New XJ finally sees the light

Jul 28 2009 Peter Hayward

SOME might say it's well past time that Jaguar replaced the big XJ, but the existing car is so good, I'm not surprised they have waited so long.

The new XJ takes its styling from the all-conquering XF, which has won so many awards around the world. It goes on sale next year.

Engines will be the 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 275bhp which reaches 60mph from rest in just six seconds, a normally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 with 385bhp and a supercharged version of the same unit with 510bhp and a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The aluminium body has been carried over from the previous XJ making the car much lighter than if it were made from steel.

This helps lower emissions and increase economy so that the standard 3.0-litre diesel returns 40.1mpg and emits just 185g/km of CO2.

It also just manages to sneak into tax band l, costing just £175 a year.

Interior

Jaguar interiors have always been superb - and something which the Germans could never match. The tradition continues with an elegance born of true craftsmanship, and the very latest equipment.

That equipment includes high definition virtual instruments and a duel view eight-inch screen that can project DVD movies or TV programmes to the passenger while the driver sees vehicle information or sat nav.

FAST FACTS

Jaguar XJ 3.0 diesel

Price: £52,500

Mechanical: 275bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 6 seconds

Combined mpg: 40

Insurance group: N/A

CO2 emissions: 185g/km

BIK rating: 35%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 10/10

Main rival: BMW 7-Series