Feisty Feline

MANILA, Philippines - The Jaguar XF has a way of capturing one’s attention. When the car first burst onto the scene last year, it raised more than a just few eyebrows with its out of the box styling – its marriage of modern sports car and traditional luxury car styling opened the doors to a whole new set of Jaguar admirers. Recently, Jaguar Cars Inc. introduced the XF’s turbocharged diesel variant, aptly called the XF Diesel S. Of course, first dibs on a long-term test drive went to The Philippine STAR. We figured out then… this cat has attitude!

The looks are by now familiar to the Filipino car nut. The handsome mesh grille starts it off. Paired with feline-like headlamps, it creates an intimidating yet classy fascia. Fluid lines that highlight the car’s high beltline and low roof then add to the car’s impressive stance. The handsome exteriors are rounded out by a tail lamp combination and dual tailpipes that scream modernity through and through – even as it gives a suggestion of power.

As we had stated earlier, this Jag is extra special because it boasts of a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 powerplant that it shares with certain Land Rover models. The result – astounding power and torque numbers at 270 hp @ 4400 rpm and 442 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm respectively. The engine can take the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 5.9 seconds! The torque in this baby is what really makes the XF Diesel S one mean machine. Floor it and you’ll feel a sense of urgency that would probably be banned along crawl sites like EDSA. That’s instantaneous power delivery that’s addicting, to say the least.

Best of all, all this power is delivered to the driver without lag thanks to the XF Diesel S’s unique parallel sequential turbocharger system, the first of its type to be fitted to a V-engine anywhere in the world. “The new parallel sequential turbocharger system on our new V6 diesel delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs. It’s a power unit that offers superb flexibility and remarkably low fuel consumption and emissions, while building on the refinement that has become a trademark of our Jaguar diesel engines,” says Ron Lee, Group Chief Engineer of Jaguar’s Powertrain division. What the system does is deliver high levels of power and torque seamlessly and with effortless flexibility. Think milliseconds. Coupled with Jaguar’s sophisticated six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission, what you get is power on demand – lots of power on demand.

Those who might be wondering if all this diesel borne attitude beneath the hood creates a ruckus need not worry. The Jaguar XF diesel is fitted with a CGI cylinder block and new piezo injectors that reduce combustion noise in the engine. Multiple, precise injections of fuel on the combustion stroke also reduce combustion noise and all engine covers including camshaft covers, front covers and the sump have been optimized to subdue radiated noise. Engine enclosures have been ribbed to minimize radiated noise and the sump pan is manufactured from sound deadening steel (SDS), comprising a polymer layer sandwiched between two layers of steel. Inside, unless you’re driving, you won’t have any idea that you’re in a diesel-fed car.

Speaking of the interiors, like its petrol fed sibling, the XF Diesel S wraps its occupants in opulent luxury. Finely crafted leather dominates the car’s interiors. An easy to decipher infotainment interface shines through in warm aqua hues. Particularly noteworthy are the airconditioning vents – which completely close as you shut off the XF’s engine, and the straight from Star Trek shift knob – which also goes hiding as the cat slumbers.

The Jaguar XF Diesel S presents itself as a very worthy choice amongst luxury vehicle shoppers. Methinks that with the arrival of the XF Diesel S, the days of the Jag as a mere “alternative” are gone. The Jaguar XF Diesel S is definitely a car that can and should be competing as a top of mind choice to its very select market.