With its 271bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, the new version of the Jaguar XF is the most powerful diesel Jaguar ever; not to mention a hefty 600Nm of torque. Yet its 42mpg – 12% better than the 2.7-litre V6 diesel – and CO2 emissions of 179g/km mean it’s remarkably efficient, too. According to MD of Jaguar Cars, Mike O’Driscoll, the new XF Diesel S is ‘truly the best of both worlds’.

Jaguar claims that the new V6 diesel engine ‘delivers V8 levels of performance from very low revs’, due to its parallel sequential turbochargers, and is ‘perfectly matched to Jaguar's sophisticated six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission’. The performance figures support this: 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds and a maximum speed (no doubt electronically limited) of 155mph.

In addition to the 33% jump in power and 61% increase in torque against the 2.7-litre diesel, there are also trim and specification changes – and the introduction of a new, luxury, ‘Portfolio’ derivative as part of the range.

Visual changes include 19in wheels, an aerodynamic boot-lid spoiler and discreet 'S' badging. UK prices for the new 3.0-litre XF Diesel S start at £36,900 and the model will be available from March.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Jaguar