Jaguar's Tradition of Beautiful Cars

Jaguar, the renowned British marque celebrated for its sporty saloons and sports cars, is a premium brand characterized by excellent performance and fluid, beautiful styling.

Admittedly, in its early days, performance didn't quite match design, leading to a reputation for being "all show and no go." But that's a distant memory. Since creating the "XK" twin-cam engine in 1948, over 60 years ago, Jaguar has consistently captivated many with its first-class power and stylish design, as you all know.

This has not changed even after being acquired by India's Tata Motors in 2008.



By the way, how do you perceive the design of the XF, the mid-size saloon Jaguar introduced to the world in 2008? The flagship saloon XJ, which debuted in 2010, also features the same futuristic design as the XF.

In other words, this coupe-like, modern, and smooth design, which is far removed from the word "classical," has now become the standard for Jaguar saloons.

What Defines a Jaguar?

Lacking elegance? Failing to convey depth of tradition? Above all, not very Jaguar-like? No, I see it quite the opposite.

Certainly, this design is a departure from traditional Jaguars. However, isn't Jaguar's true essence found in its constant pursuit of innovation while respecting tradition? I have always been deeply drawn to the elegant presence of past XJ saloons,Mk1/Mk2, and I feel just as strong an affection for the XF and XJ.


The reason is that the latest XJ and XF are composed of delicate lines that share commonality with past Jaguars, and despite the different approach, they achieve truly elegant and beautifully proportioned forms.

Their design radiates a distinct brilliance, unlike the German premium saloons that loudly proclaim their own strength and robustness. When the latest Jaguar, clad in understated and refined styling, passes by, I find myself captivated by it every time.

Now, this Jaguar XJ is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine.

It's the trendy downsizing.

Jaguar is Blessed with Engines Too

It must be said that for a car manufacturer like Jaguar, with relatively low production volumes, developing powertrains with the latest environmental performance is extremely difficult.

In this regard, Jaguar is fortunate; the engines they currently use are, in some form, a result of leveraging Ford's technology.

Don't be disappointed at the mention of Ford. American car manufacturers are as enthusiastic about technological development as their Japanese and European counterparts. Especially since the Lehman Shock dealt them a severe blow, they have focused on internal efficiency and shifted their direction towards quality-focused product manufacturing.



At low speeds, it accelerates nimbly in response to throttle input, and there's no inconvenience felt during overtaking acceleration on the highway. The only point is that during full-throttle acceleration, the immense power of a V6 or V8 equipped XJ was not felt, but situations requiring such performance are rare on Japanese public roads, at least.

Like a Tweed Jacket

The ride is also excellent, with a light yet firm feel that conveys the sensation of the aluminum body. It provides peace of mind even when welcoming important guests.

The atmosphere within the cabin is unmistakably Jaguar.

While the rotary shift knob introduced in the XF and the analog-style speedometer and tachometer displayed on the all-LCD instrument panel exude a modern flair, the rich and refined world woven by leather and wood is distinctly different from German saloons.

If we were to use fashion as an analogy, German cars are like suits tailored sharply from slightly lustrous, lightweight wool, whereas Jaguar is like a tweed jacket with a soft touch that possesses an underlying strength, maintaining its form even after years of wear.



When you sit in the driver's seat of the XJ, the feeling of being warmly welcomed by the car might be due to this "tweed effect." The XJ possesses a world distinct from German cars to that extent.

No Real Flaws

After spending about half a day with the "XJ LUXURY" equipped with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, I could find almost no significant flaws.

If I had to point out something, I noticed a slight "drone" and vibration at a steady 100 km/h cruise. In fact, the engine speed drops to 1,400 rpm in 8th gear. It's possible that a slight resonance occurred between the engine and the body at this point. As a test, shifting down to 7th gear under the same conditions raised the engine speed to 1,750 rpm, and the noise and vibration disappeared. So, one option is to select 7th gear when driving at 100 km/h, but this would prevent you from fully realizing the economic benefits of the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. This is a true dilemma.

However, compared to the overwhelming charm emanating from the entire XJ, such issues are trivial. The Jaguar is now the only British luxury saloon available for around 10 million yen. The XJ is an impeccable model for stepping into its captivating world.

Jaguar XJ Luxury
Body Size | Overall Length 5,135 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,455 mm
Wheelbase | 3,030 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,625 / 1,605 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 120 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.8 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | 520 liters
Weight | 1,780 kg
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-Cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 177kW (240ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 340Nm / 1,750 rpm
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain | FR
Tires Front/Rear | 245/45ZR19 / 275/40ZR19
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 9.3 km/L
Price | 9,000,000 yen