2008 Jaguar XJ6 D Review
February 21, 2008 by Anthony Crawford
Although maximum power for the 3.0 litre six is 16kW more than the diesel, that power is not on song until high up in the rev range at 6,800rpm. The diesel on the other hand is reaching the high notes at 4000rpm. Far more useable and a lot more fun!
But the really useful number is 1900rpm. That’s where you get all 435 Newton metres coming into play.
I know this engine well. It was a Ford/PSA joint project that produced what remains one of the finest diesel engines in the world today. Peugeot dropped it into their flagship 407 SV HDi and more expensive 407 Coupe for good reason!
I’ve got to say though; I was more than a little curious as to how Jaguar would handle diesel power in one of its flagship sedans. After all, the XJ series Jags are renowned for blending refinement and driveability in a luxury package.
I’m not saying that the 2.7 litre twin turbo isn’t refined, because it is. But is it refined enough for a Jaguar engine bay?
Over 1500rpm you won’t be able to pick this Jag as a diesel powered car. Sounds more like a well sorted six. But on start up and at idle, slight diesel clatter is evident but that’s the case with ALL premium oil burners these days, including those deployed across the German marques. It’s probably the one and only remaining advantage for petrol power, given the responsiveness of twin turbo diesels.
No offence to Peugeot, but the Jaguar is by far the quieter ride of the two cars using the same engine. And so it should be, at nearly three times the purchase price.
There are a few well-engineered reasons for that. CATS (Computer Active Suspension System) automatically lowers and levels the suspension on the Jaguar, providing a soft ride when cruising or a body roll free experience when you want to get moving in the twisty bits.
The idea that a large and luxurious car could be thrown into a corner as though it were a Lotus sports car was invented by Jaguar and the other brands have since followed suit.
The XJ6 D keeps that concept well and truly alive. Grip and balance through high-speed bends is remarkable. You can still drive these cars like a genuine Sports GT.
While the ZF six-speed auto transmission provides almost seamless shifts as you so rightly expect in a flagship Jag, I am not a fan of the traditional J-Gate shift selector. It’s old fashioned and time to move on.
Cabin noise inside the diesel cat is class-leading quiet. Squeeze the throttle, and the XJ6 D powers up with just a hint of subdued growl. Nice.
Jaguar has taken noise suppression to new heights on this car with special acoustic absorption on the underside of the bonnet, airtight seals between the engine and the bonnet and a double skin bulkhead structure.
And that’s not the half of it. Even the glass is acoustically laminated so as to reduce traffic noise etc.
Tags: Jaguar XJ6
the problem with this car is that it is just so irrelivant! It could be the best car in the world but people will still not buy it simply because its style and class only appeals to jaguar enthousiasts, and most of them are all like “new jaguars aren’t really jaguars cos they are no longer brittish, whinge whinge, we are a pompus bunch of prats”
so, in short, no one buys a car like this. The new XF and XK on the other hand.. what machines! That is the kind of cars jaguar should be making, not modern day antiques like this
Hey Ford OZ how about this engine in our Falcon….come on make it happen ASAP!!!!!
that engine on a falcon would be a killer
Luverly Motor. And BM the diesel wins yet again!!! Tee Hee.
Richo – i’m sorta with you on your comments, i think some of its undesirability is the lack of practicality along with not being or looking particularly sporting. Yep the Jags are generally driven by OxBridge Politicians.
However I wouldn;t mind one on my driveway.
What a great review – I got lost in the nostalgia of my Classic Touring race days for a bit there (bring on Winton Historic).
I think Jag is very much overlooked these days when it comes to premium motoring.
So many German vehicles on the road – not that I don’t like them – I just think a lot of people would be surprised at how good an option Jag actually is if they bothered to walk in to a dealership instead of dashing blindly straight for the three big Germans.
While it’s quite a nice looking car, it’s definitely not as good looking as an XF. That car is a stunner.
Anyone else think that display in the instrument cluster looks like it doesn’t belong? Looks like something you’d see on a microwave or a high school project.
totally ugly car
The first pic on page 4 is hillarious. Looks like the dash of my $30,000 Focus (I hate that green display).
I think its a beautiful car however I would agree that the XF and XK are nicer but one thing that I will put out there is that I reckon this thing is flashier and has alot more presence than the XK. If I saw them parked either side of each other I know where my eyes would go. The only problems are is that I think that theres a slightly unfinished look about it and the front is a bit stubby. I would still buy one though.
$154k for a Jag….LOL
Cannot remember the last time i saw a new Jag.
The days of *wood-ducks* are over!
A no-where brand, be even worse when owned by Indian scammers
Cheers
F-0
This design was dated 10 years ago.
This design is so ancient as far as styling goes, I’m not surprised that Jaguar doesn’t sell any cars.
Not wrong TP…..MAYBE MORE THEN 10YRS AGO.
love the ford-esque tibby key! :P
Looks too old!
They definetly need the XF as quick as possible!
Total class…we have a 2007 xj..its a beautiful motor car, does everything have to be modern?? this is a traditional beauty we love it..