Jaguar is aiming to increase its penetration in the diesel market, in particular the fleet sector, with the launch of the new 2.2-litre diesel X-type and, later this year, a V6 diesel powered XJ luxury saloon.

Likely to be a modified version of the 2.7-litre unit currently in the S-type, it will be the first time that a Jaguar premium model has had the option of a diesel engine.

“This is part of an overall strategy for diesel sales, both in the UK and Europe,” says Stephen Perrin, global marketing director for Jaguar Cars.

“Sales of our current diesel models have been extremely strong and now we have to ensure we have the right engines in the right models. We expect the performance and refinement of the new units, particularly the 2.2-litre engine, will appeal to younger buyers as well as traditional Jaguar owners.”

The new Euro IV 2.2-litre unit is shared with the Ford Mondeo ST TDCi. The 153bhp engine has an overboost function, which provides extra torque when needed while a new six-speed manual transmission will be available as standard.

It will go on sale in September with prices expected to start from £21,000. The new variant will be the fifth diesel model in the manufacturer’s range, with oil burners now accounting for about 60% of Jaguar sales.