Jaguar has just released its updated XF range, the most important model of which for the UK and Europe is its 2.2-liter diesel. Essentially the AJ-i4D is a north-south version of the diesel Land Rover uses in its Freelander and Evoque models, which are derived from Ford’s transverse diesel.
Power is a healthy 187 bhp and, more importantly, 332 lb.-ft. of torque from 2000 rpm. Driving through XF’s eight-speed auto it will reach 140 mph and takes just eight seconds to 60 mph and, just as importantly for us on this side of the Atlantic, return the equivalent of 43.5 (US) mpg. In fact one was driven from Jaguar’s Castle Bromwich factory to the launch venue in Bavaria, a distance of 816 miles on a single tank of diesel averaging 47 (US) mpg.
It also features a sophisticated stop-start system, the first of its kind on an auto diesel, with a ‘change of mind’ program that allows the engine to almost die and still be restarted.
As can be seen from the pictures, Ian Callum’s design team has freshened the XF’s appearance with a more upright and assertive grille flanked by new, larger headlights and a higher bonnet line for improved airflow.
A day’s hard driving through the heartland of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz proved that Jaguar has got a genuine challenger to these German brands: the XF cruised quietly and lazily on the autobahns, while burying the throttle from rest released a relatively sporty engine note, for a diesel, that was in keeping with the car’s sports saloons pretensions. Since the premium four-cylinder diesel market is set to overtake the six-potters as more people downsize it seems Jaguar is well placed to make its presence felt.
At the other end of the scale the following morning was spent, first of all, behind the wheel of a 503 bhp XFR. With 625 lb.-ft. of torque under your right foot, 60 mph comes up in 4.7 seconds although, as is becoming the norm, its top speed is governed to 155 mph. This is a mighty car that pummels its way along country roads with a balance between urbane cruiser and highway bruiser.
Callum’s team has give the car a more visual edge, especially at the front so it now has real rear view mirror presence, even more so with the now mandatory LED daytime running lights blazing away. The air intakes, trimmed with bright metalwork, seem to flare like nostrils as they gulp in the air for the supercharged V-8, while re-profiled seats grip even better as the car slingshots between bends.
While the XFR is a wolf in wolf’s clothing, the three-liter V-6 diesel S is the automotive equivalent of the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing: although it boasts a healthy enough 271 bhp, it’s the 443 lb.-ft. of torque from just 2000 rpm that helps deliver 6.7 seconds to 60 and, more importantly, excellent mid-range overtaking capabilities, now much improved thanks to using XF’s eight-speed ‘box in place of the old six-speed unit.
It might feel a little nose heavy compared to the other models but it is a deceptively rapid car that can dispatch journeys with relaxed ease whilst still returning fuel consumption in the high 30s (US).
The Jaguar team is brim full of optimistic confidence, sure in their ability to deliver on their promises. Boss, Adrian Hallmark says Jaguar has to catch up 20 years in the next five and they’ll do that by delivering 40 products and derivatives.
Expect to be reading a lot about Jaguar in the next few years.
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