Magazine - 15/09/05

Diesel common? Not any more! In order to make the most of its advantages (price of diesel fuel) and having been able to overcome its disadvantages (noise and "sluggish" driving), the realms of high luxury have now opened their doors to it. Prestige German cars were the first to prove their compatibility with diesel fuel, by being fitted out with particle filters and advanced injection systems.

Jaguar, likewise, has undertaken to "go diesel" with its entire range. Following the X-Type and S-Type, the great XJ has, in turn, adopted a "modest" 2.7 V6 diesel engine falling short of its German rivals, the BMW 740 d, Mercedes S 400 CDI and Audi A8 4.0 TDI, all equipped with a powerful V8.

The Jaguar XJ's light (202 kg) engine was designed by PSA Peugeot-Citroën and the Ford group. It is also used in the Peugeot 607 and soon the Citroën C6. With its 2.7-litre capacity, twin turbo, and common rail direct injection technology, this unit delivers a relatively modest output of 207 hp (as opposed to 233 hp, 231 hp and 224 hp for its above-mentioned rivals). The Jaguar can, all the same, accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 8.2 seconds and has a top speed of 225 kph (140 mph), which is quite respectable!
As is only to be expected, a particle filter is fitted as standard on this V6 Diesel, whose low polluting emissions make it Euro IV emissions compliant.

Above all, however, the new Jaguar XJ offers some considerable advantages compared with its rivals.
Its lighter aluminium body means that it weighs just 1,659 kg, i.e. from 170 to 260 kg less than its German rivals. This lightness makes for remarkably reasonable fuel consumption for a saloon of this size and class: 8 litres per 100 km (62 miles) on average.
The light overall weight of the Jaguar XJ also has a positive impact on driving: astonishing smoothness and agility despite its large size (5.09 m). This should make it more nimble than its rivals on winding roads.

Interior comfort is, of course, this model's major asset. Precious wood veneers, thick leather, refined design... The Jaguar XJ belongs to the great "English lounge" tradition peculiar to the marque! The vehicle's soundproofing required the use of specific materials and techniques, notably a bonnet liner with integrated side seals, which prevent the intrusion of noise into the passenger compartment. The vibrations are barely perceptible... which is normal, considering that the twin-turbo V6 unit has electronically controlled active engine mounts which cancel 90% of engine vibration at idle. With the laminated windows closed, it's like being in a hotel!

With a price tag of around €60,000 (around £44,000 in the UK), the Jaguar XJ is good value for money in its class, with German cars starting at prices from €71,000 (approx. £48,000).