1989 Jaguar XJ6 Reviews

Most carmakers today have a performance model that packs the punch of a sports car, but back in the 1950s sedans that performed were rare. Back then sports cars were stripped bare open top two-seaters and sedans were more sedate affairs aimed at families.That was until Jaguar broke the mould and produced its Mark 1 sedan, arguably the first sports sedan ever. That was followed by the even more sporting Mark 2, which is today a much treasured classic icon.If Jaguar boasted the only performance sedan in the late-1950s it certainly doesn’t now. Today’s Jaguar has to compete against similar models from BMW, Benz, Lexus and many others.It’s a tough world out there in the dog-eat-dog car world and Jaguar has struggled to maintain a place in the market in the last 20 or 30 years when it came close to extinction before being rescued by Ford.At the depths of its troubles in the 1980s the cars it produced were plagued with problems. A shortage of funds meant they were often underdeveloped and not ready for the market when they were launched, and buyers were left to do their own problem solving.They were also poorly built, partly again because of a lack of funds, but also because of a workforce that didn’t care.The XJ6 – code named X-300 – launched in 1994 was the start of the comeback of the great old brand with an injection of some $500 million by Ford.MODEL WATCHThe X-300 arrived after eight years of strife with the previous XJ40, which suffered badly with niggling production problems that should have been sorted before it was unleashed on the public.Such were Jaguar’s troubles that it was launched and the public became the company’s de facto development team.As a result the X-300 had plenty of ground to make up if it was to win back disaffected Jaguar buyers and restore some much needed credibility to the once proud company.While it was an all-new model the X-300 used the same platform as its much maligned predecessor. That aside every other external panel was new, the result being a much more modern and definitely more athletic shape than the XJ40.At once it looked elegant, yet sporty, and recalled the great old Jaguar sporting saloons.Like all XJ6s the X-300 was a large car, but its interior was rather cramped, particularly for rear seat passengers. If some suffered they could draw comfort from the sumptuous Connolly hide that covered the seats and the classic burr walnut trim that contributed to its olde worlde charm.Under the deeply sculpted bonnet lay one of four engines: a 3.2-litre double overhead camshaft straight six which churned out a smooth 161 kW at 5100 revs and 315 Nm at 4500 revs; a 4.0-litre version which boasted 183 kW at 4800 revs and 392 Nm at 4000 revs; a supercharged 4.0-litre six which pumped out 240 kW at 5000 revs and 512 Nm at 3050 revs; or a 6.0-litre V12 with 234 kW at 5350 revs and 478 Nm at 2850 revs.A four-speed auto processed the punch on its way to the rear wheels. Drivers had the choice of letting the transmission take care of the shifting or they could engage the ‘J-Gate’ manual shift option and do the shifting themselves.Underneath the X-300 rode on independent suspension at both ends, the front made up of unequal length wishbones, coil springs and an anti-roll bar, the rear using double wishbones and coil springs.If the suspension was familiar Jaguar the speed sensitive ZF rack and pinion steering was new and much welcomed for its precision when compared to the older model.Powerful four wheel discs slow the heavyweight cat with ease, and there’s the added safety of ABS.As expected of a car with a price tag approaching $150,000 the X-300 came fully equipped.The base sedan came with air, leather, remote central locking, trip computer, cruise, and dual front airbags, but had wheel trims instead of alloys.If you stepped up to the Sport you got alloys, front fog lamps and sports suspension.Further up the chain there was the Sovereign, which was similar to the Sport, but had touring suspension, power driver’s seat with memory, and a chrome interior mirror.For an exhilarating ride there was the XJR with the supercharged engine, traction control and a limited-slip diff.At the upper end of the tree was the V12, which had the 6.0-litre motor and pretty much everything else on the option list.IN THE SHOPJaguars have a reputation for unreliability, and while it was mostly justified with the models that preceded the X-300 it is no longer fair to label them with the troublesome tag.Ford spent a large amount of money getting the production sorted out so the cars are well built when they leave the factory and not the troublesome ones they once were.It’s important, however, that they are regularly serviced. That goes for any car, but if you want your Jaguar