Log in

Jaguar Logo

Jaguar Car Club of Western Australia

Jaguar XJS

Modern Saloon & SUV Register

Modern Saloon & SUV Registrars

Let me introduce myself. My name is Stuart Coleman and I am the Modern Saloon & SUV Register Secretary.
I have had an interest in Jaguar Cars since 1989 when I imported a low mileage XJS from the UK. Although a low mileage car it was riddled with rust and I had to rebuild the engine.
In 1994 I joined the JCCWA and in 1995 sold my XJS for almost what it cost me to import. Not deterred I bought another Australian delivered 1988 XJS Coupe which was a different car altogether, very reliable and a joy to drive. After six years of ownership I bought a 1995 XJR which was a lot more economical and faster than the XJS but not as comfortable.
Following my retirement in 2006, I bought a 2002 S-Type R  which after eighteen years and a few electronic up grades is undoubtedly the best car I have ever owned.
According to Jaguar Australia there were only 70 S-Type R's imported into Australia during its 2001-2008 production life span, so no doubt a rare classic in the making.
In October 2020 I bought a 2013 XFR with its 400kW V8 Supercharged Engine it is on its way to knocking off the STR as the best car I have ever owned.        

Register Overview 

The Modern Saloon & SUV Register of the JCCWA contains all the saloons built by Jaguar since 1986. The XJ40, X300, X308, X350 modern S-Type, X-Type, XF, XJ, XE,F-Pace, E-Pace, I-Pace models. These cars have been extremely important to the development of Jaguar and instrumental to the ongoing success of the marque in the 21st century.

The modern saloons & SUV's are seen by many as the most practical and reliable cars that Jaguar have built during any era of the company's existence and have brought many new customers to the Jaguar brand. Also many longtime owners of fine classic model Jaguars own a modern saloon as their daily driver.  

When you are behind the wheel of a modern Jaguar saloon there is no mistaking the kind of car you are in, 'Grace, Space and Pace' are still combined for a most refined and pleasurable driving experience. Short histories of each modern saloon model follow;

The XJ-40:-

From 1986 the XJ40 model was in production. This model introduced a whole new body design with a very squared off look. It also introduced a new family of engines as the legendary XK unit was replaced with the AJ6 engine in 3.6 ltr and later in 4.0 ltr capacity. The XJ40 was not designed with the V12 5.3 unit, however public demand meant that a small amount of cars were built late in the run with this engine.

The XJ-X300:-

In 1994 the X-300 version of the XJ was introduced. Jaguar was now owned by Ford and this company tightened quality control and consistency of manufacturing. The body design returned to a more traditional rounded shape and the single rectangular XJ40 headlights were changed back to double round units. The AJ6 engine was upgraded to the AJ16 unit and the V12 now rated at 6.0 ltr capacity was available in limited numbers. Most excitingly the X-300 introduced the supercharged XJR variant which has become such a mainstay in the XJ lineup ever since.

The XJ-X308:-

In 1997 the X-308 was released. This incarnation of the XJ was the first to be powered by a V8 engine, the AJV8 in 4.0 ltr capacity. This earned the new name of XJ8 for the car. Very similar to the X-300 the new X-308 XJ8 did have subtle upgrades to body and interior. The XJR variant was also produced. Construction of this model ceased in 2003 when the X-350 appeared.

The XJ-X350:-

The X-350 was the swansong for the traditional shape of the XJ car first seen in 1968 when Sir William unveiled the Series 1. Larger and higher than the X-308 the new XJ sported either a 4.2 ltr or 3.5 ltr V8. However there was also an XJ6 model using the 3.0 ltr V6 from the modern S-Type and the 2.7 ltr diesel. Body panels were made from aluminium and this lightweight construction translated to quicker performance. Both standard and long wheelbase versions were made. Interior luxury was taken to the next level in this car and the newest technology was available. An excellent car the X-350 was soon overshadowed by the revolutionary X-351.

