Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar XJ 2.0 i4 Ti

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

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Find your Jaguar XJ
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Customers got an average £1000 more vs part exchange quotes
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in
Skoda Enyaq iV - front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: updated Skoda Enyaq at 0% APR and a free home wallbox charger thrown in

Skoda’s family-friendly EV with 348-mile range is our Car Deal of the Day for 26 March
26 Mar 2024