Jaguar Reviews

Modestly priced for what it is, the Jaguar XK is a sleek and powerful grand tourer. Two body types are offered, a closed coupe and a convertible, the latter using a soft-top in the traditional manner, which suits us as folding hardtops don’t have the same pure feeling as a rag-top.The XK series was reintroduced to Australia in October 1996 after an absence of many years. It sold well immediately and these older cars are available for pretty reasonable prices on the used market.Having said that, our preference is for the new model launched in May 2007 as it’s considerably lighter than the older car due to its all-aluminium body. The shape of the Jaguar XK, from the nose with its big, oval opening, to the raised, rounded tail is borrowed from the famous Jaguar E-Type and works exceptionally well.The dashboard uses a traditionally styled, timber-faced design that's flatter than is normal these days. Yet with its smallish, round instruments and low-set face it looks just right in these big British sports machines.Naturally these Jaguars come with the usual leather-and-wood trimmed interiors, and a choice of standard and sports variants. Power comes from a V8 engine, interestingly, the first engine of this configuration ever used in a Jaguar as the company had made its name building gorgeous straight sixes.Initially the V8 had a 4.0-litre capacity. That was raised to 4.2 litres when the engine was heavily revised in 2002. Further changes with the new model of 2007 improved the 4.2 again.The powerplant to go for if your budget will stand the strain is the 5.0-litre V8 first imported to Australia in January 2010. Continuing the modern tradition the 5.0 powerplant is offered in natural or supercharged aspiration.Jaguar V8s have that certain sound and feel that appeals to car enthusiasts the world over. At the top of the performance tree sits the ‘Jaguar XKR with R features’. With semi-race suspension, Brembo brakes and a big emphasis on very serious motoring it’s a car to dream about from a Jaguar enthusiast’s point of view.Considerably more expensive than even the standard XKR they weren't a huge sales success in Australia, probably because of our too-low speed limits. Handling is good, without being outstanding in its road grip. Generally these cars are fine on Australian roads, but aren't always happy on the really rough stuff.Try it for yourself if you live in an outlying region. Jaguar XK8s used a five-speed automatic transmission until the 2002 revamp and a six-speed auto from then onwards. The older automatics use Jaguar's clever J-gate mechanism to allow a fair degree of 'manual' control over it.Good as that system was in its day it feels a bit old fashioned when compared to the latest generation of tiptronic-type automatics. Some bemoan the lack of a manual option in a sportscar, but Jaguar’s market research had shown fewer than five percent of buyers would have opted for it.Insurance isn't as expensive as you might expect given the performance nature of the car. Provided, that is, you have a good driving record and live in an area where theft is seldom a problem. Ask about any extra charges for the supercharged variants.The dealer network in Australia is long established and operates efficiently. Spare parts aren't cheap, but are in line with the purchase price of the car. Better built and more reliable than older Jaguars, the latest Jaguar XK models are complex cars and servicing and repairs should be left to the professionals.WHAT TO LOOK FORA professional inspection should be regarded as essential. You may wish to do some initial checks to save racking up too many inspection bills. Be sure the engine starts promptly, idles smoothly and does not blow smoke from the exhaust when the big Jag is accelerated hard.Be sure the automatic transmission goes into gear within about a second of the selector being moved into Drive or Reverse. Check the ‘manual-gearbox’ functions work correctly.Look for rust in the lower areas of the body. It is not normal but can be expensive to repair. At the same time look for signs of previous crash repairs, such as mismatched paint or ripples in the finish.Look at the condition of the trim, carpets, dash-top and other interior fittings, particularly in a convertible. If you notice any water stains on the convertible’s seats ask the seller to remove the carpets so you can check under them.A genuine Jaguar battery should be fitted as other units may not provide enough power and the electrical relays may not work.CAR BUYING TIPFew sportscars are driven in the manner their designers intended, but are actually used as look-at-me cruisers - no marks for guessing which is likely to be the better buy.DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:Length: 4968 mmWheelbase: 2760 mmWidth: 1786 mmHeight: 1402 mmTurning Circle: 11.0 metresKerb Mass: 1695 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 66/8 litresSUSPENSION AND BRAKES:Front Suspension: Three link, coil springs, gas shocksRear Suspension: Multi link independent, coil springs, gas shocksFront Brakes: DiscRear Brakes: DiscPERFORMANCE:0-100 km/h Acceleration: 7.8 secondsFUEL CONSUMPTION:Type: 95RONCombined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 8.3 L/100kmGREEN VEHICLE GUIDE RATINGS:Greenhouse Rating: 7/10Air Pollution Rating: 7.5 /10STANDARD WARRANTY:Three years/ unlimited km

They're still the epitome of British pace, space and grace. Although Jaguar is now owned by the Indian company, Tata Motors, the change of ownership hasn’t affected the very Britishness of its vehicles. Back in the 50s and 60s Jaguar used the slogan “Grace, Space and Pace” and while there may be question marks around the rear seat space in the XF there’s no argument about the other two.Jaguar XF 2.0 comes in two variants, Luxury and Premium Luxury. As well as the standard safety features (multiple airbags, enhanced ABS brakes package and electronic stability program) the XF Luxury comes with front and rear parking sensors, brake pad wear indicator, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers and semi-adjustable power front seats.For an extra $6510 the Premium Luxury adds 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch in the Luxury), reversing camera, folding side mirrors, full leather trim and fully-adjustable powered front seats. Both models