The S-TYPE:-  

Inspired by classic Jaguar compact saloons of the 1960's (the Mk II and original S Type) this retro/modern model was released to the public in 1999. Styled by Geoff Lawson to be unlike any other current mid-size luxury car the modern 'S' invoked the curvaceous and rounded lines of Jaguar's iconic compacts. From the oval grille, twin round headlights and curved roof-line with rear door 'quarter lights' this car could only be a Jaguar. Initially released in new 3.0 ltr V6 and Jaguar 'AJ' 4.0 ltr V8 variants It caused quite a stir when first seen, but also a mixed reception from the media. Produced during Ford's stewardship of Jaguar some purists bemoaned that it used the floorpan produced for the US Lincoln model and the 'duratec' engine block (but with Jaguar heads, etc) for the V6. However most would have to admit the cars benefited from Ford's push for modern quality control and reliability. 

The original interior also caused some controversy, though woodgrain and leather were in abundance the lack of a traditional style console irked some, Jaguar listened and from late 2002 the dash and console were paradoxically 'updated' to be 'more traditional'. By this time it had become Jaguar's most successful model in the range and soon could be had with a 2.7 ltr diesel. The 'Sport' and soon to be released 'R' supercharged variants appealed to a much needed younger market. The 'Sport' introduced handling improvements and modern colour coded styling while the 'R' took it further with a blown 4.2 ltr V8 making it Jaguar's fastest ever saloon for some years and still a highly desirable car to own. 

In 2004 the S-Type was given a mild exterior facelift which would see it out to 2007 when production ended. These days low mileage S-Types can be had for bargain money and present an excellent way to gain entry into the pleasures of Jaguar ownership.

The X-TYPE:- 

Released in 2001 the new X-Type bravely went where Jaguar had never been before, the small luxury saloon market. This was motivated by the appeal of smaller cars with better economy for much of the motoring public as well as the need to attract young drivers to the marque. Like it's main competitors Jaguar saw the need for a 'family' of car models that would induce young buyers to start with an X-Type and loyally work their way up through the range as they got older. Pitched as a rival to the BMW '3 series' and Audi A4 the hope was that the 'X' would target a 'New Jag Generation'. 

Like the S-Type the X had input from Ford and was based on the Mondeo platform which again caused much angst for purists. However this model initially introduced 4 wheel drive, a new innovation for Jaguar and the 3.0 ltr and a smaller 2.5 ltr version of the V6 of the 'S'. Design wise the body style looked very 'XJ', indeed the car has been called 'the baby XJ' and some design features would find their way to the X-350 model XJ in 2003. S-Type features were included, like enveloping bumpers and the latest body pressing technology. 

The interior is every bit as luxurious as the 'S'. Also like the S-Type it was offered in a 'Sport' variant and a diesel motor was later available rated at 2.2 ltr. In another first for Jaguar the X-Type was also produced as an 'Estate Car' (station wagon) but this variant is extremely rare in Australia. X-Type production ceased in 2009. Like the 'S' the 'X' is currently available on the used car market for bargain prices. The new 'XE' will rekindle the small car segment for Jaguar that the X-Type began.

The XF:- 

The genesis of what Jaguar is today began with the XF. A new owner (Tata Motors) and a new designer, Ian Callum, produced a car that firmly took Jaguar into the 21st century. Incorporating the latest technologies for production and on-board systems the XF dazzled the media and general motoring public with it's introduction in 2008. Initially offered with the same 3.0 ltr V6 and 4.2 ltr V8 motors as the S-Type it also gained a modified 2.7 ltr Diesel in 2009.

Since then the XF has used a 3.0 ltr diesel and the 5.0 ltr V8 motors. Currently a 2.2 ltr diesel and a 2 ltr petrol version are also offered.  The XF's body styling was revolutionary for Jaguar, a 4 door with a coupe style roof and rear, this would later influence the latest XJ and will also be seen in the new XE.  The interior was also a break with tradition using the latest modern design and sophistication of 'less is more' by hidden features like air-con vents and a rotary selector for the transmission. But there is still leather and woodgrain to be had and it is elegantly fused within this modern style.

