Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 20-03-2010, 06:52 PM   #1
csv8
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
csv8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Central Q..10kms west of Rocky...
Posts: 8,318
Exclamation Confusing Jaguar XJ Review ????

Jaguar XJ: review
By Paul GoverHerald Sun11 March 2010Tweet this!ShareEmailPrint+-The all-new XJ looks utterly different to any previous Jaguar, even the latest mid-sized XF, and drives like it's from a different world.
Paul Gover road tests and reviews the Jaguar XJ at its international launch.

Grumpy old men across Britain are pulling on black armbands this week. They are in mourning for the traditional Jaguar XJ, a car which was much like a mouldy old labrador that had lived beyond its time.

It's sad that the faithful old dog had to go, but now there is a spritely new XJ puppy — perhaps a labradoodle — with designer genes to drive Jaguar forward and win a younger generation of buyers to the brand.

For the first time the new Jaguar flagship has what it needs to fight the German rottweilers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It is a modern car, a very different car in design and driving, and a car that gives a 21st century tilt on luxury.

Jaguar chooses Paris to present the XJ to the press and there is a lot of emphasis on Ian Callum, the car's designer. Both moves are intended to show a new approach to the Big Cat, which is closer to the mid-sized XF hero than any previous full-sized Jaguar. "Nobody needs a Jaguar, but people need to want a Jaguar," says Callum.


He admits to pushing the edges on design, and particularly the gaping grille and plastic capping on the C-pillars, but says it is a job that has to be done. "I think we have to be slightly controversial. In the past, Jaguars were very modern cars, not boring at all. If you do something different . . . then, once you get used to it, it will be fine."

Callum finds it easy to summarise the new XJ, which is actually slightly bigger inside than the previous model and comes with both short and long-wheelbase bodies, as well as a choice of V6 diesel and V8 petrol engines. "I want people to feel like they are sitting in a sports car, even if it's a luxury car. We want the technology to be easy for people to use, not intimidating."

Fit-out and equipment

On the engineering front, the new XJ is still an aluminium car which means a 150-200kg weight edge over an S-Class or 7 Series, and there is fully-independent suspension, big brakes, 18-20 inch alloys, a full suite of airbags and a lot more including LED lamps.

"We go back to XF really, which started the rejuvenation of Jaguar," says Andy Dobson, chief program engineer for XJ. "We play absolutely fanatical attention to detail. Making sure we've got the character right."

The luxury runs from a two-panel glass sunroof to nine different interior treatments — leather with wood or carbonfibre — electric rear seats in the LWB car and up to 1200 watts of Bower&Wilkins sound. "XJ is the most refined vehicle in our range, but we've moved the sporting character on," says Dobson.

Drivetrain

The numbers include 202kW/600Nm in the 3-litre turbodiesel V6 up to 375kW/625Nm in the Supersport supercharged V8, a drag co-efficient of 0.285, fuel economy from 7.0-12.3 litres/100km and prices from $193,800 for the short-wheelbase diesel to $362,800 for the long-wheelbase Supersport. But don't go looking for a diesel V6, the favourite engine in the XF in Australia, because it is missing. Jaguar says it cannot do the numbers or the refinement needed for an XJ.

Driving

The new XJ takes some adjustment. In reality, it is going to take a lot of adjustment, from the way it looks to the way it drives. This is definitely not your grand-dad's Jaguar. Or your dad's. But it could easily be for you and your children, particularly as a full-sized driver's car.

The new XJ has an instant impact, either in traffic or making a grand entrance at one of the best Parisian restaurants, thanks to Callum's bodywork. But an impact is easy, and creating a car that will grow on people is tougher. No-one can really judge that end game for at least two years.

But the new cabin is an instant success, both user-friendly and luxurious in a very modern way. The interior of the XJ is more like a high-end boat than a Benz or BMW, something Callum worked hard to achieve, from the smooth sweep of the fascia to the low dashtop to materials including a cast 'cheese cutter' effect on the rotary gear selector in the centre console. It's a major move away from a British stately home to a high-end London apartment.