to run smoothly and not breakdown on you keep it well serviced. There are plenty of specialists around who will keep it in fine fettle without going to a Jaguar dealer.The X-300 is a big, heavy car so don’t expect it to be cheap to run. The XJR will guzzle 17 litres or so every 100 km, the V12 even more. Expect it to consume brake pads and tyres as well.Look for signs of crash repairs, oil leaks, suspension clunks and rattles, and definitely look for a service record that can be checked.IN A CRASHThe mass of the XJ6 will help in the crunch, as will dual frontal airbags. Predictable handling with powerful ABS-assisted disc brakes, along with traction control combine for a competent primary safety package.OWNERS SAYDavid Jonas is the proud owner of an 1996 X-300. On the road he says there is no better highway cruiser for the money. Overtaking performance is breathtaking, cruising at the legal highway speed is effortless and you are cosseted in leather and wood. Equally, the Great Ocean Road poses no challenges as this car corners on rails, and in most cases you simply catch up with the traffic. It is at home in city traffic as well, and to put it simply, it’s a great car that is difficult to match with any other band that is on the market today. He also says it hasn’t been expensive to service. During the 100,000 kilometres he’s owned it it’s required a set of spark plugs, two sets of disc pads, one ignition coil, batteries in remote controls, one exhaust manifold, one set of tyres, and oil and filters every 10,000 km.Dr Matthew Starr has had his 1995 X-300 3.2-litre Sport for nearly five years and it's done just over 91,000 km. He says it’s a terrific car, very stable, solid, comfortable, well made, and reliable. The engine is very torquey and the only irritating thing he has had to have redone was the felt internal roof lining that sagged. He would recommend this model to anyone as they are superb value for money nowadays.LOOK FOR• elegant sporty styling• smooth performance from base six cylinder engines• exhilarating punch of supercharged XJR• slightly cramped interior for size• high fuel consumption, particularly the V12• precise handling and smooth rideTHE BOTTOM LINEClassy cat looks good, feels good, goes good, but is a large car and will cost plenty at the pump.RATING65/100

The Mark V model of the late 1940s, the Mark VII of the 1950s and the original XJ6 of the late-1960s established a fabulous heritage of elegant saloons, and little has changed in the 60 years since.The company's former slogan, Pace With Grace, pretty much sums up the big Jaguar saloons. They were sporty, but still oozed charm and elegance.Today's models are no less elegant than the classics, even if some think they're stuck in the past. Model watchThe seventh-generation Jaguar XJ saloon emerged in 2003, and again it looked for all the world like a makeover of the first XJ shown in the late 1960s.That first car was such a beauty it seems Jaguar couldn't let it go, but why should it? That original XJ6 was perfectly proportioned, its balanced lines looking fresh even after 40 years.The XJ8 of 2003 had a similar balance despite being significantly larger than the model it replaced. It was longer, wider and taller than its cousin, and had a longer wheelbase and reduced front overhang.If it looked like a throwback to the past, the X350, as it was known, was no such thing once you looked under the skin and saw the depth of engineering that marked this cat out as a very new beast.One constant criticism of the big cats over the years is its exterior size was never translated to interior room.At the core of the XJ was a rivet-bonded aluminium monocoque that slashed the big cat's weight by 200kg or more. Remarkably, it weighed little more than 1500kg.The lightness clearly comes through in the driving. The XJ feels agile and responsive, with quick, sensitive, precise steering that helps belie its physical size.Though Jaguars have always been a pleasure to drive, the dynamics and speed of this model shifted it up into an elite class occupied by the BMW M-Series and Benz AMG models.Under the XJ's long, elegant bonnet at launch was a choice of two V8s, which in early 2004 were joined by a V6.The V8 choices were a 3.5-litre unit and a larger 4.2-litre engine, the latter available in normally aspirated and supercharged forms.Both were of a double overhead camshaft configuration with four valves a cylinder. The 3.5-litre version had 196kW at 6300 revs and 345Nm at 4200 revs. The normally aspirated 4.2-litre engine put out 224kW at 6000 revs and 420Nm at 4100 revs.The big cracker-blown 4.2-litre engine, which powered the awesome XJR, had 298kW at 6100 revs and 553Nm at 3500 revs.All that drive was then transferred to the blacktop through