Jaguar S-Type 2.7 Diesel Euro IV
Jaguars S-TYPE diesel took ages to arrive on the market but its made quite an impact since it has. Now on offer in Euro IV guise, its a car that no diesel-orientated Executive class buyer can afford to ignore.
Developed as a joint venture between Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroen, the twin-turbo 2.7-litre AJD-V6 engine originally benefited from the considerable expertise of engineers at Jaguars Whitley Engineering Centre, very much a finishing school for engines. Though 206bhp is on tap, what the Jaguar team really concentrated on with this car was offering the sort of hushed NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) package that buyers of petrol powered Jaguars have traditionally demanded and become accustomed to getting. Unique dual isolated engine mounts and a final drive assemble designed to soften the take up of torque combine with a double-skinned sump and an elastomer-isolated composite cam cover to ensure nothing but velvety progress.
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Peak power and torque of the S-TYPE 2.7 Diesel remain the same, but there are a number of other modifications that have ensured compliance with the Stage IV emissions regulations. An advanced fuel injection system utilises higher injection pressures and enhanced injector spray patterns. Calibration of the electronically actuated turbochargers, exhaust gas recirculation system and port deactivation systems is revised and a new engine management calibration has been introduced in order to provide better throttle response.
Additionally, a catalysed diesel particulate filter (CDPF), which results in further effective exhaust emission purification, is fitted as standard, further reducing emissions. Prices start at £30,005.
"Without a diesel engine, the S-TYPE was fighting with one arm tied behind its back"
Featuring second-generation common-rail fuel injection, this engine can crank out a hefty 435Nm of torque, more than the 4.2-litre V8 Jaguar petrol unit, yet the diesel betters its consumption by a massive 47 per cent. Fuel economy on a leisurely cross country drive the figure will sometimes exceed 50mpg. Performance is as strong as youd expect from a 200bhp+ diesel engine, the sprint to sixty taking a smidgeon over eight seconds, regardless of whether you choose the six-speed manual or the six-speed automatic, and the maximum speed is comfortably in excess of 140mph.
A great deal of thought has gone into the construction of this engine. Many diesel-engined cars are compromised by a powerplant slung way over the front axle that weighs about as much as a bullion train. This has some severe effects on the cars handling, the slightest glimpse of a deviation from the straight and narrow resulting in terminal understeer. The S-TYPEs diesel engine is constructed from compacted graphite iron (CGI) to ensure outstannding strength, durability and above all low weight.
Because less material is needed to build a CGI engine block, the engine can also be shorter. The result is that the 2.7-litre engine tips the scales at just 202kg only 15kg more than the equivalent petrol V6. The latest round of revisions meant that all models received the sporty bumper and mesh grille from the S-TYPE R along with the six-speed automatic transmission, rear parking assist, leather seats and a leather steering wheel.
Further showroom temptations include automatic dual-zone climate control with a combined odour and pollen filter, a 140-watt Hi-fi sound system, alloy wheels, front fog lamps and the usual complement of front and side airbags.Trim levels run from Spirit through XS to SE. If luxury is a great priority, then across the S-TYPE range, theres an optional voice-activated control system which enables you to given spoken commands to the climate control system, the stereo and the 'phone (which now has an integrated keypad). It also works on the satellite navigation system, which can respond to traffic congestion when calculating your route. You'll also like the little touches like the headlights which turn on automatically. Or the Smart Locking system which makes it impossible to lock your keys in the car. The Jaguar S-TYPE 2.7-litre diesel automatically makes the rest of the range look a little extravagant.
Its tough to find a significant chink in the armour of a car this good.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Jaguar S-TYPE 2.7 diesel Euro IV range
PRICES: £30,005-£34,505 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 179g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.1s / Max Speed 143mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 41.5mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ARTS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4861/1819/1444