come with an alloy space saver spare wheel.And then there’s the pricing. When the first models in the XF range arrived here in 2008 every one had a six-figure price tag. At $68,900 the new XF 2.0 is not only around one-third cheaper than that, it’s also about $10,000 below the corresponding entry-level models from Audi (A6), BMW (5-Series) and Mercedes-Benz (E-Class).Jaguar’s 2013 model year upgrade also included the option of a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine meaning that all five Jaguar XF engines now have some type of forced induction. Completing the ticking of boxes the price of the XF 2.0 Luxury, at $68,900, is just over $20,000 below that of the equivalent 3.0.Such have been the advances in engine technology in recent years that, despite having a capacity around one-third smaller, the new XF 2.0 produces both higher power (177 kW compared to 172 kW) and torque (340 Nm versus 284 Nm) outputs than the outgoing naturally-aspirated V6.At the same time fuel consumption drops from 10.5 litres per 100 km to 8.9 L/100 km, and emissions from 249 to 207 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.Although it’s tuned differently, the engine is the same as that in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost that recently took out the Australia’s Best Car award for Large Cars Under $60,000. It’s also used in the Ford Mondeo, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander. In the Jaguar, it gets the added advantage of being mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, now standard across the XF range.There’s certainly a gracefulness about the XF that sets it apart from its German competitors, both on the outside and inside. Its renowned designer, Ian Callum, has managed to combine a contemporary appearance without losing the traditional Jaguar looks demanded by potential buyers.So there’s a large radiator grille, circular headlights that are faired into the bonnet, swooping lines and a cat-like rear end. We just love the elegant simplicity of the XF’s interior that includes air vents and a mouse-like gear selector that retract when the engine is turned off.There’s plenty of space for front seat occupants, including a surprising amount of headroom. Things aren’t so good for those in the rear seats with minimal legroom when the front seats are at their limit. Headroom does decrease but wasn’t as restricted as we expected.We were able to drive both the Luxury and Premium Luxury versions of the Jaguar XF 2.0 from Sydney to the Central Coast on a mix of motorway, urban and rural conditions. Such was the smoothness and refinement from the new engine that it was easy to forget that it only had four cylinders. There is just a touch of turbo lag but no more than in its competitors.We love the firmer ride of the latest XF and the extra feel for the road that it provided once we hit the back roads, yet it’s had little or no affect on comfort and absorbed the occasional pothole without causing any wincing from the occupants. Even with the four-cylinder engine this very affordable Jaguar has all the hallmarks of an excellent long-distance cruiser.While the route chosen for the test was fairly benign there were enough hills and bends to show that the big Jag to be nicely balanced with responsive steering.The new Jaguar XF 2.0 ticks all the right boxes.

The cat has the cream as Jaguar updates its XJ flagship for 2013. The creaminess comes from two new engines, one the same as the EcoBoost motor in the Falcon four, as Jaguar looks for better efficiency and more friends for its global flagship.The four-cylinder XJ is still not confirmed for Australia even though it's a no-brainer at all levels, but a supercharged V6 takes over as the best bet for fans of the full-sized cat, thanks to a combination of classy performance and efficiency that trumps the V8 that's being dumped,The two new engines are also going into the XF that's the big mover for Jaguar, together with their eight-speed automatic gearbox, which shows the importance of the change. There are still lots of questions about the XJ update for Australia - with no news yet on the all-important prices for a car that currently starts at $253,600 - but the future is looking better.A preview drive in Britain shows the XJ rides a little nicer, as well as the potential for a four-cylinder engine that works just as well in the Jaguar as the Falcon. As for the supercharged V6, it's brilliant.VALUEWe'll have the full score at the opening of the Australian International Motor Show next month, when Jaguar plans to go public on prices. But the four-cylinder engine should set a new benchmark for the luxury class, not just Jaguar, and force Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz to re-assess their own cars."We are maintaining a strong value position," that's all I can say, Jaguar spokesman Kevin Goult tells Carsguide. "To be honest, we still haven't made a decision on the four-cylinder engine. We're waiting to see the reaction from the marketplace." The supercharged V6 takes over in the heart of XJ, where the 5-litre V8 model is currently set from $253,600, so there could be some extra value there.Any chance could be partly driven by the strength of the Australian dollar, with Jaguar disguising its move - and protecting resale values - by putting any change down to the new engines.TECHNOLOGYInstalling a four-cylinder engine in the XJ is an even more significant move than the similar change to the locally-made Falcon earlier this year. Even if they cannot tell the difference - and most people won't - there are a lot of snooty luxury buyers who would never consider a car without a luxury engine.But the EcoBoost four - even though Jaguar is not calling it that - makes a powerful case with everything from fuel economy of 9.3 litres/100km during our British preview drive to a useful 177 kiloWatts and 340 Newton-metres of torque. The outputs are not huge, but the 2-litre turbo four gets help in the XJ from the car's lightweight alloy structure and the brilliant eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox. That means it doesn't have as much heavy lifting to do, and there is always a gear to keep it in its best operating range.The new 3-litre V6 is effectively three-quarters of the outgoing naturally-aspirated V8 - a supercharged V8 continues - developed