Jaguar charges ahead with new All-Electric I-PACE in Sri Lanka

From left: WelcomHotels Lanka Managing Director Arun Pathak, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton, WelcomHotels Lanka Head of Sales and Marketing Abhinav Pincha, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director Robin Colgan, WelcomHotels Lanka Vice President Subi George, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Regional Performance Manager Adeline Chia, SML Frontier Automotive Managing Director Theo Fernando and SML Frontier Automotive Director Dharshana Munasinghe making a toast to the newly launched Jaguar I-PACE

First customer Dr. Sunil Fernando and Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director Robin Colgan 

SML Frontier Automotive, a member of the Access Group and sole agent for Jaguar in Sri Lanka, launched its first New All-Electric I-PACE ceremoniously at a high-profile event to herald a new era and revolutionise the eco-friendly vehicles industry in the country. 

The launch ceremony was held at the Sapphire Residence Experience Center, which also reflects a new sustainability ethos in Sri Lanka’s luxury real estate industry, with Sapphire Residences already achieving the prestigious and globally respected pre-certification rating for LEED BD+C (Core and Shell Development) at the highest Platinum level.

The I-PACE was launched by British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton, Jaguar Land Rover Asia Pacific Managing Director Robin Colgan, Regional Manager Adeline Chia, SML Frontier Automotive Managing Director Theo Fernando, Director Dharshana Munasinghe, and WelcomHotels Lanka Ltd. Managing Director Arun Pathak. Along with the spectacular launch a highlight of the evening was the ceremonial handing over of the first I-PACE to hit the roads in Sri Lanka.  

The I-PACE is capable of rapid charging from zero to 80% in just 40 minutes and has been rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperatures from -40°C to 40°C. 

With over 1.5 million test miles and a further 11,000 hours of simulations completed by more than 200 production prototypes, Jaguar’s design and engineering teams have created a world-class all-electric SUV. 

The Jaguar I-PACE has become one of the most highly decorated cars ever, winning 62 international awards along with the European Car of the Year award. In April, the I-PACE became the 2019 World Car of the Year, also winning Best Design and Best Green Car awards, the first car to ever sweep three categories.  

FT Key Take 

The Jaguar I-PACE has become one of the most highly decorated cars ever, winning 62 international awards along with the European Car of the Year award. In April, the I-PACE became the 2019 World Car of the Year, also winning Best Design and Best Green Car awards, the first car to ever sweep three categories

Commenting on the launch of the Jaguar I-PACE, Robin Colgan said: “We are delighted to launch the Jaguar I-PACE in partnership with ITC, a highly reputed sustainable company that reflects the environmentally-friendly qualities of the I-PACE. Jaguar is a celebrated brand in Sri Lanka and we expect this emission-free, electric vehicle to appeal to premium customers that want to embrace new technology while improving their environmental footprint. Jaguar sees great potential in the Sri Lankan market and we expect to see a strong response to the new I-PACE.”  

Theo Fernando said: “Sri Lanka has been a forerunner in adopting sustainable practices and the launch of the premier electric SUV, Jaguar I-PACE, marks a new chapter in ensuring a greener Sri Lanka. This, alongside our recent partnership with the global Jaguar brand with our first co-branded Team Asia New Zealand car in the Formula E, E trophy Series flies the Sri Lankan flag across the globe while contributing towards the future of electric cars in Sri Lanka.”

The New All-Electric I-PACE, the first all-electric car of Jaguar is an evolution of the art of performance, with refined sports precision and a stunning design. The Jaguar I-PACE is now available for customers to test drive and view at the Jaguar Land Rover showroom at No. 74, Flower Road, Colombo-7 or customers can call 11 2552 444.

Pix by Sameera Wijesinghe