a ZF six-speed automatic, the final drive going through the rear wheels.When it arrived in 2004 the double overhead camshaft 3.0-litre V6 had 179kW at 6800 revs and 300Nm at 4100 revs.With a solid, rigid foundation, the XJ had a stable platform that could support the sort of handling the Jaguar engineers wanted to achieve, but that was just the start.Add to the aluminium masterpiece self-levelling air springs to adjust the ride height to suit the speed the big cat is being driven at, and Jaguar's adaptive shock absorbers, and you have an awesome package.A stiffer, more sporting setup was optional, and there was the XJR for the ultimate ride.Tradition also played a big part in determining the design of the interior, which had lashings of leather, touches of wood and many features such as power seats, adjustable pedals and steering wheel, parking sensors, cruise, air and a super sound system. On the lot Jaguar lost ground to its German rivals when it, along with the entire British car industry, went through a meltdown in the 1970s and '80s, caused by poor build quality and engineering integrity.The old marque doesn't have the respect it once had. Most of its buyers have moved on to BMW or Benz, and newer ones never knew it at its best.For the V6 pay $95,000-$105,000; for the small V8 (2003-2005), $98,000-$120,000; for the bigger V8, $110,000-$130,000.If you want to go all the way to the XJR you'll need to pay $115,000-$140,000. In the shopAverage build quality plagued earlier XJ Jags. The problems were mostly silly things that should never have occurred, but did, and they were very frustrating for owners. But since Ford took over the quality has improved and there is little for owners to be concerned about.Make sure the service schedule has been adhered to and the oil in particular has been changed.Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 19 and 20-inch wheels optional, so be prepared to pay dearly when tyres need replacing. In a crunchThe XJ has an awesome array of safety features — as there should be on a car that costs about $200,000 when new.The monocoque chassis, its agility, precise steering and powerful brakes give it the roadholding to escape possible crash situations.Should the metal begin to crumple, front and side airbags are activated. At the pumpBeing surprisingly light for its size, the XJ is reasonably economic. If you pedal lightly you can expect to achieve 10.5-12.5 litres for 100km. The bottom lineClassic looks belie a modern sporting saloon that matches the bahn-stormers.70/100  All anglesLook forTimeless classic stylingWonderfully balanced chassisPrecise steeringHigh performance RivalsLexus LS430 (2003-2005): $82,000-$110,000BMW 7-Series (2002-2005): $89,000-$220,000Audi A8 (2003-2005): $85,000-$125,000

It is now bouncing back from the last of its bad times with some impressive additions to its line-up, while its Ford funding also means we can expect some special updates in coming years.For now, the newest in the Cat family is the XJ6, a six-cylinder model of its flagship saloon that picks up all the advantages of the latest XJ body with a compact 3.0-litre V6 engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox.Owners will also appreciate a bottom line that starts at $149,900.It's still not a cheap car, but the XJ6 is good value when you line it up against its obvious and traditional luxury rivals, the BMW 735i from $178,300 and the Mercedes S350 from $177,900.Even the new and impressive Audi A8, which has gone nowhere near bumping the Jag from third on the sales charts, has a starting price of $173,900.The new Cat fills the space always held in the Jaguar line by some form of six-pack contender, though the latest XJ takes a new direction with a V6 in place of the company's traditional in-line six. It reflects the changing times and the changing direction for a company which, for a long time, relied on a straight six and V12 power combination.Jaguar trumpets this as one of the world's most technically-advanced cars. You would never pick it from the retro styling, which is far too much like the previous model, but the car has a strong, but light, aluminium body and a range of technological tweaks including air suspension, electronic traction control and stability system, and the new six-speed automatic gearbox.Jaguar believes the XJ6 will do well in Australia, banking again on its price and the chance to drive a big luxury car that still comes with 179kW of power and 300Nm of torque to satisfy shoppers."They are getting the ultimate in a luxury saloon, with a class-leading V6 engine and specifications that have not been compromised for a price point," Jaguar Australia general manager David Blackhall says.We still think the top Cat XJ looks too much like