Jaguar is readying prototypes of the facelifted 2011 XF packing the Ford-derived 2.2-litre turbodiesel already in use in small Land Rovers.
We’ve seen a brace of official cars near the Midlands test facilities each registered with the 2200cc oil-burner – proving that Jaguar Land Rover’s new bosses are wasting no time reprioritising their model range.
Jaguar XF 2.2 TD: why they’re doing it
While we’ve raved about the XF’s dynamics, design and all-round talents, Jaguar’s exec has been decidedly top heavy with no engines under 2.7 litres (now upgraded to 3.0 since the old PSA-Ford JV engine was pastured off).
The heartland of the exec sector is diesel engines of around 2000cc; this is by far and away the most popular seller in the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class ranges.
Our sources suggest that the new downsized Jaguar XF 2.2 D is likely to arrive in summer/autumn 2011. In the Range Rover Evoque, this engine develops 148 or 187bhp and we’d be expecting key emissions figures around 50mpg and 130g/km.
Will the new smaller diesel XF come as part of the facelift?
Yep. The disguise on this XF prototype spied near Jaguar’s Coventry R&D base suggests the facelift will concentrate on the front and rear ends.
From these spyshots, it seems certain that the bulbous headlamps of the original XF are being consigned to the dustbin – for a sleeker, narrower lens closer to the design of the original C-XF concept car and, indeed, the new XJ.
A camo pack across the dashboard suggests that the interior will also receive an upgrade. No sign yet of the new estate though; our information suggests this will follow later in the lifecycle, around 2012.