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Jaguar did not try to compete with the German flagships by releasing the XJ. The company’s task was to create an alternative to the Porsche Panamera. That is why the model has a coupe-shaped body shape. From which the modest trunk volume is 520 liters. The distance between the rear and front row of seats is large enough to make the rear passengers comfortable, but the slope of the roof is too sharp and this can upset them. Split climate control and a heated rear seat have long been part of the options package. Also, the car does not have good sound insulation.
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Bestial might
The front seats are brand new – with an improved profile, heating as standard and ventilation on request. The servo buttons have a steel-look finish.
The interior has practically remained the same. Only the shape of the leather stitching has changed, and additional types of wood trim have appeared.
HOWEVER, with the power of the engines and the availability of computer support, the “XJ” is also all right. OK, but no frills. Electronic stabilization system, advanced cruise control with a distance-keeping function – it’s all there. At the same time, the six-speed automatic transmission is deprived of the already commonplace ability to manually shift gears. That is, you can change the operating modes of the “machine”, but you should do it the old fashioned way – by shifting the selector along the left slot and limiting the switching range to one step or another. Of course, you will not achieve full control over the transmission, as well as information about which of the gears is currently on.
Although what am I talking about? A natural born gentleman does not need too much fuss. Moreover, the adaptive “automatic” copes with its tasks perfectly and, in addition, has a sports mode of operation, in which the speed of changing gears can compete with the agility of an experienced driver.
No, after all, “Jaguar” is a thing in itself. For example, it is the only one in its class to offer an engine equipped with a driven compressor. This technique is gradually becoming a thing of the past due to some inherent disadvantages, including not very high efficiency compared to turbocharging. But “Jaguar” still holds on to the drive supercharger, and I understand why. Although the 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 with 300 hp.
does its job with the diligence and diligence of a true sports engine and there are no complaints about it, but the same engine, in addition, equipped with a compressor, is something … It’s not even about the increase in power, which at once increases by a good quarter and reaches 400 forces.
It’s about the process itself. When, after a slight spin-up of the engine, the supercharger starts to work at full strength, it seems that a demon has appeared under the hood. That squeals like a buzz saw bolted to a racing engine. At the same time, the car begins to rush forward so sharply even with a slight pressure on the accelerator that it seems as if a solid fuel accelerator control panel is hidden under the gas pedal. It is not for nothing that the model equipped with a compressor motor has a separate designation “XJR” – in its entirety it stands apart from other “XJ”. Although I would not say that this model is the embodiment of natural evil. In terms of smoothness (and it is excellent – it’s not for nothing that it is provided with electronically controlled air suspension) the Erka is almost no different from the usual XJ, but the sports package eliminates body swaying in turns, as well as during acceleration and braking. “XJR” gives the impression of a more solid, assembled car, which has more advantages than disadvantages. And if you keep your sanity and press on gas with moderation, you can safely ride the “XJR” every day, without even realizing that such a monster as a supercharger lurked in its engine compartment.
However, in addition to the 4.2-liter “eights”, a decent number of equally worthy engines of slightly lower power are offered here. The XJ is also available with a 262bhp 3.5L V8 with a 240bhp 3.0-liter V6 and a 2.7L V6 turbodiesel that develops 204bhp. But for me, “XJ” is just a version of “XJR”.