the previous model. But that didn't stop us enjoying the XJ6's style, elegance and old-world charm.It has that special look people recognise as a Jaguar and a luxury car, and that's something Audi still hasn't been able to achieve – even with its excellent A8.And the cabin ... as always, it's leather and wood with a unique smell and the feel of a luxury lounge.Some things don't change, and the rest of the XJ package was pretty much as we remembered from our time with an XJ8. That means a soft and compliant ride, great brakes, genuine quietness and more space than most people really need.The XJ6 doesn't have the instant thump of the V8, or its gentle rumbling exhaust, but if you had not driven with the gruntier motor you wouldn't be disappointed by the V6.It takes a little while to get going, which is reflected in a torque peak at 4100 revs, but it is a sweet six with good pulling power and genuine top-end urge for overtaking.It's a good box with well-chosen ratios, but that only highlights the outdated J-gate. It was world-class stuff in the 1980s when Jim Randle – it's nicknamed the "Randle Handle" – developed a semi-manual shift with a separate gate alongside the regular PND-style selector.But these days the Jaguar system is cumbersome and clunky, far outclassed by the touch-change system in the newest Benzes, and needs to go.The shift is offset by the fuel economy, which averaged 11.9 litres/100km during our test and could easily be better than 10 during cruising. That's partly because the XJ6 isn't a car for going quickly.The XJ doesn't match the technology or feel of the S-Class Benz, and the Audi is great but under-appreciated, but it still has plenty of strengths. And a lot of conservative luxury shoppers would prefer its look and feel to the ultra-modern BMW Seven.The XJ6 is a nicely-rounded package, though there will always be people who question the value of a car that's more than twice the price of a luxury Holden Caprice.It's a 21st-century package but it's still a Jaguar. It's a bit special. Nice pussycat.A car that's easy to live with and surprisingly frugal, but still with styling that's too like the previous model.

ISN'T aluminium wonderful: it packages drinks, wraps the lamb roast, insulates roofs, cocoons passengers 13km in the air, helps deodorise armpits and, more recently, styles cars.Yes, in an effort to reduce weight, prevent corrosion and be a big hitter in the recycling programs, carmakers are embracing aluminium.First came Audi with the all-alloy chassis-less car – the A8 – and now it's Jaguar's XJ series.Lightweight aluminium, while not an especially cheap metal, creates a car that is more nimble, more fuel efficient, produces lower emissions and, because it is lighter, can use smaller engines that effectively multiply the benefits already listed in this sentence.That is why the Jaguar XJ6 – a nameplate back after a long absence – uses a 3-litre V6 and loses little driver appeal compared with its visibly identical and $25,000 dearer V8-engined sister.Jaguar found the V6 engine in its X-type and S-type models. Incidentally, because Jaguar is owned by Ford, the engine is used in the Mondeo and is similar to the Ford Escape unit.It's mated to a six-speed automatic that has the optional sequential shift and drives the rear wheels through a well-strung suspension system. On the road, the Jaguar has sparkling acceleration with the smaller engine only showing its size primarily in kick-down situations.The car initially feels big, though the light steering feel and ample curves beautifully hide its size.The more you drive the Jag, the smaller it becomes – the mark of good engineering – and the more confident you become in its delightful handling.It has excellent roadholding and a tenacious grip on even damp roads. On the track, the car displays an ability to maintain its poise and retain an armchair ride comfort despite being flung around the corners.While ride comfort rates along with the world's best, the driving position takes a bit of getting used to. It's different from its contemporaries because the dashboard and steering wheel are close to the driver and the side windows are relatively narrow.This intimacy with the cockpit, reminiscent of earlier Jaguars, initially feels cramped, though an average-sized driver can't complain about a lack of seating room.The Jaguar has a lounge-room feel to its superbly finished interior. It is the only car in its class that contrasts with the clinical decor of the Germans.Cream leather, varnished walnut and white flocked headliner meet satellite navigation, in-car phone, computer and delicate instruments to create an impressive dashboard.Despite some hefty opposition in its price bracket, this is one of my favourites. Who needs a V8?

