Jaguar South Africa will start selling the most powerful diesel car in its segment within a matter of weeks. The XF super diesel (Diesel S) was launched in cool but sunny France where it showcased Jaguar’s new promise of a cleaner yet more powerful future.
Jaguar’s new philosophy of “beautiful, fast cars” is carried heavily by the XF Diesel S. Fitted to the car is a new 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel engine that provides more torque than anything else in this class. The power specifications are: 202kW and 600Nm of torque. These parallel sequential turbos ensure a quick and almost instantaneous power delivery at very low rpm. Using high-speed piezo injectors the engine delivers five injections per cycle through 7-hole injector tips. Results are there for the driver to experience as I did going through the south of France.
Those who enjoy their driving as much as I do will attest to the fact that bending roads provide the most driving fun. Our routes in the XF Diesel S took us through over 200km of twists and narrow mountain passes through the regions of Nice in the south of France. From the moment I tapped on the accelerator I realised there was something special under the bonnet, something that would connect with my entire body in a way that I thought was only possible with petrol powered cars.
The XF Diesel S may run on the greasy stuff but it gives very little hint of this. In fact, had I not been told this was a diesel-powered car I would not have known. South African diesel is improving all the time and in fact many garages now offer the world-standard, ultra-low -sulphur 50ppm option.
As my driving partner and I negotiated these tight bends that never seemed to end it occurred to me that the XF, as much as it is a pleasure to drive, is not suitable for such tight driving; it’s simply too majestic and physically long. It would suit a track like Kayalami for instance, but not one like Zwartkops which is tight and short.
Nevertheless you cannot fault its handling abilities. A lot of the driving involved going up to very high altitudes towards snow-capped mountains. The engine proved quite the pulling force even with three passengers and a boot full of luggage. Shifting gears through the sporty peddles behind the steering wheel created more fun behind the wheel and the changes were swift and smooth.
Interior appointments have been upgraded for this car which is a model year 2009 (Jaguar calls is model year 2010 in accordance to US customs). But for all intents and purposes the car is 2009. Keyless entry is standard thanks to the transponder which can detect the key from close proximity which means the driver only has to be within the car with the key also close by to be able to start the engine. By pushing a button those 202kW are awakened. The 6-speed JaguarDrive gear system was built in conjunction with the ZF company and it delivers silky operations. Selecting gears is a matter of turning a little silver wheel at the centre console which gives the normal forward gears plus reverse.
Leather adorns most of the interior, from the electronically-multi-adjustable seats to the doors, steering wheel and the dashboard. Jaguar used high-quality double stitching to achieve a look that is very well-crafted. The dials are clear and concise, easy to use and simple to find. I liked the touch-screen which is a concept carried over from the S-Type. It controls functions like the radio/CD player, the seat-heating system, the steering wheel heating system and satellite navigation. Jaguar fans will know of the Portfolio package which is basically the highest-spec package available to Jaguars.
There won’t be a Portfolio in this range in Mzansi but it can be ordered if the customer really wants one. I hardly see a reason anyway, the cars are so highly specced even in standard form already. Jaguar still has a bit of stock left-over from the model year 2008 lot so these cars can be ordered. Otherwise wait for the XF Diesel S in May. Believe you me, it is worth the wait.
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