in-house by Jaguar engineers to produce 250 kiloWatts and 450 Newton-metres. It, too, has been tweaked to the eight-speed auto and to deliver a solid overtaking surge ahead of all-out punch. Impressively, it also returns 9.4 litres/100km in official testing. Both engines will go into the XF and promise even more impressive results there.So, what does this really mean for luxury cars, and the V8s that have always been so popular in Australia thanks to the Falcon and Commodore? "I don't think you're seeing the end of V8s, but they are downscaling. There will always be a market for top-end performance cars. But the mass volume will be moving down," says XJ program boss, Andy Dobson. The engine changes require a little fine tuning of the suspension, with Jaguar taking the chance to answer customer complaints with softening at the rear end.DESIGNNothing to see here. There is absolutely zero cosmetic change to the XJ, not even badges or paint colours. But Jaguar is working on a number of things for 2014 and beyond, including the three biggest Carsguide complaints in the cabin. They are the over-styled clock, a messy panel join in the centre of the dash, and digital instruments that read grey-on-grey instead of white on black.The clock goes first and the rest will be improved over time, designer Wayne Burgess tells me at the preview drive of the XJ. But now I'm recalling that Jaguar has had a change of sound system for 2013, switching from Bowers&Wilkins to Meridian. It's been made for financial reasons, although Burgess is talking-up the brand introduced in the brilliant Range Rover Evoque, and that does mean slightly different speakers in the cabin.Just in case you think Jaguar has gone soft of the styling, here's the official answer from Dobson. "We didn't ask for it. There's nothing that needs correcting. We made a very strong design statement with the car in the first place," he tells Carsguide.SAFETYOnce again, no change. There is no ANCAP score for the XJ but there is equally no reason not to expect a five-star standard. And it is loaded with all the high-tech stuff you expect in a flagship car to help with everything from parking to crash avoidance and driver mistakes.DRIVINGCreamy. That's the word that jumps into my head as I set off with the new V6 in the nose. The slow-speed response is creamy, the mid-range surge is creamy, and the suspension gives a creamy ride in both freeway conditions and narrow country lanes. The XJ is obviously familiar, and the downsized engine - although it's really only the number of cylinders, since the supercharger easily picks up the slack - does a brilliant job in all conditions. The eight-speed auto is a revelation, always picking the right gear for the conditions and - in paddle-shift manual use - shocking me at times. Once, overtaking from around 80km/h, I push on and then realise we're at 110km/h with five gears still to go. Now, about the 2-litre four. I'm a huge fan of the Falcon with the EcoBoost engine, which should be the only engine in the Aussie favourite, and it also works brilliantly in the big cat.It has more than enough performance for the job and, honestly, no-one who chooses an XJ is ever going to pick it. Until they get to the bowser. It provides easily enough performance to match the traffic, with reserves for overtaking, and the eight-speed also keeps it operating at maximum efficiency at all times and for all jobs.Turning away from the engines, the XJ update produces a slightly nicer ride but the car is still too bumpy and jumpy over acne-scarred roads and there is room for more improvement for local conditions. To be honest, XJ buyers should be looking at smaller wheels to get tyres with more compliance, instead of slavishly following the trend to the zero-compliance rubber that comes with 20-inch alloys.Looking around, the rest of the 2013 package is unchanged from the XJ's arrival around two years ago. I've come to accept, although not like, the car's plump rump and the rest of the deal has always worked well. Now we have to wait and see if Jaguar Australia has the bravery to bring the four-cylinder XJ and really give luxury shoppers a reason to move away from the German heavyweights. 

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2011 Jaguar X-Type as a used buy.

What is it about this breed of machine that holds such appeal? Jaguar - oft-maligned for poor reliability but endeared to many by its performance and charisma, the XF is the brand's entry-level model. It's Jaguar's best-selling model across the world, as the brand (and its Land Rover sibling) make sales hay while the sun shines, in China and India particularly. Not so in Australia, where the big cat took a 20 per cent cut in sales as the Green Oval went a similar percentage in the positive direction.As Jags go, it's a cut-price bargain - the XF Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel starts at $78,900, which also buys an eight-speed auto when the petrol cars only only get six speeds. The Jag - as you'd expect in the price bracket - has keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth phone and sound system link, rain-sensing wipers, 17in alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a USB-input for the touchscreen-controlled 10-speaker sound and DVD system, parking sensors both ends and a rear camera, automatic headlights, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, LED running lights and LED rear tail lights.The centre and exterior mirrors are auto-dimming and the exterior mirrors have puddle lights and power-folding function so they are less chance of being removed by a passing truck.The company says the little diesel XF is the most efficient Jag ever - it has 140kW and 450Nm (including 30Nm on overboost) on offer from the 2.2-litre double overhead cam 16-valve intercooled turbodiesel four-cylinder. Jaguar says the entry-level model returns 5.4l/100km (we averaged 9l/100km) and says it has driven more than 1300km on a tank. The engine has low-friction pistons and sits on active engine mounts to help reduce the vibration and improve cabin refinement, also aided by no shortage of noise insulation material, but you still know it's a diesel. Part of the frugal nature of the 2.2 comes from the fuel-saving stop-start system, which automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds, which