Jaguar XJ 2.7 TDVi

For me, the XJ has always been epitomised what a Jaguar should be – beautiful on the outside, sumptuous on the inside, cosseting ride quality, but with a bit of necessary imperfection – including the old-age gripe of an inadequate boot. The XJ is also a car I automatically associate with smooth V-configuration petrol engines, with between six and twelve cylinders – until now.

Somehow managing to avoid ‘Two Jags’ being inserted between my first and surname, I was fortunate enough to drive a 2008 model XJ 2.7 V6 TDVi back-to-back with a 4.2 V8 LWB – the former being in Executive and the latter in Sovereign specification, coming in at £45,542 and £59,892 respectively.

Jaguar first put the twin-turbocharged diesel in the XJ back in 2006 and it has proved a remarkable hit and, having driven it, it’s no wonder why. The engine, which was co-developed by Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroen, can be found in a multitude of models across both manufacturers’ product ranges.

The motor, which generates 204bhp and 321lb/ft of torque at low revs, is both smooth and quiet and when pushed interrupts with nothing more than a slightly unexpected growl from beneath the bonnet. Compared with the equivalent, albeit larger, petrol engine, the TDVi performs almost identically, achieving 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds and pressing on to a limited top speed of 141mph.

The big difference is the fuel economy, with the diesel derivative returning a combined figure of 35mpg versus 27mpg for the 3.0-litre petrol V6 – significant given that most XJs will cover a lot of ground. Some testers have seen up to 53mpg and one XJ covered over 1000 miles on one tank back in 2006.

The power is delivered smoothly to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission, in which the shifts can be delayed by engaging ‘Sport’ mode for a less pampering, but more purposeful ride. Despite its size and considerable luxury, the TDVi only emits 214g/km CO2, making it stand out from its competitors and, importantly, means that owners avoid the ‘gas guzzler’ London congestion charge of £25 per day.

On a return journey from Warwickshire to Luton Airport, the TDVi provided me with nothing other than a relaxing, but enjoyable experience and an inescapable sense of satisfaction as I passed countless numbers of the XJ’s dull and unoriginal German competitors. I was safe in the knowledge that as I continued towards the horizon, their drivers would inevitably be overcome by a feeling of envy that they were in a car that wasn’t as stylish, that cost more, and that wouldn’t get them as far. Shame.