The luxury is great and the back seat space in the long car is just what you expect for a car to be used by royalty and the British ministers. It is roomy, comfortable and very well kitted.

But it's the driving that wins me. The basic diesel shorty is sharp yet refined, extremely quiet and has suspension and steering tied very closely to the XJ and chopped away from the old XJ. So it does not rock or roll in corners, sits flat at speeds beyond Australian limits, with great brakes and a responsive six-speed auto with various modes and a paddle shift.

The suspension is not floaty but the car still floats over broken surfaces, with a switchable sport mode that stiffens the dampers and steering feel. A short run in the basic petrol V8 brings the muscular exhaust not I expect from a flagship cat, as well as more thump in response to the accelerator, but it's the long-wheelbase Supersport which wins me.

After hussling it through a serious of testing twists, first in the basic settings and then in full sports mode, I think it is a brilliant car. I have driven the 7 and S but the XJ is better than both of the Germans, and a first choice for people who like driving. As I work through two days of Jaguar driving I find myself liking the XJ more and more.

I still question if buyers will be happy to put down at least $193,000 on a Jaguar after its ownership switch and after the ugly experiences of earlier XJs, but this car is a great start. I think the boot opening is too cramped, and the operation of the electric assistance on the test cars is jerky, and I also question the final finishing of the early-build Paris cars.

I also think the design of the virtual dials in the TFT dash screen is heavy handed and the analogue clock is chintzy. There is also a wavy effect to the rear-window glass, something Jaguar puts down to the sharp incline on the tail end.

But these are little things and this is a big, big, big car. It's large in size, a huge shift for Jaguar, and a giant move into the future of luxury cars. The new XJ deserves to be a winner and the first Australian owners, who will get their cars from August, have something to look forward to with a smile.

Jaguar XJ

On sale: August
Price: from $193,800 to $362,800
Engine: 3-litre V6 turbodiesel, 5-litre V8, 5-litre Supercharged V8
Output: 202kW/600Nm, 283kW/515Nm, 375kW/625Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Economy: 7.0-12.1 litres/100km
Emissions: 184-289 grams/km CO2

This is confusing..Jaguar states "don't go looking for the diesel" next thing ,Paul Gover is driving one ????????

__________________
CSGhia
csv8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 07:09 PM   #2
jpd80
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
jpd80's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,398
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Thoughtful contributions to our community 
Default

Ian Callum has injected a lot of his own opinion into the XJ's design and it shows,
build a longer wheelbase car with lots of space and your buyers will thank you for it.

Now if Ford can just lift that 202Kw/600nm 3.0 TT diesel for the G6E.....
jpd80 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 07:58 PM   #3
UKXR8
Regular Member
 
UKXR8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Back in NZ
Posts: 278
Default

$193800 starting price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG I can't believe that, they start at £53775 ($88141 au) over here, maybe I should ship some over!
I am truly gobsmacked..
__________________
1972 XA Falcon Coupe 408C
The Future is bright, the future is Orange!!!!!

2003 AU3 XR8 MANUAL

1998 EL XR6
UKXR8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 08:50 PM   #4
HSE2
7,753
 
HSE2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Tasmania..... Moderator: Tas FPV club
Posts: 5,128
Default

Disappointing entry point for our market.
__________________
BREAKING NEWS: The Pity Train has just derailed at the intersection of "Suck It Up & Move On" after it crashed into "We All Have Problems" before coming to a complete stop at "Get the Hell Over It." Reporting LIVE from Quitchur Bitchin'
HSE2 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 09:02 PM   #5
DJR-351
I am Groot
Donating Member3
 
DJR-351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burnett Heads, Qld
Posts: 6,840
Default

Sorry i'm confused.....

http://www.jaguar.com/au/en/#/allnew...specifications

......what am i confused about again.....
__________________
..
McLaren F1
Dick Johnson Racing