It's a tricky question and the answer depends on where you sit on the fence.The Jag has a certain regal elegance about it especially if its the larger XJ series, and there aren't too many around.But they come at a price. The "entry level" is now the XJ6 at a whisker under 150 grand.That buys a lot of German metal and also quite a lump of the Best of Briddish (1545kg), in this case, aluminium, not steel.The XJ6 name first appeared back in 1968 and then it went away in the late '90s to reappear this year complete with a 3.0-litre, Duratec V6.Shock horror, a V6?Sound familiar, its from the Ford parts bin.The underbonnet of an XJ6 was traditionally filled with a straight six.What's it matter?Not the slightest actually because the V6 might look tiny in that big engine bay but it beats with a smooth strong heart.And coupled with the lightweight aluminium chassis and body, performance is excellent.The engine is good for 179kW –not much less than the previous 3.2-litre V8. Maximum torque is 300Nm.But the big advantage is fuel economy. Not that it will be an issue for someone who buys this car, though it should be.Here is a big Jag that will return around 11 litres/100km average fuel consumption – about the same as a Commodore.It has strong acceleration thanks in part to the silky six speed automatic transmission, variable valve timing and a variable geometry induction system. Drive is to the rear wheels.Naturally, ride quality is almost above reproach. The self levelling air suspension automatically adjusts ride height according to load and boosts high speed stability. The car wafts along like it's on a cloud and is replete with a large luxury inventory right down to "classic" wood grain panel inserts, dual smog sensor and odour filter, electric park brake, leather upholstery, satnav, TV, premium sound.It could do with xenon headlights.The dash is high but is in keeping with the slightly olde-worlde interior of the XJ which is easy and comfortable to drive. Long trips are not a problem in this car but the boot is shallow.There is plenty to like about the XJ6, it handles neatly, sounds pretty good, looks classy and provides plush, luxury and high levels of safety for five.

The XJ6 badge has returned to give buyers a six-cylinder leg-up into the most Jaguar of Jaguar cars, the full-size XJ series.It also sneaks the XJ into the sub-$150,000 bracket – by just $100 but more than $20,000 cheaper than its direct German rivals.The XJ6 has been missing in Australia since 1997.Jaguar Australia general manager David Blackhall says the new base-level XJ will boost sales for the model by nearly 50 per cent."We're expecting to sell 220 XJs this year and we expect about 70 to be the XJ6. We also expect the XJ6's return to stimulate sales of the X and S-Type," he says.The XJ range has soldiered on with only eight-cylinder XJ8 variants, with the previous bottom-end variant – powered by a 3.2-litre V8 – being cut last year.Unlike previous XJ6s, the new car has a V6 instead of the classic in-line six. And the AJ-V6 engine has working-class roots, being a development of a Ford powerplant.Power is a very respectable 179kW, but torque is a relatively modest 300Nm.Thanks to its new aluminium body and the new engine, the XJ6 weighs 1545kg, 195kg less than the Mercedes-Benz S350 and 300kg below the BMW 735i.The aluminium also improves the car's resistance to minor dings.The weight saving means the XJ6's performance is equal or better than that of the previous 3.2-litre XJ8's 179kW V8, according to Jaguar.Equipment levels match those of the naturally aspirated (non-supercharged) XJ8s, including DVD satellite navigation, TV tuner, front car phone, 12-way power-adjustable leather seats, leather trim, cruise control, electronic park brake and 18-inch wheels. Jaguar's air suspension with CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) adaptive damping and the touchscreen audio and climate control are also standard.Jaguar has struggled in Austra lia in recent years, sales falling to just 1433 last year, down from 1751 in 2002, and Blackhall admits the brand has not been well managed here."There's been some decisions about some of our vehicle selections that haven't been quite right."We've imported a sport model X-Type in the past, for example, which had cloth trim and no cruise control for around $60,000."It's not the right feel for a prestige brand when a $40,000 Falcon can have leather trim, cruise and other extras."The challenge for Jaguar in Australia has been getting on to people's luxury shopping lists. The XJ6 could be the car that gets a few more thinking about the brand.A price tag of just under $150,000 might not sound like a value winner but, compared to its mainly German rivals, there's a lot of metal and equipment for the money.On paper it stacks up well against the entry-level BMW and Mercedes-Benz limousines, the 7-Series 735i and S-Class S350, although that depends on where you consider the "Big Cat" badge sits in comparison to