Jaguar XF 2.2D (2012) long-term test review
By the CAR road test team
Long Term Tests
Why Ben Barry doesn't like our XF – 2 May 2012
I don't particularly like our Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel, and there are two main reasons: firstly, because of the secondary ride quality. That's the bit that deals with the little imperfections in the road surface. This XF has passive dampers, where higher-spec cars use adaptive dampers to great effect, and I just think our car's ride quality is too harsh and too unyielding.
Secondly, it's the combination of small engine and eight-speed gearbox. There's nothing particularly wrong with the engine or its still-sufficient performance. It's that the gearbox is constantly, annoyingly shuffling around to deliver both economy and performance, and the worst part about this is that it's too eager to drop you into eighth gear. This means that the four-pot diesel – never the most refined of engines – is often at 1500rpm or so, at which point harsh, buzzy frequencies vibrate through the car. I end up defaulting to manual mode all the time so I can avoid that scenario.
By Ben Barry
Long Term Tests
Why Ben Barry doesn't like our XF – 2 May 2012 I don't particularly like our Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel, and there are two main reasons: firstly, because of the secondary ride quality. That's the bit that deals with the little imperfections in the road surface. This XF has passive dampers, where higher-spec cars use adaptive dampers to great effect, and I just think our car's ride quality is too harsh and too unyielding.
Secondly, it's the combination of small engine and eight-speed gearbox. There's nothing particularly wrong with the engine or its still-sufficient performance. It's that the gearbox is constantly, annoyingly shuffling around to deliver both economy and performance, and the worst part about this is that it's too eager to drop you into eighth gear. This means that the four-pot diesel – never the most refined of engines – is often at 1500rpm or so, at which point harsh, buzzy frequencies vibrate through the car. I end up defaulting to manual mode all the time so I can avoid that scenario.
By Ben Barry
Categories:
Jaguar XF 2.2D,
Reviews,
Secret new cars
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