When a car’s design is inspired by its predecessor (in this case, from 1968), there are two ways it can go – great or gobsmackingly bad. Fortunately for the new Jaguar XJ, the design is something to behold. The first thing that struck me when driving the British company’s flagship on the XJ 3,0 V6 diesel models’ local launch was how impressive it looks in the rear-view mirror. It’s aggressive and elegant at the same time.
The interior is just as good, with suede and cloth lining the A-pillars that’s so soft to the touch that my driving partner had to keep reminding me to remove my hand from them. Jaguar debated for some time over the application of wood inside the cabin and eventually realised there wasn’t so much an issue of whether it should be used, but rather how it should be used.
However, what did catch my eye – and I mean that literally – is the use of chrome. Both my passenger and I struggled with the glare that came off the chromed centre console. With an African sun beating down most of the year, Jaguar might want to brush or darken the shiny stuff.
Enough about the design. We started our journey in the 3,0 V6 twin-turbodiesel and, apart from a rather sore backside after the long drive, I was left really impressed. The acceleration felt brisk and gear changes were slick with no hesitation, especially in Dynamic mode. With a 0-100km/h sprint of 6,4 seconds thanks to 202 kW and 600 N.m of torque, it packs quite a punch.
Just as I thought I couldn’t be more impressed, I stepped in to the supercharged 5,0 V8 XJ that Jaguar brought along for fun and the smile that spread across my face stayed there until we reached our destination. The only reason the smile left my face was because I knew I now had to get back into the 3,0 V6 Diesel and someone else would be having the amount of fun I had just had.
Features such as air suspension, adaptive dynamics, active differential control and quick-ratio power steering ensured responsive and dynamic handling. And when it comes to fuel consumption, Jaguar claims a figure of 7,1 litres/100km for the diesel model, although we experienced a figure closer to 10 litres/100km. CO2 emissions are 184 g/km.
The XJ 3,0 V6 Diesel Premium Luxury model is priced at R950 472 and the more luxurious Portfolio model at R1 085 472
