Jaguar XF Engine and Performance

The Jaguar XF is being offered in India with two engine options. The diesel is the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder Ingenium unit that replaces the earlier 2.2 litre motor. Sadly, the awesome 3.0 litre V6 diesel engine will no longer be available in the XF in India.  The new engine develops 180 horsepower and 430 Nm of maximum torque. Outright, it is a huge improvement over the older motor. It is refined at normal driving speeds but gets very vocal as you go up the rev band and that does get to you. That said, there is very good mid-range but lacks top end punch.  The eight speed auto box is efficient but a little slow to respond to downshifts. You also get drive modes: Rain/Snow, Eco Normal and Dynamic which alter the responses from the steering, gearbox and engine. The driver in you will be most happy with the Sport & Dynamic combo. Jaguar claims an 8.1 second timing to the ton.We also tested the petrol XF. It is powered by the same 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo unit that is also seen in the range topping XE. It makes 240 horsepower and 340 Nm, identical to the baby Jag.  Power delivery is exhilarating right from the word go. There is no noticeable lag and you can go flat out all the way to the red line. And the engine sounds good too. It is also very refined. If you love being at the wheel, this is the XF that you should go for. It is a proper driver’s car and the cherry on top, it’s a rear wheel drive. You can even hold gears in sport mode using the paddle shifters.

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