Jaguar XJ 3.0 Diesel

Author: Ian Strachan

The new Jaguar XJ – launched last year - is simply stunning. In these days of sameness and mediocrity among so many cars, the XJ is a thing of beauty.

I test drove the three-litre diesel-powered XJ which shows off the best in 21st century British design and scooped the Top Gear Best Luxury Car award. 

The XJ's new body shape is sleek and distinctive, seamlessly combining retro coupe styling with modern dynamics. 

The bonnet is long and shark-like sloping down to a hatched Jaguar grille, the roofline is low, and the rear falls away steeply. From the rear the wide stanch and chromed exhausts give the car a distinctive presence on the road. 

Inside, the car has a modern feel, with low, but very comfortable, electrically powered wraparound seats in sumptuous leather. Visibility, with narrow windows, rear headrests and the large sloping rear screen, is adequate without being wonderful. Controls are neatly laid out and the steering wheel is electrically reach adjustable. Rear passenger room is excellent, not restricted by the sloping rear screen.

The XJ which I tested was powered by a very sprightly 275 bhp 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine which revs smoothly but still makes enough noise to let you know it means business. This is a Jaguar after all, and has a top speed of 155 mph where legal. The engine will take you from 0-60 mph in around six seconds. Linked to a superb six speed automatic gearbox, it has an awesome burst of power on kickdown which will press you back into your seat. 

Handling is superb, thanks to a stiff aluminium body, and coil spring suspension. Cornering is crisp and pleasing. Low profile tyres on beautiful 20-inch spoked alloys complete the look. 

That big, sloping back end gives you a long and wide boot which opens and closes automatically. Interior stowage space is good, including a large locking glovebox and stowage compartments in the central transmission tunnel.

Despite its undoubted power, the XJ returns a more-than-respectable 40.1 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. 

As you'd expect, equipment levels are high with keyless ignition, front and rear parking aids with rear camera, cruise control, adaptive front lighting with cornering lamps, rain-sensing wipers, four-zone climate control, analogue clock, glass tilting roof with blinds all as standard.

My test car also had a DAB radio (£250) and a very clever digital TV with a dual screen so that the passenger can watch TV while the driver concentrates on the road and the satnav (£500)

Needless to say, this kind of Jaguar driving comes at a price. You'll pay £66,500 on the road for the vehicle I tested.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv