Classic cream Jaguar parked on a hilltop overlooking green fields

A Brief History of Jaguar

Jaguar began in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company, producing sidecars for motorcycles, and eventually producing bodies for passenger cars. They built their first model, the SS 2.5 litre Sports Saloon, in 1935. Throughout the years, Jaguar was able to build what many considered to be ‘cars for the elite’, with many of their saloons sporting big engines and luxurious designs. They later found their way into motorsport, where they made history and won the Le Mans 24-hour Endurance Race in 1951 and 1953. With years of experience in producing high-end sedans and participating in prestigious motorsport events, Jaguar created what’s considered to be their most iconic vehicle, the Jaguar E-Type. Launched in 1961, the E-Type quickly became a trendsetting vehicle, driven by royals and Hollywood stars. The two-seater sports car became an icon in the motor industry and can be found among the fleets of collectors. Founder Sir William Lyons insisted that every car the company produced combined performance and beauty like no other. His uncompromising vision set new benchmarks that Jaguar still lives by. There is an unmistakable purity of line that runs through all of its models - agile and powerful; sleek and seductive; confident and instinctive.

Buying a Jaguar

Jaguar South Africa has seven models in their line-up, ranging from premium and electric SUVs to an executive sedan. Each model incorporates Jaguar’s typical English style and elegance. Current range of Jaguar models in South Africa: E-Pace – SUV I-Pace – EV SUV F-Type – Sports Cabriolet F-Pace – SUV XE – Sedan XF – Sedan XJ – Sedan Models currently available on the Jaguar South Africa website. This luxury range of cars comes at a price, with the most affordable, the Jaguar E-Pace, starting at R648,400. The majority of the Jaguar range nears the R1 million mark. There are more than 30 Jaguar dealerships in South Africa, and they are managed in partnership with Land Rover.

Jaguar Insurance Costs

Jaguars do come at a price, both in retail value and in insurance costs. However, their vehicles are fitted with highly advanced driver assistance and safety systems, and many of their cars have received a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which could have a positive effect on insurance premiums.

Cape Agulhas sunset at the southernmost tip of Africa

Renting a Jaguar

Jaguars receive praise for their luxurious and quality feel. They highlight the brand’s use of excellent materials, comfortable and smooth drive, stylish design, and advanced technological features. They are also quite spacious, with large interiors and substantial boot-space capacity, perfect for carrying passengers and luggage. Since the vehicles are designed and built for an affluent market, they aren’t cost-effective for car rental agencies, so you’re not likely to hire one any time soon.

White Jaguar E-Pace driving through a tunnel

Jaguar Models

After its introduction, the Jaguar E-Pace quickly became a popular model in the consumer market. It is Jaguar's first attempt at a compact SUV, designed as the entry-level model in their SUV range. Jaguar describes the E-Pace as a unique combination of looks, agility, and dynamic driving. Its driver-focused cockpit sits at the heart of the family-focused interior, ensuring a rewarding driving experience with everyday practicality. The E-Pace has four variants, with the basic model’s 2.0-litre engine delivering 110 kW and 380 Nm of torque, with a low CO2 emissions output of 147 g/km, and a combined fuel cycle of 5.6 l/100km. For information on other South African vehicle manufacturers, visit our car buyers’ guide.