JAGUAR XF 2.2 DIESEL GOES GAUTENG TO DURBAN AND BACK IN ONE TANK!

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Jaguar’s XF 2.2 has used just 4,9 l/100km to get from Pretoria to the Durban Beachfront and back. Jaguar South Africa set out from the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Sunday to attempt to do the round trip on a single tank of diesel. 

Two Jaguar XF 2.2–litre four-cylinder diesel models completed the journey with seasoned economy run expert Roger Rouessart and IGNITION GT presenter Marius Roberts doing driving duty under the watchful eye of Richard Carstens from Motorsport South Africa. 

The pair of XFs arrived back in the capital city on Monday afternoon having each completed 1 265.8km on a single tank of diesel. The frugal luxury sedans used 64 461 litres (Marius Roberts) and 62 351 litres (Roger Roussaert) over the two-day journey. 

“Traditionally a Johannesburg to Cape Town run is attempted but we wanted to do something different to demonstrate the efficiency of our cars,” explains David Barns, Jaguar Brand Manager and organiser of the attempt. “Pretoria to Durban and back is far more challenging in that one has to contend with the numerous toll gate stops and high traffic volumes; however, the cars were up to the challenge and completed the task with little fuss.” 

The N3’s multiple toll gates – which increase fuel consumption due to accelerating back to speed - as well as the city driving elements in and out of Pretoria and Durban, made it a realistic, real-world attempt the ‘ordinary’ driver would be able to replicate. This was proven by Roberts’ 5.1 l/100km accomplishment compared to Roussaert’s 4.9 l/100km.

Jaguar’s acclaimed 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 140kW and 450Nm of torque to allow 8.5-second acceleration to 100km/h and a top speed of 225km/h yet the luxury sedan remains frugal at the fuel pumps. The vehicles used received no special preparations ahead of the event and both cars managed to match Jaguar’s extra-urban cycle claimed fuel consumption figure. 

"Our aim was to demonstrate what Jaguar drivers would be able to achieve for themselves, it was therefore important that we didn’t try to optimise the vehicles or the conditions in anyway,” adds Barns. 

IGNITION’s Marius Roberts represented the ‘ordinary’ driver and demonstrated that even without specialist knowledge one is able to achieve exceptional fuel consumption figures.  IGNITION will broadcast the efforts of Marius and the rest of the Jaguar team later this month.