the company says can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by between five and seven percent.The XF 2.2 gets the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which claims complete gearshifts in 200 milliseconds - it's a smooth and quick unit but sometimes indecisive, perhaps being spoilt for a choice of ratios. The XF is an elegant machine, sharper than its predecessor - the front headlights in particular have a cleaner look to them. Following the new look introduced by the XJ, the XF aimed to look a little more lithe and sporting than the big limo - "We have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class," said Jag design director Ian Callum. The cabin is as you'd expect - there's leather galore and its a comfortable interior to dwell in - although perhaps not as roomy as you'd expect. The centre stack still has the rising gearshift knob and the rolling vents at start-up, and the touchscreen, clear instruments and a new digital speed readout. The boot is not overly deep but still offers 500 litres of cargo space with a space-saver spare tyre beneath the floor.The NCAP four-star XF packs six airbags into the cabin - dual front, front-side and full-length curtain units - and has anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, the corner brake control system and a clever front bonnet that pops up to reduce pedestrian injuries; front seat occupants also get active head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.The emergency brake assist system offers the driver full braking force in a panic stop and also fires up the hazard lights to warn following drivers of an emergency stop - something not exclusive to Jaguar but a feature that should be on all cars.Long-nosed and elegant, the XF has a hint of arrogant menace about it at standstill. There haven't been too many ugly Jags - perhaps the S-Type is the exception - and the XF is a handsome machine. What flies in the face of the styling is the chuggy noise coming from the sculpted snout when you hit the ignition button that pulses red. It's not a tractor noise but it's not as smooth-sounding as the big V6 drinking the same fuel. It still lays claim to an 8.5 second sprint to 100km/h and it feels as though that's not optimistic - part-throttle pressure is all that's required to slip quickly through the eight-speed auto's ratios and leave the traffic behind. The driver is well accommodated by the updated seating and has no shortage of things at the finger tips. The sound system produces a quality noise and teams with media devices through USB or Bluetooth, but on several occasions the system was silenced by an unknown issue.Despite recognising the iPhone was integrated - for music and phone calls - and displaying as much on the screen, the XF refused to pass on the music or the person at the other end of the phone. Stop the car, switch it off, open door, lock it, wait, unlock it, re-start and - hey presto - noise a-plenty, but that didn't work the next time. Curious and as yet unanswered.It was a disappointing footnote to an otherwise decent driving experience - the ride is not too firm yet it points into bends with purpose (although the steering could still do with a little more feel), and once accustomed to the power delivery and the automatic is a quick and frugal point to point car. The high rump makes sensors front and rear, as well as a reversing camera, required features.The thirst is low and the outputs considerable, but there's something about the four-cylinder diesel noise that offsets the sporting elegance of the XF.Occupants are comfortable and well-catered for with equipment (when it doesn't go AWOL) and may not be bothered by the diesel engine noise, but anyone image-driven might prefer a quieter idle. That said, it's a $24,600 step up to the diesel V6 - what price a soundtrack?

Looking at the Jaguar XF's speedo showing 110kmh doesn't compute when you glance across at the tacho registering a scant 1300rpm. But that's what the new turbo diesel four pot Jaguar XF 2.2 does on the highway. It cruises just above engine idle speed.FRUGALSome cars would be humming away at 3000+rpm sucking fuel like there's no tomorrow. Not the XF 2.2 which is claimed to be capable of 5.4-litres/100km. We couldn't get that but saw a reliable 6.5-litres/100km with mixed driving.Doesn't matter how you cut it, this sort of fuel economy from a 1700kg medium large luxury sedan car is damn impressive. Needless to say, the XF 2.2 is the most economical Jag ever made.PERFORMANCEAnd it goes pretty well too thanks to the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine made by PSA in Europe. PSA is an offshoot of Peugeot and supplies engines to BMW and Mini.This engine is also in the Land Rover Freelander and new Range Rover Evoque. It's a good-un capable of delivering a handy 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.Not as good as the Benz 2.1 turbo diesel rated at 150kW/500Nm but enough not to notice. There's an eight-speed auto driving the rear wheels with seamless precision and paddle shift if you want a sporty drive.VALUEThe entry level XF Luxury hits the showroom at $78,900 plus on roads but start ticking the boxes for options and up it goes - rapidly. We drove the Premium Luxury model at $86,100 with more kit but you can still crank it up. Happy with the Luxury?It gets you leather, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, automatic dual climate control, air filtration, auto bixenon headlights, LEDs front and rear, a seven inch colour info ' touch screen and multi' steering wheel controls.Other goodies include an electric park brake, pop up dash vents, pop up gear selector knob and rain sensing wipers. The XF was revised recently inside and out but still looks like.....an XF with XJ headlights.THE DRIVEThe 2.2 is great to drive and you wouldn't know it was a four cylinder diesel except under hard acceleration because of low noise and vibration. It hauls the big sedan around with aplomb. Ride quality is supple and controlled and overall drive feel is positive.DOWN SIDEBut it only gets a four star crash rating, has a space saver spare and there is some lag off idle when you punch the accelerator - waiting, waiting, whoosh. The test vehicle developed an annoying frequency vibration in the front door area which would drive an owner nuts. We didn't `get' the engine stop/start system that seemed to have its own agenda. The boot opening is narrow.VERDICTIt's up against some classy opposition in the BMW 520d, Benz E220CDi and Audi A6 2.0 front wheel drive -  all around the same money. Hard call.....JAGUAR XF 2.2L TURBO DIESELPrices: $78,900 (Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel), $86,100 (Premium Luxury 2.2 diesel), $84,990 (driveaway Luxury 2.2 white or black)Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kmService: 26,000km (diesel), 24,000km (petrol)Safety: 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlEngine: 2.2L litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 140kW/450NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 5.4 l/100kmCO2: 149g/kmDimensions: 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)

