I fully agree with ACM that Tatas need to start local assembly and increase the sales and service network, to reach anywhere near the volumes of T3.
However JLR is slowly getting it's act together by introducing new models which will substantially increase their volumes globally. They are on the verge of releasing XF 2.2L diesel engine which will compete with the likes of 520D and has been previewed well by British media. I reproduce below one such First Drive report.
Summary - Vital new 2.2D Jaguar XF is the first four-cylinder diesel offered by the popular British executive. At last, Jaguar has an entrant into the sector's biggest and most competitive sales area.
We like - Impressive refinement, performance, improved economy, wonderful eight-speed automatic, new economic advantages
We don't like - Low-50mpg rather than high-50mpg economy, CO2 not as low as competition, still 'a four-cylinder diesel' which Jaguar stalwarts may not like
First impressions
Finally, the Jaguar XF gets an entry-level four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. This is the most important area within the executive car market in terms of sale - but, up to now, Jaguar hasn't been able to offer one. This means it's not been represented to, well, HALF the market.
Come the summer, this will be rectified. The Jaguar XF 2.2D sits beneath the current entry-level 3.0 V6D, opening up XF motoring to far more people. Audi and BMW, for instance, say three in every four A6 and 5 Series sales are 2.0-litre diesels: that's how important this new Jaguar is.
The 'i4D' engine is derived from that in the new Range Rover Evoque, and produces 190hp. It's been fully Jaguar-ised though, with enhancements throughout for, says Jaguar, class-leading refinement. It's paired with a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The model's launch ties in with a mid-life facelift for the Jaguar XF, which has been on sale for four years now. Concealed on our prototype drive for now, this focuses on the front-end looks. Detail changes have been made elsewhere too, to keep things fresh.
Performance
Those worrying that the four-cylinder Jaguar XF will be a disappointment compared to V6 and V8 alternatives can rest easy. The feared clatter, drone and rattles are simply not present - even in the prototype test car MSN Cars drove, which is four whole steps away from final production.
The noise is, of course, not creamy and tuneful like a V6. But while anodyne, the note is little less objectionable than a modern direct-injection petrol. You won't listen to it for fun, but nor will you listen to it with annoyance.
Performance is good: 190hp provides 0-60mph acceleration in 8.0 seconds; an Audi A6 does it in 8.7 seconds, a BMW 520d in 8.1 seconds. A significant win for Jaguar there, then, and it feels the swift, agile diesel the stats suggest on paper, too.
It also delivers surge from low revs, in the characteristic modern diesel way, but without an unrefined 'rush'; it has a bigger-capacity feel than it actually is, and is particularly impressive at higher speeds. It certainly doesn't feel the weak younger brother of the V6.
The new eight-speed automatic is sublime. Intuitive, effective and ALWAYS in the right gear, it also swiftly shifts up and down with a satisfying 'Jaguar' feel. The sensations from the gearbox have been tuned to give a Jaguar profile, and it's deeply rewarding as a result.
Smartly, the gearbox gives overdrive ratios in both 7th and 8th, for motorway refinement and peaceful running. Eighth is arguably TOO tall for the UK, dropping the engine into a slight patch of low-rev drone. The auto almost foresees this, though, shifting to 7th the moment it becomes noticeable. It also downshifts fast for acceleration response.
The Jaguar XF 2.2D features 'Intelligent Start/Stop'. This helps it to start up faster when you lift the brake pedal, and also to cope better with in 'change of mind' situations. Normally, once the engine 'begins turning off', you must wait for it to fully shut down before restarting.
This is annoying when you spot a fresh gap at a roundabout that you want to dive for. It's eliminated in the XF, which can restart even if the engine is still shutting down. This not only improves comfort, but effectively makes it faster around town...
Ride and handling
The Jaguar XF characteristic is one of direct sportiness combined with heavyweight soothing luxury. The XF 2.2D enhances this, courtesy of an engine that is 40kg lighter. This makes the front end turn in even more smartly, for surprising (and roll-managed) handling from the big rear-drive saloon.
It's easy to drive: steering is very light and 'fingertippy', brakes are light and the controls are direct. But the balance and feedback from the XF nonetheless ensure it's satisfying to drive too. And, while the ride is initially more taut than you may expect, it deals with everything thrown at it admirably.
Interior
We're not allowed to talk about the facelifted interior yet - but we CAN talk about the general ambience. Jaguars are special and this is no exception, with a modern-British feel that's distinct from the Germans, and exceedingly appealing in its own right. Its standard equipment is still compelling, too.
The 2.2D engine does not hinder this. It remains hushed, and the stop-start is discreet enough to pass almost unnoticed (passengers thus won't be worried by it). Good refinement, the smooth-shifting auto and feeling of reassuring engine response all ensure the luxury-performance Jaguar feel remains intact.
Economy and safety
The Jaguar XF 2.2D is about improving economy and emissions. So, how does it fare? Well, 53.2mpg and 149g/km makes it the most fuel efficient Jaguar on sale, by far. The CO2 figure also dips below the 160g/km company car break off point, with ease. Your next business car CAN now be a Jaguar, then!
On the other hand, it's not as good as the competition. A BMW 520d emits 132g/km and averages 57.6mpg, an Audi A6 2.0 TDI 177 does 57.6mpg and 129g/km. As Jaguar's not chasing their sales volumes, though, this shouldn't be too much of a hindrance. More significantly, will the four-star Euro NCAP rating be improved by the facelift?
The MSN Cars verdict
The Jaguar XF 2.2D is a hugely important car for Jaguar that has the potential to double XF sales. It's been a long time coming, but the wait has been worth it. It's up with the class best in all but economy and emissions, and even here, the lack of ultimate 'best' may not hinder Jaguar.
See, bald stats say it's a 52mpg Jaguar XF that can now be chosen by the company drivers it was previous excluded from. With a lower entry price too, AND the 2012 facelift, Jaguar's created a compelling extension to the XF range that, we're sure, will significantly improve sales.
The full report can be viewed at
http://cars.uk.msn.com/reviews/artic...ntid=156993614
Another review by Autocar U.K. Can be seen at
http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/...D-auto/256162/