strong residual value not only protects your investment, but it also means that car finance packages are more affordable”.

EurotaxGlass’s suggests the following resale value figures after 12 months/14,000 miles and 3 years/60,000 miles:

-Jaguar 3.0-litre diesel XF retains 80% of its initial purchase price after 12 months (or 14,000 miles) and 45% after three years and 60,000 miles. 

- Audi A6 SE retains 62 % of its initial purchase price after 12 months (or 14,000 miles) and 36% after three years and 60,000 miles. 

- Mercedes-Benz E250CDI Avantgarde Auto retains 71% of its initial purchase price after 12 months (or 14,000 miles) and 41% after three years and 60,000 miles. 

- BMW 530d SE Auto retains 77% of its initial purchase price after 12 months (or 14,000 miles) and 44% after three years and 60,000 miles. 

Depreciation and the re-sale value of a vehicle is also the biggest factor affecting a contract hire rental and that is why the contract hire rental for some cars, that actually cost more to buy, are less expensive on contract hire. Whilst the figures from EurotaxGlass’s guide are current and relevant you can find other models that are just as cost effective using the contract hire £ shopper.

For example on a business contract hire rental, three years at 20,000 miles per annum with full maintenance included, the rentals for the two models below are:

- Jaguar XF Diesel Saloon 3.0d V6 Luxury 4 Door Auto is £622.64 per month before VAT. The manufacturer list price of this model is £33,155.

- Mercedes E-Class E350CDi BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde 4 Door Tiptronic Auto Saloon is £621.00 per month excluding VAT. The manufacturer list price of this model is £33,641.07.

This particular Mercedes-Benz diesel model has a higher list price than the Jaguar, but the rental is less. The point is that you can compare cars, that cost the same to buy or finance and look at their future re-sale values and ownership costs to guess how much your total life costs will be.

Contract hire however looks at the total life cost of a vehicle, up front, and therefore you may find that you can drive a better car than you think, which may cost you less overall.