New diesel engine for Jaguar XF

Dec 29 2008 Peter Hayward

JAGUAR and Land Rover will replace their 2.7-litre V6 diesel engines with two versions of a new, cleaner and more powerful diesel during 2009.

The present - and very good - 204bhp V6 will be replaced by a 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 and Jaguar will add a 272bhp 'S' version.

First to get the new units around March will be the XF, which has already won so many accolades from experts around the world. They will also go into the all new XJ limousine due early in 2010.

In the XF, the new diesels are said to give an average of no less than 42mpg and emissions of under 180g/km - figures well up with the opposition.

Given the performance, economy and low emissions the new engines will almost certainly also go into both the Land Rover Discovery and the Range Rover.

Peugeot and Citroen share the jointly-developed 2.7-litre but it is unlikely they will use the 3.0-litre because it has been developed 'in-house' by the British car maker.

Interior

Jag's XF has received so many accolades - not least for its sumptuous interior, which leaves the Germans floundering.

It has features - such as the rotary gear selector - unlike any other.

FAST FACTS

Jaguar XF 3.0d Luxury

Price : £34,000

Mechanical : 237bhp, 3.0-litre, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 140mph

0-62mph : 7 secs

Combined mpg : 42

Insurance group : 16

CO2 emissions : 179g/km

BiK rating : 25%

Warranty : 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust

Marks : 10/10

Main rival : BMW 5-series