GRAND touring in luxury has just become more affordable. Jaguar this month releases its updated XF saloon range with its first four-cylinder model; an entry level diesel which is the cheapest XF yet, will cost just $1200 in luxury car tax, has huge service intervals and is Jaguar's most frugal car ever.Jaguar Australia brand manager Kevin Goult says they tried hard to come in under the $75,000 luxury car tax threshold for vehicles with fuel economy under 7L/100km."But we also wanted to put a lot of kit in it, so in the end you only pay about $1200 in luxury tax," he says.The 2.2-litre diesel model is set to be the big seller in the range comprised of two V6 diesels, a V6 petrol and two V8 petrol models, one of which is supercharged. Goult says he believes the new diesel will attract more women to the brand which already has a respectable 40 per cent female customers."Although, women represent about 60 per cent when it comes to the decision-making," he says. "This car allows us to appeal to a much wider demographic."However, he's not concerned about Jaguar losing some of its exclusivity by being more affordable."We will just have a bigger membership of an exclusive club," he says.VALUEPrices start at $78,900 (plus on-road costs) for the 2.2-litre diesel Luxury model, making it the cheapest XF yet. The Premium Luxury ($86,100) model adds full leather upholstery not just an alcantara insert, door mood lighting, different style wheels, dark rosewood veneer trim and satnav with 30GB hard drive. However, the base model is being made available with satnav ($2495) at the nationwide driveaway price of $84,990 at launch.These prices undercut the trio of German competitors (5 Series, E Class and A6). It even offers a viable alternative for people wanting to step up from a BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class and Audi A4. However, the big value proposition is in the extra kit these cars come with as standard that are extras in the others such as Bluetooth with audio streaming, HID lights, 30GB hard drive audio system and satnav.Cost of ownership is also very attractive with service intervals every 26,00km for the diesels, and 24,000km for petrol models.Prices for the other XF models have changed relevant to a shift in specification levels. For example the 3.0L V6 diesel Luxury has been down-specced to the same level as the 2.2L diesel Luxury with a $4000 price drop, while other models have increased specification and price rises starting from $700.DESIGNNike may want its swoosh back. Jaguar has stolen it for its signature daytime LED running light display around the headlights. They call it a J Blade design and it is the most significant and obvious exterior styling change.The new headlight shape requires a different line for the bonnet which also has a more aerodynamic design for less wind noise and more effective windscreen wiper operation. Out back there are LED taillights and on the side is a larger triangular vent.There has been more tweaking inside, including the loss of the touch-sensitive glovebox button they made so much of when the XF was released. It's now a conventional button. Jaguar Australia product manager Andrew Chapman says the conventional button is "easier to find in the dark".Other interior tweaks are more comfortable seats, a colour info touch screen with more buttons underneath for easier navigation and full-colour instruments. It didn't actually need any more design tweaks inside or out as it was already a far more exciting offering than any of its bland German competitors. Now it's just that little bit bolder and classier at the same time.TECHNOLOGYApart from the new entry-level diesel, the biggest technological update is the eight-speed auto in the diesel models. It's made by ZF, but electronically programmed by Jaguar for optimum performance and integration with the automatic stop-start function which helps the little 2.2-litre turbo diesel achieve fuel economy of 5.4 litres per kilometre. That's Jaguar's most frugal car yet.The gearbox has a clever system that drops out of drive when the car is stationary plus a Tandem Solenoid Starter for intelligent" stop/start that allows quicker re-starts in stop-start traffic and can refire the engine before the stop cycle is complete if needed.Another clever transmission function is Jaguar Easy Off which engages park and turns off the engine when the car has stopped and the driver releases the seatbelt. You still have to manually activate the electronic park brake.The 2.2-litre diesel is the third-generation version of the powerplant used before in the Freelander, but turned from east-west to north-south in the engine bay. It's a quiet and smooth engine that rivals not just the BMW 520d, but the 530d for manners, if not outright output. It produces just 140kW of power, but a very healthy 450Nm of torque and idles along at just 1800 revs at highway speeds. There are no changes to the other engines.Technology in the cabin has been improved with the easier-to read colour touch info screen, audio streaming added to the Bluetooth function and 30Gb hard-drive Bowers & Wilkins audio system that has been beefed up from 440 watts to 1200 watts.SAFETYThe new XF has the same four-star safety rating as its predecessor. There are no plans to have it re-tested as the basic chassis and body is unchanged. Safety features include ABS, traction control, stability control, electronic brake force distribution and six airbags including full-length curtain airbags.DRIVINGJaguar is making no