Yesterday's review in the UK Sunday Times of a diesel vehicle gives a good perspective on the popularity of diesel engines cars in Europe.
Chief rivals are, of course, Merc and BMW. See the comment on the BMW (530d): "formidably better, in almost every way, than petrol version"
North American (sceptical) readers take note...
For those who are interested and have trouble following the link I have pasted the whole article below my signature.
DAS
June 13, 2004
Jaguar S-type by Andrew Frankel of The Sunday Times It's a beauty - if you close your eyes
Do you know someone whose natural talents are being held back by an outside force beyond their control? A bright, vivacious person full of good ideas, destined never to be properly appreciated because of something intangible that restrains them? If that person were a car manufacturer, it would be Jaguar. Having spent their recent past selling under-engineered cars on the strength that they were beautiful, they've now managed to turn the tables. Today's Jaguars are impressively engineered, more reliable than Mercedes cars, and usually pretty good to drive. Yet all, save the aged XK coupé, are to some extent held back by their appearance.
It's not that they're ugly, merely that they're inappropriate to Jaguar's 21st-century aspirations and likely to lose potential sales in exactly the same way that GQ magazine would if sold with Country Life's front cover. The X-type and S-type saloons look odd and old respectively, while the technologically groundbreaking and otherwise convincing XJ looks designed to appeal to those with ambitions no greater than mounting a bloodless coup for the chair of the local golf club.
It may look old, but in fact the car in the picture is the brand new V6 diesel model. By S-type standards it's sure to sell by the barrowload, but you can say as much about any diesel executive relative to its petrol siblings, so significant are the extra travelling range, fuel economy and reduced tax burden these cars afford. But is that enough to place the newest S-type on the shopping list of those who have hitherto thought of BMW, Mercedes and Audi as the only serious players of the executive game?
This is the best engine yet to find its way into an S-type; indeed, if fitness for purpose is your guide, I will argue that it's the best engine to be used by any Jaguar since the V12 of the E-type in 1971 (and possibly the classic twin-cam six first seen under the bonnet of the XK120 in 1948).
This twin-turbo diesel V6 develops 206bhp and a thumping 320 lb ft of torque at under 2000rpm, and offers highly competitive economy and emissions. In these regards it compares well with the best engines offered by its rivals, but where it exceeds even their lofty standards is in its refinement. Even the best diesel engines become distinctly vocal in the upper reaches of their rev ranges . . . but not this one. Although I haven't tried them side by side, I doubt that even Audi 's 4 litre V8 diesel in the A8 could beat the Jag motor's eerily smooth and silent running. This engine will see the S-type past 60mph in 8.2sec and on to the far side of 140mph, its six-speed automatic gearbox proving the perfect partner. And it will do
36mpg in normal running.It is hard to find any fault with this S-type, as long as you confine your observations to the manner in which it dispatches all roads, from urban to rural. Its ride is pleasant, firm enough to imply sportiness yet sufficiently smooth for Jaguar comfort, while its handling is engaging enough to make up for the ultimate technical superiority of BMW's 5-series.
Living with it is a different matter though. A minor restyle - can you spot it? - has done little to alter the perception that, visually at least, the S-type shape remains the automotive equivalent of the Blues Brothers 2000 movie - an ill-conceived attempt to plunder an original classic that should have been left well alone. That swooping body shape is not exactly space efficient, as anyone who has travelled in the back of one knows.
Given these limitations and the fact that they can only be properly addressed by an all-new car (still a couple of years away), it is to the S-type's considerable credit that it remains so likeable. Indeed it is little short of astonishing when you consider how easy it was to dislike when new in 1998; unlike wines, cars rarely improve with age, though the S-type undoubtedly has.
As a company, Jaguar has an interesting future ahead of it. All its current product was styled under a regime that ended five years ago; now a man called Ian Callum is in charge and his credits include the Aston Martin DB7, Vanquish and (some say) no small part of the DB9. The first all-Callum car will be next year's XK8, followed in 2006 by the new S-type.
If Callum can make Jaguars as good to look at as they now are to drive, the company clearly faces a very distinguished future.
VITAL STATISTICS
Model: Jaguar S-type 2.7D Engine type: V6, 2720cc Power/Torque: 207bhp @ 4000rpm / 320 lb ft @ 1900rpm Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel/CO2: 36.0mpg (combined) / 208g/km Performance 0-60mph: 8.2sec / top speed 141mph Price: £31,670 Verdict: The best S-type, even if looks are dated Rating:
THE OPPOSITION
Model: BMW 530d, £31,900 For: Formidably better, in almost every way, than petrol version Against: Looks likely to split opinion, avoid silly variable-speed steering option
Model: Mercedes E270 CDI Elegance, £30,925 For: Refined, frugal, comfortable and spacious Against: Lacks punch of some rivals, hit-and-miss dealer service