the three-pointed star or the BMW roundel.For better or worse, everyone will know you're in a Jag. The XJ looks pretty much like the previous model from most angles, despite being a completely new car, and not much different to its predecessors over the past 30 odd years.For the purist it might be wonderful, but there aren't an enormous number of purists left in Australia and we can't help thinking those who may otherwise be seeking a Mercedes-Benz or BMW might think the classic look is too old-fashioned.It's not just the outside that's caught in the XJ time warp. The interior, with woodgrain highlights and small, hard-to-read instrument dials might be a classy touch, but the more technical feel of the Benz or BMW works better.The fact the speedo is too small to have all increments of 10km/h marked is unhelpful.Look past the "grey power" styling and image, and the XJ6 is a technologically advanced car.Thanks to its aluminium panels, the big Jag is lighter than almost anything its size. It's also very well equipped compared to its rivals.The touch-screen audio and climate controls in the centre of the dash are extremely user-friendly, especially when changing CDs.We don't know how well the touch-screen would survive long-term day-to-day use, but it works.Roadholding and handling is impressive and the car seems a lot smaller on the road than it is.It also feels balanced, making it nimble and fun to drive on windy roads. But the steering is light.Power from the 3.0-litre V6 is reasonable, but the engine is not torquey, which means it does its best work at mid to high revs.The result is the car feels sluggish when launched, but is fine once it's going. The engine is also relatively noisy when pushed hard.If people test drive the smooth-handling XJ6, Jaguar may find them keen to upgrade to the 3.5-litre XJ8 for an extra $20,000, if they want the extra pull.The ZF six-speed automatic is popular among other European prestige cars, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.In contrast to the Germans, the XJ6 has Jaguar's J-Gate arrangement instead of a tiptronic-style manual mode. Leave it in "D" and it's a regular auto, but shift it to the left and you can select gears two through five manually.I found this easy to use and less hit-and-miss than a tiptronic, but other testers found it slow to react.Another pleasant surprise for such a big car was the fuel economy. Jaguar claims 10.5 l/100km, but we managed 8.8 l/100km without even trying, despite doing most of our driving outside Melbourne.It's ironic then that the car's "Jaguar-ness" could be what puts people off. When prestige is as much about perception as it is about reality, and technology equals prestige, its '60s-inspired lines and dials might be too subtle to stand out against the usual luxury car shopping-list toppers.

Elms in their autumn tones, ivy-covered wrought iron fences, twisty backblock lanes and few other road users in sight.The picture inside the XJ6 was just as quintessentially British with traditional burr walnut veneer and suave leather trim at hand and a long, sloping bonnet to scan over as the thread of hilly blacktop unravelled with consummate ease.Yes, the seventh generation XJ6 is made of much of the "right stuff" for which Jaguar is renowned, but the bonus is a raft of 21st century technology incorporated to make motoring as safe and untroubled as it should be enjoyable.For instance, the XJ6 shares the same specs' as its bigger, naturally aspirated V8 siblings such as satellite navigation, television, telephone, premium sound, reverse park aid, rear multimedia pack and rain-sensing wipers.This is a car comfy and roomy enough in which to hold a boardroom meeting, but don't confuse that with being big and bargy.By replacing the traditional steel body construction with a riveted monocoque, the new XJ6 is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor but – even more significantly – is around 40 per cent lighter with increased rigidity.To emphasise just how strong, Jaguar Australia general manager David Blackhall invited all and sundry to belt the hell out of a spare door with a hammer.We tried to do just that, with just a series of pock marks to show for our efforts.A comforting thought for Cat owners given the jungle that our roads and car parks have become.Then there's the engine. Forget the inline six, this is a 3.0-litre, 24v, V6 with a stated power output of 179kW at 6800rpm and maximum torque of 300Nm at 4100rpm.Driving seamlessly through a ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the V6 seems well to be up to Jaguar's claims of an impressive 0-100km/h time of 8.1seconds and top speed of 233km/h. Overall fuel consumption measures 10.5l/100km.An all too brief three hours in the XJ6 – half as driver, half as passenger – confirmed that Jaguar has pretty well got the balance between luxury and performance right.What didn't I like? Having to hand the keys back.The Jaguar XJ6 went on sale May 2. Price is $149,000.