bones about the impact of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. In fact, the national launch in northern NSW this week was all about the new diesel with no other models available for test. In a spirited 300+km gallop through the bumpy and winding roads of the border ranges, the little diesel never wanted for power, yet returned acceptable economy figures of 7L/100km.At idle, the engine purrs with only a slight diesel rattle and with the doors shut, it's almost imperceptible. Give it some revs and unless you look at the low revs on the tacho, you wouldn't know it was a diesel. It leaps off the line like a "leaper" should with those impressive 450Nm of twisting torque, yet is also wants to rev without a raucous noise or grainy vibration.The new eight-speed auto box is a delight with smart, seamless changes that never leave the engine stranded. Sport mode on the transmission further sharpens the deal with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts keeping the show on the move.The lightweight diesel engine doesn't affect steering or handling and the compliant suspension takes the ugliest potholes in its stride without steering kickback or a sidestep.That aerodynamic bonnet must be doing the trick, because there is almost no wind noise. However, that serves to highlight the tyre noise, the wheelarch noise from loose stones and a slight buzz in the dashboard of our test car.The 2.2L diesels come with 17-inch wheels but all the test cars had 18-inch wheels with Pirelli 40 per cent profile tyres. Still, ride was quite compliant, so the 17s would probably be even plusher. The stop/start function is one of the smoothest and quickest I've experienced, but if you don't like it, you can switch it off. It defaults to "on" each time you get in the car.VERDICTXF is a big deal for us, says Goult. And the 2.2 diesel is the best deal in the pack with the ability to attract a whole new audience with its lusty and frugal engine, value package and classy styling.JAGUAR XF 2.2L DIESELPrices: $78,900 (Luxury 2.2 diesel), $86,100 (Premium Luxury 2.2 diesel), $84,990 (driveaway Luxury 2.2 white or black)Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kmService: 26,000km (diesel), 24,000km (petrol)Safety: 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlEngine: 5.4L litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 140kW/450NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 5.4 l/100kmCO2: 149g/kmDimensions: 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)Other XF prices3.0 V6 petrol Luxury $89,900, Premium Luxury $97,100V6 diesel Luxury $103,500, Premium Luxury $112,500XF-S diesel V6S $125,100, Portfolio $142,100V8 petrol Luxury $129,600, Portfolio $146,600XF-R V8 supercharged petrol $210,900

The updated Jaguar XF is sharper and bolder than before and very comfortable for steaming down a wet German autobahn or climbing alpine ways.But while the style team has lifted the British car's appeal inside and out with a number of design tweaks, while there remain sporting V8s and diesels, it's the little diesel engine joining the ranks that adds extra substance at a keen price.Arriving in Australia around October, the quiet achiever of the refreshed range could well be this 2.2 litre, four cylinder engine claimed to deliver 5.4 litres per kilometre. The engine is the third generation of this powerplant, used before in the likes of the Freelander and here turned north-south and mated to an eight-speed auto.Along with the parsimonious fuel consumption comes a very competitive price tag - $78,900 for a premium sedan designed to fire a shot under the bows of the German diesel executive offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.Fitting that the Jaguar launches the refurbished range in Germany where driving remains a privilege, not a right, and the new cat can show off its full potential.Indian-owned Jaguar is chasing new markets and new segments with rumours of a smaller Jag, perhaps an SUV and a wagon (or estate) to join the stable at some point. Between Jaguar and sister Land Rover there are plans for 40 new cars in five years.For now it's about the reworked XF, a car that's helped bring life and customers to the brand since its original launch four years ago. The current petrol V8 and V6 diesel versions have been given a polish, some of this thanks to the trickle down of technology from the larger XJ Jaguars, some of it thanks to style and interior upgrades.But today it's all about the new little 140kW jigger, strategically critical for Jaguar and XF.VALUEFrom the showroom floor this 2.2 Luxury looks like a handsome buy. The 'entry level' Jaguar lacks for little and, in fact, outdoes the competition in the style and substance stakes while undercutting current prices of the German rivals.There is a host of technology, the 8-speed auto and thrifty diesel engine. These are wrapped in a stylish sedan with a plush interior that shows up the blandness of some of the competition's cabins.DESIGNThe XF was always a handsome car; the 2011 version adds extra sparkle and boldness with more aggressive front end from the windscreen forward. New headlights, a J curve of LED running lights, more pronounced bonnet lines give the Jaguar more snarl. (This is most marked in the XFR versions with huge air intakes below the front bumper.TECHNOLOGYA deal of work's been done to ensure this engine is worthy of a Jaguar, most importantly on noise and vibration levels with new materials and construction for externals such as sump and timing cover. There's reduced piston friction and water-cooled turbocharger to ensure this motor matches the V6 diesels.And there's the clever eight-speed ZF gearbox which drops out of drive when the car is stationary plus a Tandem Solenoid Starter for 'intelligent' stop-start. It's claimed to allow quicker re-starts in stop-start traffic and can refire the engine before the stop cycle is complete if needed. Among wow bits is Jaguar's Easy Off - when a driver undoes the seatbelt, takes the foot off the brake, the Jaguar engages Park and shuts down the engine.SAFETYThe current XF has a four-star safety rating and there's no reason the 2012 models won't match that. There are six airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control and electronic brake force distribution.DRIVINGIt's a wet, sometimes crowded day on