"Those were the days when the cars were cars, they weren't built out of an Ikea pack like they are now and clothed in plastic; they were real cars." John Bowe
DJR-351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 09:09 PM   #6
csv8
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
csv8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Central Q..10kms west of Rocky...
Posts: 8,318
Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by DJR-351
Sorry i'm confused.....

http://www.jaguar.com/au/en/#/allnew...specifications

......what am i confused about again.....
"But don't go looking for a diesel V6, the favourite engine in the XF in Australia, because it is missing. Jaguar says it cannot do the numbers or the refinement needed for an XJ." BUT Gover drives one ??? confusing !!!!!
__________________
CSGhia
csv8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 09:24 PM   #7
DJR-351
I am Groot
Donating Member3
 
DJR-351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burnett Heads, Qld
Posts: 6,840
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by csv8
"But don't go looking for a diesel V6, the favourite engine in the XF in Australia, because it is missing. Jaguar says it cannot do the numbers or the refinement needed for an XJ." BUT Gover drives one ??? confusing !!!!!
: : i knew what you meant, i just thought maybe Gover was confused, cause he confuses the hell out of me all the time......

.....sorry about the confusion....
__________________
..
McLaren F1
Dick Johnson Racing

"Those were the days when the cars were cars, they weren't built out of an Ikea pack like they are now and clothed in plastic; they were real cars." John Bowe
DJR-351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 20-03-2010, 10:27 PM   #8
last fairlane
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
last fairlane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: brisbane
Posts: 1,316
Cool Jag review

How come you read it and it was dated the 11th
but I read it today the 20th
word for word in the Courier mail
John
last fairlane is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 12:45 AM   #9
jpd80
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
jpd80's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,398
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Thoughtful contributions to our community 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by last fairlane
How come you read it and it was dated the 11th
but I read it today the 20th
word for word in the Courier mail
John
News takes longer to filter through to Queensland,
we still have electronic carrier pigeons...
jpd80 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 10:06 AM   #10
csv8
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
csv8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Central Q..10kms west of Rocky...
Posts: 8,318
Default

Queensland Courier Mail has no competition and it runs stories that THEY we need to read. Then use others as fillers. The Gold Coast Bulletin has a review on buying a second handcar KA
__________________
CSGhia
csv8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 02:18 PM   #11
Bossxr8
Peter Car
 
Bossxr8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: geelong
Posts: 23,145
Default

Gover drove it at the international launch, so i'd assume he meant to say the diesel version will be sold OS but not here in Oz?
Bossxr8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 06:52 PM   #12
DJR-351
I am Groot
Donating Member3
 
DJR-351's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Burnett Heads, Qld
Posts: 6,840
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bossxr8
Gover drove it at the international launch, so i'd assume he meant to say the diesel version will be sold OS but not here in Oz?
That's how i read it to....
__________________
..
McLaren F1
Dick Johnson Racing

"Those were the days when the cars were cars, they weren't built out of an Ikea pack like they are now and clothed in plastic; they were real cars." John Bowe
DJR-351 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 07:17 PM   #13
Peuty
Afterburner + skids =
Donating Member1
 
Peuty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Skidsville
Posts: 12,145
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpd80

Now if Ford can just lift that 202Kw/600nm 3.0 TT diesel for the G6E.....
Don;t know how Ford would get there hands on that?
__________________
Speed Kills. So buy an AU XR8 and live forever.

Oo\===/oO
Peuty is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-03-2010, 07:25 PM   #14
jpd80
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
jpd80's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 11,398
Valued Contributor: For members whose non technical contributions are worthy of recognition. - Issue reason: Thoughtful contributions to our community 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Peuty
Don;t know how Ford would get there hands on that?
The Lion engine family was developed and manufactured at Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre
jpd80 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-03-2010, 12:56 AM   #15
csv8
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
csv8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Central Q..10kms west of Rocky...
Posts: 8,318
Default

FORD are using the Landrover/Peugot diesel engine in the Territory. They won't use the Jag diesel in the Falcon to keep it "exclusive" ?
__________________
CSGhia
csv8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 05:02 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL