Jaguar XF 2.2 Diesel: Fuel for thought

Cruising is effortless and affordable in Jaguar's XF 2.2 diesel. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

With even luxury car buyers aware that fuel-frugal cars cut running costs, pollution and our reliance on fossil fuels, aspirational brands seek less-thirsty variants to open their model ranges. Hence a 2.2-litre diesel engine for the Jaguar XF.

What's new

This is the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel motor also fitted to the likes of Land Rover's Freelander.

Jaguar has rotated it, fitted it into a longitudinal orientation, matched it to a new eight-speed ZF auto, and slotted it into the existing Jaguar XF.

Don't be put off by the modest capacity - the 140kW at 3500rpm and 450Nm of torque driving the rear wheels at 2000rpm may be a drop from the 3.0-litre diesel's 177kW and 500Nm, but the car feels vigorous enough during daily driving.

And given it's also punting a lighter car at 1745kg, the 2.2's boast of a 5.4l/100km claimed thirst comes in well under the 3.0 XF's 6.8 figure.

The company line

Specification and price will be confirmed nearer the 2.2 XF's January arrival, but expect it to undercut the current $116,490 entry tag.

What we say
The car won't be a price-leader in the Premium Luxury specification that came with our UK test car. But it was a delightful proposition. The contrast-stitch leather seats, with their light inset strips, provide a modern alternative to the more traditional pinstriping.

It has keyless entry and start plus touch-screen access to the sound system, satnav and climate control - including separate tuning of the heated seatback and base.

The start-up process, with air-vents swivelling open and gear dial rising into your palm, still feels special.

On the road

A four-cylinder engine, let alone one with this modest capacity, may not sound enough to propel such a luxury car, particularly given its sleek and almost youthful flavour.

But the way this engine delivers counters any perceived shortcomings. Vigorous application of the throttle is rewarded by surging acceleration ... 0-100 times aren't startling but it's the feel that's more important during daily driving.

The motor generally feels understressed, cruising is effortless, and at 50 or 80km/h you're sitting on 1500rpm, just under the 2000rpm at which the torque peak arrives.

The stop-start is also one of the best I've tried. Unobtrusive, restarting as you move your foot from throttle to brake, and even firing again while it's in the process of shutting off if you suddenly need to move forward.

My UK test included motorway driving in torrential rain, between-village hops and some shopping runs and netted a 6.5-litre/100km return.

Why you'll buy one: You want a modern Jaguar without paying a penalty at the pump.

Why you won't: In your book, "Jaguar" equals "surplus power" and nothing less will do.