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| Jaguar
XJ6 |
Broadcast
dates : 21st August 2005
27th August 2005 |
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The
Jaguar XJ series has been through a number of incarnations since
the 1960s, and most of the variants have been available in
South Africa.
Yet for the past few years, the latest-generation model has
only been available in V8 form, either as a 4,2 litre XJ8,
or the supercharged V8 XJR.
The XJ6 model is thus a return to Jaguar roots.
The nacelles (the curved lines above the headlights) and the
plain slatted grille are remarkably reminiscent of the 1968
model XJ6. Yet purists may be a bit disappointed to discover
that there’s no classic twin-cam straight-six engine
beneath the bonnet.
Instead there’s a V6, funded and developed under the Ford
regime, the American-based company having bought Jaguar in
the 1990s.
Yet such is the inherent grace of the XJ that no one will be
disappointed by the car’s poise and refinement out on the
road.
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In
fact, Car Torque suspects that this may be the most
convincing Jaguar XJ model of all, more integrated than the
V8 models.
The original XJ6 was noted for its superb road-holding,
particularly at higher speeds. This big cat is no different.
And of course, the car has presence with a capital
"P"!
This is a car you’d like to hop into and set off on a long
journey. The suspension is very sophisticated, with
wishbones all round and air springs, as well as computerized
adaptive damping that adjusts to road surfaces. The ride is
completely unruffled.
The V6 engine is the same unit as used in the S-Type sedan,
a smaller mid-sized Jaguar.
Its 185 kiloWatt power peak is produced in free-revving
form, and the engine is well-chosen for the XJ, along with
the six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
The interior of the XJ6 boasts one of the most convincing
luxury packages of any car on the planet.
There’s an aura of real-world tactile warmth about the
cabin that outguns cars like the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series
and the Mercedes S Class.
Much of this feeling is due to the genuine wood, which still
manages to look genuine, despite many coats of lacquer.
The creamy leather upholstery is not only perfectly trimmed,
but offers just the right blend of firmness, durability and
cosseting softness.
Jaguar XJ6
- Engine: V6
petrol, 2 967 cc
- Power: 175 kW@ 6
800 rpm
- Torque: 300 Nm @
4 100 rpm
- Transmission: ZF
six-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
- 0-100 km/h: 9,74
seconds
- Top speed: 227
km/h
- Fuel consumption:
11,25 litres/1200 km (Car Magazine figures)
- Price: R595 000
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