Jaguar has introduced a new lower-powered diesel engine which will help cut company car tax.
Before you run off getting too excited though, company car drivers are hardly going to experience life-changing levels of cash saving from the latest model.
Based on the current 2.2-litre diesel engine, this new entry level version produces 161bhp. Despite the 27bhp drop in power, compared to the 188bhp version, CO2 emissions remain at 149g/km. Efficiency also stays the same at 52.3mpg.
This emissions standstill means in the 2011/12 tax year you’ll pay £109 per month on the 20% tax rate and £218 per month if you pay 40% tax. On the other hand the 188bhp model costs £113 per month for 20% tax payers and £226 for someone paying 40% tax; not exactly massive savings.
The lower power has had a slightly more significant change to the performance figures though. The zero to 62mph time has increased from 8.5 seconds in the 188bhp model to 9.8 seconds in this new model. Top speed drops to 130mph from 142mph.
Despite the lower costs, the XF gets plenty of standard kit including suede cloth and leather seats, touch screen display, electronic climate control and an eight-speed automatic gearbox with stop/start.
The new XF diesel model is available to order now with deliveries beginning in March, with P11d prices starting at £29,765 before options are added.
