Jaguar Diesel XF

The big cat is finally out of the bag! Jaguar has released the first pictures and full details of its new XF Diesel S, an oilburning flagship that combines class-leading performance with impressive fuel economy.

Due on sale in March, the newcomer is fitted with a new 3.0-litre V6 engine with 273bhp and a staggering 600nm of torque. Capable of a top speed of 155mph, and a 0-60mph sprint of 5.9 seconds the newcomer also promises to return 42mpg.
Meanwhile, CO2 emissions are 179g/km – that’s 10 percent less than the acclaimed 2.7-litre unit that this new engine replaces.

Power is transmitted to the road via the rear wheels, through an updated six speed automatic gearbox. Drivers can either select a fully automatic mode, or swap ratios via steering wheel mounted paddles.
To complete the package, XF Diesel S also gets 20 inch wheels, an aerodynamic boot lid spoiler and discreet ‘S’ badging.
Inside, the S gets sports seats, and a number of specification upgrades to the car’s satellite navigation and air-conditioning systems.

However, the new Diesel S is not the only XF to benefit from the company’s latest diesel technology.

Jaguar has announced that is also plans to add an entry level 3.0-litre V6 model to the line-up to replace the basic 2.7-litre V6.

Volkswagen Fox - Review

Styling/Image
The Fox is a VW launched in the South American market back in 2003. It's been reworked for European showrooms, with a four-car line-up; 54bhp 1.2-litre and 74bhp 1.4-litre engines are offered in standard or better-equipped Urban trim. There is just a single three-door bodystyle, but even this appears dated. The Fox is bland and plain compared to the cute Lupo it replaces.

Interior/Practicality
Don’t expect to find a miniature Golf cabin inside. Both the design and quality are from Volkswagens of old. Fit and finish is fine, yet it’s hard not to feel a bit short changed by the aging design. We’ve got no complaints with the practicality, though. Fold the rear seats and the Fox’s luggage area is huge.

Engine/Performance
Both 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines are available to Fox buyers. The 1.4-litre engine, which is manufactured in Brazil, is a version of the unit seen in the Polo, so refinement is reasonable. And with a decent slug of torque, the Fox is quick in-gear. However, to make the most of the VW’s bargain prices, opt for the cheaper 1.2.


Driving experience
The Fox is a comfortable city car. With a ride that’s soft rather than sporty, it’s more than capable of tackling speed bumps. The four-cylinder engines are relatively quiet, helping to make the Fox a good long-distance cruiser. Head down a more challenging road and the soggy handling won’t inspire handling, but the steering is reasonably well weighted. Decent brakes and a slick gearbox make the VW easy to drive.

Costs
Getting a VW badge on your bonnet doesn’t get any cheaper than this. Rival city cars offer more kit for the money, but few can match the Fox’s carrying capacity in the sub £7,500 category. Avoid costly options to make the most of the Volkswagen’s value.

Environment/Safety
The Fox’s size means it carries more weight than your average city car and needs larger engines as a result. Fuel economy is relatively poor, resulting in high CO2 emissions.

• Rating:
• On the road price: £7,168 - £7,981
• For : Desirable badge, chunky shape, practical cabin, big boot
• Against : Lacklustre dynamics, dated interior design, cheap cabin plastics, poor standard equipment levels

Zenvo ST-1

GREAT Danes are know for their presence and power – and this one is no exception. Known as the Zenvo ST-1, it’s Denmark’s first foray into the supercar arena.

The aggresive body is hand-built from carbon fibre wrapped around a light steel frame – but its performance should be even more eye-popping. Powered by a 7.0-litre V8 fitted with both a turbo and supercharger, its makers claim it will produce a staggering 1,104bhp.


The ST-1 will achieve a 0-60mph sprint time of three seconds and rocket all the way to 120mph in just under nine seconds. But it might not quite be the Bugatti beater, as despite a huge power-to-weight ratio of 1,055bhp per ton, top speed is limited electronically to 233mph.

Just as impressive is the fact that the car was conceived less than five years ago. Zenvo Automotive was formed in 2004, with the aim of creating a hand-made and high-performance yet useable supercar – so the ST-1 should make as much sense on the street as it does on the track. The Nissan GT-R-meets-Audi R8 styling is sure to win the car a place on many bedroom walls, but prospective buyers will have to be quick. Production is scheduled to start later in 2009, but just 15 models will be made for specially approved buyers. Prices have not yet been announced.