Jaguar as an automobile manufacturer has become synonymous with what is the best for over three quarters of a century now. Names such as X100, XK120, E- and the fabulous competition C- and D-Type models will linger for ever more on the sands of time.

To stay with the game Jaguar has continually explored the limits of cutting edge technology in its endeavours to offer the best. In fact Jaguar mostly achieves these aims at prices that are competitive while offering beautiful, fast cars.

For its latest offerings in the all-new XF range, Jaguar not only developed a new car but also a new engine range.

At the top of the scale is the superlative, supercharged XFR that should challenge the best in terms of super saloon technology. But of interest here is the XF with its new 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo diesel engines with a choice of two power outputs.

I was fortunate enough to drive the more powerful version on its launch through the beautiful Magaliesberg area, which is a variable trove of twisty and tricky secluded roads. Result? Full marks to a product that will more than hold its own against the venerable German trio.

Engine response is top drawer stuff. In fact when flooring the accelerator at 120km/h — at only 1750rpm — it cannons away instantly with no lag whatsoever. Furthermore it's more silent than most petrol driven rivals. Turn-in and steering feel compares with the best while overall feel is extremely favourable with not a single squeak audible.

Finish and build quality is tops too, but with that English touch to it, especially in the interior. The outside does not have the soft flowing lines of early Jags but a more brutal, yet still an elegant feel, about it. This XF diesel has proven a salient point — Jaguar has become a major force in especially the 3.0-litre segment of the market.

If you find yourself becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, but still lust after a Jaguar XF and don't want to compromise on performance, this new engine will tick all the right boxes for you.

Launched last year, the XF was already designed and built with dynamic performance values required by the powerful XKR built into it. To this end the basics, core values and other technological advances are already in place.

More power

All-new is the diesel AJ-V6D engine available in either the 205kW/600Nm or 180kW/500Nm formats. Featuring parallel sequential turbochargers for high levels of power, torque and effortless flexibility throughout the rev range, the engines are more than a match for rivals. Naturally, for diesels, bespoken six-speed automatic transmissions are also in place.

The more powerful engine will do 0-100km/h in around 6.0 seconds, 1.8 seconds quicker than the 2.7-litre model it replaces, while overtaking abilities are also improved. Maximum speed is electronically limited to 250km/h while the combined average fuel consumption in both models is 7.0 litres per 100km — an improvement over the 2.7-litre engine of around 10 percent with CO2 emissions of 179g/km. The 180kW engine will get the XF to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 240km/h.

A key feature of the new engine is its outputs are gained via a parallel sequential turbocharger system working sequentially. A new common-rail fuel-injection system is also in place to improve economy and reduce both CO2 and particulate emissions together with new high-speed piezo injectors and third-generation fuel-injection system with metering mode.

These improvements, together with other noise deadening measures, have assisted in reducing engine and combustion noise while internal friction levels — a major contributor to unnecessary fuel consumption — have also been addressed.

Simplicity and space

The four-door XF has the visual appeal of a coupe with room inside for five adults. Simplicity and clever use of space are key features in the interior design and unchanged in the new generation. For the driver, this is centred on the packaging of the JaguarDrive Selector transmission interface and cast alloy Selector. Its illuminated stop/start button pulsates until it is pressed, with the drive selector rising into the driver's hand and the rotating facia vents opening at the same time.

It's a combination of aluminium dashboard, satin or gloss wood veneers, tailored instrument panel and door panels with twin-needle stitching, Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting.

High specification abounds in both versions of the new XF 3.0-litre diesel, with the 202kW V6 Diesel S combined with the Premium Luxury specification level and the 177kW version sold with Luxury specification.

New features

The XF has a host of user-friendly technologies available. Features include full shift-by-wire transmission controlled by the JaguarDrive, cruise control with Automatic Speed Limiter, optional radar-based Blind Spot Monitor that warns the driver when another vehicle is nearby in a different lane and XF's optional Rear Camera Parking Aid, which provides a clear view of the area behind the car on the colour touch-screen while reversing — and now upgraded with on-screen guidance lines that move according to steering wheel angle to indicate the area into which the car will reverse.

Other enhancements include a new navigation system with turn-by-turn instructions in the message centre, indicating the route with a combination of junction icon, distance countdown details and street or road name. For the diesel models Jaguar's new mis-fuelling prevention device is now fitted as standard.

An Acoustic Laminated Windscreen is also standard on every XF as are Multi-way adjustable power seats with the option of ventilated heating and cooling, as well as a heated steering wheel.

The XF's audio range is topped by an exclusive optional sound system, the Bowers & Wilkins 440W with Dolby ProLogic II surround sound and 14 speakers. The XF's Portable Audio Interface allows direct connection of iPod and MP3 players with full control via the Touch-screen or steering wheel controls.

JaguarSense allows touch-sensitive operation for the glove-box release and interior lights that emit soft hues in the Phosphor Blue interior with Halo illumination around key switch packs to ensure easy and positive night-time operation. The new XF also adds Digital Radio and Digital/Analogue Hybrid TV reception are options.

"Contemporary, individual and beautifully crafted, the XF has the soul of a sports car, the style and sophistication of a luxury four-door saloon and the visual excitement of coupe," reckons Jaguar. "Delivering high performance, excellent refinement and outstanding dynamic ability, the XF is true to Jaguar's philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars."

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