WHEN: November 2012
HOW MUCH: Rs 45 – 50 lakh
ENGINE: 2179 cc, 4-cyl diesel, 190 PS, 450 Nm
COMPETITION: Mercedes E250 CDI, Audi A6 2.0 TDI, BMW 520d
Jaguar India is gearing up to launch the new 2012 MY XF saloon with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which will be cheaper and more fuel efficient into the bargain.
The Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel uses the same 2179 cc four-cylinder motor found under the bonnet of the Land Rover Freelander and Evoque, but with a number of revisions more in keeping with its requirement in a luxury saloon. These include a new turbocharger, oil cooler and higher-pressure piezo-electric injectors for the fuel system. A new ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic gearbox is available as standard and Jaguar is not offering a manual transmission even as an option, not even in Europe.
Jaguar has also used additional sound deadening material on the bulkhead, and has also wrapped other components such as the alternator and turbo in quilt-like material for quiet performance.
Combined fuel efficiency ratings for the Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel is in the region of 18.5 km per litre, according to the company, but whether these figures will be achievable in the Indian driving cycle remains to be seen.
Minor revisions to the centre console, steering wheel and dashboard. Gearshift paddles on XF steering wheel are standard.
This engine produces 190 PS of power at a lowly 3500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 450 Nm. These figures ensure the XF does not feel compromised in the performance stakes, with Jaguar claiming 8.5 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 225 km/h.
Instrument cluster shows selected gear. Eight speeds help economy
Helping the XF’s case is a lower kerb weight; the 2.2-litre engine and ancillaries together weight about 65 kilos less than the V6 diesel, which is presently available. The lower weight results in sharper steering responses as well, which should make the already delightful-handling XF even better.
The Jaguar XF 3.0 diesel will continue to be sold, with the XF 2.2 providing an additional variant. Prices for the XF 2.2 Diesel are expected to be about Rs 4 – 5 lakh cheaper than the 3.0 V6, starting below the psychological Rs 50 lakh mark. The new variant will be key to JLR’s plans for the year, as it seeks to double its sales figures in India in this fiscal.
2.2-litre diesel is a Ford-derived powerplant, although extensively revised.
Jaguar plans to eventually begin assembling the XF in India, and doing so would mean lower duties and even more competitive pricing. Whether the assembly plans crystallise before the festive season beginning in October is unclear, but Jaguar India officials have informed autojunction.in that they’re striving to achieve that. Indian built XFs could potentially knock another Rs 5 – 7 lakh off the retail price, making it a very enticing proposition indeed.