the autobahn so we don't see Jaguar's claimed 225km/h though 180km/h is pretty effortless with two on board. Moving on to those flowing German country roads shows the XF as a quick and comfortable sedan.What's impressive, aside from the general willingness of this little motor, is the Jaguar's composure at decent speeds. It is not a sports sedan but it is a very competent sporting sedan with balanced dynamics; it turns in neatly and the rear sits squat as the car is powered out.The diesel, helped by the smooth auto, is rarely caught out. At 100km/h in eighth it's ticking over at 1200rpm. Yet there's little hesitation when asked to accelerate from cruising speeds; the motor delivers with surprising refinement from low down in the rev range, if not as smartly as the 3 litre V6 diesel nor as explosive as the XFR V8s.Sport mode on the transmission further sharpens the deal with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts keeping the show on the move. Whether crawling through towns, belting down highways or attacking hillside climbs this XF's ride comfort, and cabin comforts, are much appreciated. From previous experience with the outgoing XF the 2011 Jaguar's ride and dynamics should not be compromised on Australia's rougher road surfaces.VERDICTThe 2.2 XF diesel is a surprise package, refined, economical and keenly priced. Jaguar is a bullish company in 2011, looking to make inroads into rival territory with product such as this.JAGUAR XF 2.2 LUXURYPRICE $78,900WARRANTY 3 year/unlimited kmSAFETY 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlENGINE 2 .2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 140kW/450NmTRANSMISSION Eight-speed automaticTHIRST 5.4 l/100km, CO2 149g/kmBODY Four-door sedanDIMENSIONS 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)

City councils champ at the bit over citizens that fail to contain their wandering cats. It's a major problem. Unsterilised cats spray and call for kilometres to find mates and ultimately leave their fertilised fruits homeless and ready to repeat the irresponsible life of their parents. All cats, clearly, should be garaged.During the 1980s and 1990s, most were. Jaguar went through a period where its offspring were causing havoc in neighbourhoods around the world and some spent extraordinary hours in garages awaiting to be fixed.But that's no longer the case. Mimicing the results after a domestic male cat gets surgically neuted, Jaguar has gone from making a nuisance to making superb cars. The XJ is the best of the litter.VALUEProbably not value in the sense that the same money can buy a lot of wheels. Even as a whole, the $250,000-plus tag of the XJ 5.0 V8 SWB is a hurdle that only a very few of us can vault. But it's more than just a car. It is stylish enough to be viewed as moving art and, as you know, people pay even ridiculous sums of money for art.The XJ competes with big cars from BMW, Audi, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and even can touch Maserati. It's territory occupied by choices based on subjectivity and contemporary fashion - territory where value doesn't necessarily hold much significance.TECHNOLOGYJaguar centres its vehicle control on a touch screen monitor which is the quickest and most user-friendly of car management systems. Well, not always. While the XF's system is almost flawless, the big XJ packs so much info onto the screen that the touch squares have to be smaller.That means it can take more than one stab of the finger to get your wish and even then it may fail to register because they're not as sensitive as they could be. Your eyes are off the road while doing this, making it a bit frustrating. Electronics, however, redeem themselves in the brilliant LCD instrument panel that can change its read-out.This depends on issues such as a desire to have the sat-nav map in front of the driver, any drama in the engine bay, driver's selection of the "sport" mode and so on. Mercedes' S-Class and BMW's 7-Series have similar systems.The Jag also gets a superb Bowers & Wilkins audio and a smart central monitor that incorporates two screens - one angled to the passenger and idea for a movie or TV, the other angled to the driver, such as the sat-nav or trip computer. Clever. The rest is an aluminium body sprung only the way Jaguar can do it, with a normally-aspirated V8 at the front with a ZF six-speed auto behind. Sounds simple but the devil's in the detail.DESIGNBeautiful from most angles, stunning from the rest. Its looks make it a winner on the showroom floor. Against the rather brutish BMW 7-Series and rather bland Audi A8, the XJ is a seductively fluid shape that still has good rear passenger space and a large boot.The cabin mixes old and new, with the boat-tailed curve of the dashboard representing a fresh look and the big, circular chrome vents echoing earlier Jag models. Visibility is reasonable but park sensors and the rear camera save any parking embarrassment. The low seating position may not suit everyone but, once ensconced, feels more like a luxury sports coupe than a limousine express.SAFETYFull marks. True, you no longer have to pay the big bucks to get a five-star safety rating. The Jaguar gets a five-star, full airbags and electronic assistance plus has sufficient metal around the cabin to improve occupant protection in an accident.DRIVINGThe engine is almost inaudible and gearchanges imperceptible when treated gently, but the XJ shows its spirit when the chequered-flag button is pressed and the accelerator floored. This is the essence of a luxury performance car. But though the XJ will do a lot of the things of which its contemporaries also excel, one single factor changes all comparative dynamics - weight.It weighs 1755kg - the same as a six-cylinder large car and up to 300kg lighter than its European rivals - and that translates into a more nimble and responsive machine. Dive into a corner and you quickly forget about its length (or price tag) because the way it turns in, its response to the brakes and the ease of steering input makes it feel like a smaller, lighter car.So while it handles, it also goes really well in a straight line. You may argue against the 5-litre V8 for city and suburban runs. But tested on a long country trip, on major roads and twisting single-lane backroads, the XJ proves stress-free to drive. It is dismissive of rutted bitumen and always delivery sublime comfort with the subtle V8 exhaust-note backdrop.VERDICTThis passes onlookers on the street with a sweep of their heads - a true indication of the big cat's arresting design. Jaguar's flagship lives in a rarefied, uber-rich portion of the car market - but doesn't have it all to itself. Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW, Audi and Maserati are some big players in the same pond.But the Jaguar rates highly - purely because it looks as beautiful as it works. And if style isn't your bag, point one down an empty country road and understand how size and luxury can be melded with performance. It'll make you smile again.JAGUAR XJ PREMIUM LUXURYPrice: $251,000Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistEconomy: 11.3 l/100km; 264g/km CO2Safety: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 283kW/515Nm 5-litre V8 petrolTransmission: Six-speed sequential autoBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 5122 (L); 1894mm (W); 1448mm (H); 3032mm (WB)Weight: 1755kg Tyre size 245/40R20Spare tyre: Space-saver

Big cars normally frighten me. Put me in one ahead of a long and winding, rutted country road with broken shoulders and I’d rather partner Molly Meldrum on Dancing With The Stars.Thankfully, gowning up with Mr Meldrum won’t happen because this week there was a big car that could dance its alloys off on roads that only a NSW taxpayer would defend.  At 5.1m long in standard wheelbase, Jaguar’s latest XJ flagship is clearly a big car.What makes it take to gnarly roads with such unexpected aplomb is a combination of chassis dynamics and darn good suspension. But, more than anything else, it’s because despite its physical presence on the road it weighs not much more than a Commodore.Aluminium body panels, magnesium castings, rivets and epoxy glues make the XJ diet to as low as 1755kg for the 5-litre V8 – about the same as a VE Calais V6 automatic.Jaguar offered test cars with three engines and two wheelbases for a run through roads inland from Tweed Heads – a 3-litre bi-turbo V6 diesel, 5-litre petrol V8 and the supercharged version of the V8.First impressions are its quietness. Even the turbo-diesel was ridiculously quiet for an oiler. Double glazing makes a considerable difference to keeping the noise of road, wind and envious fans away from the inside while keeping the extraordinary breadth and depth of music soothing from the 20 speakers of the optional Bowers and Wilkins 1200-Watt audio.All XJ’s have steering column paddles to pluck the ZF’s choice of six cogs. Many drivers may not wish to interrupt thoughts of corporate takeovers with the tedium of flicking alloy levers but I loved it.That’s because the XJ doesn’t quite feel like a limousine should. There were many times that I’d forget that behind my head, I was towing three seats and a commodious boot. It felt like a coupe, or at least a smaller sedan, as the car dived into a corner. Where there could be that lurch as the mass finally figured out there was a major directional change in progress, the XJ showed no indecision.Where a big car may lean nervously through a tight bend, the Jaguar remained flat. And where some steering systems were uncomfortably vague and without transmitting direction, the XJ knew where it was going and was continually letting the driver know.So good is the steering – in relative terms – that it exceeds the confidence, precision and firmness of the XF Jaguar. The fact that it is similar to the more dynamic XFR version is because the steering rack is the same.I enjoyed the mid-range kick in the pants of the diesel and its ability to keep shovelling on the torque as the car wound its way through the hills. The V8 petrol was wonderful for its speed and engine note – deliberately a product of an engine-mounted diaphram aimed at the cabin – and the supercharged version for its total disregard of the XJ buyers’ luxury ideals. Opt for the even more explosive Supersport engine – available later this year and not tested this week – and you’re well into Panamera/Quattroporte/Rapide territory.Clever in engineering detail, this big cat also comes with something that its nearest rival – BMW’s 7-Series – doesn’t have: Looks.  This is a very pretty car. OK, one could point to some conflict with the rear flanks where the screen wants to wrap but is stopped by the big chrome C of the back door’s  window frame. The rear window’s high brake light could look a tad stuck on. Admit it. You’re being to fussy.On the road, everybody stares. Park it at the side of the road for a driver stop and girls in bikinis would fill less eye sockets.  It’s not just because it’s new. It’s size dominates the road and its fluid shape and arresting colours – tested in black, silver and a beige that sounds yuk but looked great – caught eyes that missed the car first time.Occupants are equally in awe. The cabin is fresh yet there are quaint touches of the past that are topped by the cabin-edged sweep of timber that Jaguar calls reminiscent of a Riva boat.The instrument panel is virtual – all electronic Playstation readouts but displayed as a conventional three-dial unit – that is glare-free and can be tailored to relay specific data. All Jags get a big touchscreen for most audio, ventilation, sat-nav and comfort adjustments and it doesn’t take to long down the road to see how these are quicker, safer and easier to use than central controllers such as BMW’s iDrive.There are, as you’d expect in a car of this class and price, a lot of switchgear and readout options but there is a sense of logic to the XJ’s layout that doesn’t confuse the driver.It is surprisingly easy to drive. It has everything a mortal should want in a car and above all, it has shown that a small car maker like Jaguar can adapt to a buyers profile very different to the one 42 years ago when the first XJ was unveild.Once there were limousines that chauffeured their owners.  It’s now a different world. Chauffeur-driven rides are for children and guests as a more driven species of executive opts for - and will pay for – the privilege of getting behind the wheel.In Jaguar’s case, luring the owner combines a teasing of luxury, opulence, silence, a sophisticated array of electronic wizardry, stunning performance, loungeroom comfort and space. It’s a big ask. But the XJ delivers.