Model variants have included the 'Luxury', 'Premium Luxury' and 'Portfolio' models. Performance has also been addressed by the 'SV8', 'XFR' and 'XFR-S' variants which boast incredible performance and handling. The XF is still a current model and with over 100 awards from prestigious motoring publications continues to be a massive success for Jaguar.

The XJ-400:-

The latest XJ was released in 2009, it mirrored the revolution in Jaguar styling begun with the medium size XF Saloon. With its coupe style roofline, cats eye headlights and prominent squared grille the new XJ is a complete departure from the past. The interior is very modern and includes LCD displays for all instruments and video system. Leather is still in abundance and the tradition of attractive wood veneers is still very evident along with more modern trim materials. Both standard and long wheelbase versions are made. Mechanically the new XJ began life with the 2.7 ltr and 3.0 ltr 6 cylinder motors of its X-350 predecessor. Also a V8 5.0 ltr engine for the high end variants is available in normal and supercharged versions. The latest XJ is a current model still in production and has carried the XJ name well and truly into the 21st century. 

The XE:-

XE is the foundation of the Jaguar saloon car family. A distillation of the design, luxury and technology found in XF and XJ. Inspired by our F-TYPE sports car, with its assertive looks and agile drive. The XE range features an extended engine choice, including the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 250PS Turbocharged Ingenium Petrol engine and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 240PS Twin Turbocharged Ingenium Diesel engine. They both offer effortless performance with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. There’s also the 2.0 litre 163PS Turbocharged Ingenium Diesel engine which achieves fuel consumption as low as 3.8 l/km on the combined cycle. Or choose the dynamic uprated 3.0 litre 380PS V6 Supercharged Petrol engine and bring the 0-100Km/h time down to 5.0 seconds. XE is an exceptional blend of technology, design, and driving dynamics that rewrites all the rules.

The F-Pace:-

F-PACE is inspired by the acclaimed C-X17 concept vehicle. It takes the pure Jaguar DNA of legendary performance, handling and luxury. Then it adds space and practicality. The F-PACE range features an extended engine choice, including the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 250PS Turbocharged Ingenium Petrol engine and 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 240PS Turbocharged Ingenium Diesel engine. With advanced technology and all-aluminium construction, they both deliver impressive fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Or choose the new 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 163PS Turbocharged Ingenium Diesel engine which achieves fuel consumption as low as 4.8 l/km on the combined cycle. F-PACE is a performance SUV that combines maximum driving exhilaration with efficiency. All enhanced by technologies that keep you safe, connected and entertained. F-PACE has the capability for every road and the capacity for every day. It is the latest in a bloodline of beautiful, exciting cars Jaguar cars.

The E-Pace:-

With its sculpted bonnet and muscular rear haunches, E-PACE is a dynamic, agile SUV with the lines of a coupé. The modern interior is distinctly Jaguar with class leading interior stowage. It also features an advanced suite of infotainment and driver technologies. E-PACE is the compact SUV as only Jaguar could have imagined it. From power and sheer driving pleasure to fuel economy and refinement, there is a comprehensive range of Ingenium engines available for Jaguar E-PACE and each has been optimised for specific attributes to cater for all needs. All engines are equipped with Stop/Start technology and smart regenerative charging; this feature harvests kinetic energy from braking to charge the battery for maximum economy, especially during urban driving.

The I-Pace:-

For over 80 years, Jaguar has been globally renowned as a maker of beautiful sports cars. Cars that have always been relevant, at the cutting-edge of technology and exciting to the senses. The I-PACE is the smartest five-seater sports car and the start of a new era for Jaguar. It’s as daringly designed and innovative as the cars that put Jaguar on the map, with technology that enhances our customers’ lives. It sets a template for others to follow, just as Jaguar have always done. Transportation will change more in the next decade than it has in the past 50 years and we’re prepared for that change. Just as Jaguar always has, we’re ready to give their customers the technology they want and need, when they want it. More than that, Jaguar are making it smarter, cleaner and more efficient. The I-PACE is the first step towards Jaguars future. The future is now.


More about Registers at the Jaguar Car Club of WA

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software