Jaguar has announced today that it is preparing to add a new entry-level diesel engine to the XF lineup. This move is an attempt to expand downwards in order to cater to a clientele that is willing to sacrifice performance in favor of a more affordable car.
The new engine is essentially a detuned version of the XF’s 190 horsepower 2.2 turbocharged four-cylinder. In keeps its 2.2 displacement, but its power output has been decreased to 163 horsepower. Jaguar has not commented on what modifications were made to it.
The new 2.2 propels the XF from zero to 62 miles per hour in 9.8 seconds. Maximum velocity is reached at 130 miles per hour.
By comparison, an XF equipped with the 190 horsepower engine had a top speed of 139 miles per hour and logged 8.5 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour.
The four-cylinder comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a start-stop system. This enables the entry-level XF to boast 52.3 miles per gallon in a mixed English cycle, which converts to about 43 miles per gallon in the United States. The car’s CO2 emissions remain unchanged at 149 grams per kilometer.
The 163 horsepower XF will make its debut next March. In England, it will carry a base price of £29,950 (about $45,820). The price includes an electronic climate control system, a dash-mounted touch-screen, and seats upholstered in suedecloth and leather.
