Jaguar XJ 2.0 i4 Ti

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4 Oct, 2012 5:15pm Ian Adcock

The Jaguar XJ gets a new turbo petrol engine, which could also be destined for the new F-Type

Verdict

This is a significant engine for Jaguar, as it could be fitted to the F-Type in future – and the signs are good. There’s plenty of performance, plus an exhaust note you won’t get bored with. The ride is excellent and the steering even sharper. The only downside is some turbo lag at the bottom end, but once on boost, the engine revs cleanly and powerfully.

Everyone is downsizing in an effort to eke extra miles from every gallon of petrol. Jaguar’s latest idea is to put the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the Range Rover Evoque into its all-aluminium XJ saloon – and this model will go on the sale in the UK next year.

To make it more to the taste of Jaguar’s customers, refinement has been improved with a pair of balancer shafts for a smoother power delivery. The engine will also appear in the XF saloon – although this model is unlikely to come here – and could power the F-Type in future, too.

Effectively, the 2.0-litre replaces the old 3.0-litre V6, and it delivers 237bhp with 340Nm of torque at 2,000rpm, which ensures sprightly performance – 0-62mph takes 7.5 seconds.

Where the car really excels is cross country. Here the engine’s lighter weight means excellent balance through twists and turns. The steering is light, but never vague, with plenty of feedback, while the fluid ride would be the envy of many rivals.

Although there’s some initial turbo lag at low revs, once the engine has picked up its stride, deft use of the silky smooth eight-speed auto ensures it is always in the powerband’s sweet spot. This guarantees a surprising turn of speed that can be easily maintained. Equally, motorway cruising is a refined and relaxing experience.

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Submitted by Sporky McGuffin on Fri, 2012-10-05 07:47.

30mpg isn't great.

Submitted by marioSS on Mon, 2012-10-08 08:11.

agree

Submitted by Curious on Tue, 2012-10-09 11:15.

Why the picture of an XF on a story for an XJ?

Submitted by David Hallowes on Tue, 2012-10-09 11:27.

@Curious - I see a clear photo of a dark-coloured XJ. What are you looking at?

Submitted by David Hallowes on Tue, 2012-10-09 11:30.

Nor is Economy/CO2: 30.4mpg/216g/km, but then the XF is a large exec car. I'l say it again, Jag is my favourite car manufacturer and I wish them great success but I do wonder why there is still no sign of brake-regeneration tech being implemented in any of its models thus far - all that energy generated and going to waste...

Submitted by sean de lear on Wed, 2012-10-17 05:32.

30 mpg is great if your present jag only does 20

Submitted by roadkill612 on Sat, 2012-10-20 10:28.

I like it mostly

a 4 in an all aluminium (which also makes sense around salt) makes sense

rust is irrepairable

that little motor will have to work hard - hate to think of the wear if caned when cold

presumably its the ford eco boost motor - fine - but it shows tata still have links with ford

rebuilt engines should be cheap

sounds better than a similar merc to me

if it comes w/ jag ambiance & attention to detail on coachwork & they get the QC act thing together, good car if thats your price bracket

awesome car if they use salt to de-ice roads ner you