Two-Jags' new Jag is a polluter

The plush XJ8 Jaguar chosen by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott as his new ministerial car is one of the most polluting on the roads, a survey claims today.

While the Coventry-built saloon performed well in the JD Power satisfaction survey reported left, it is attacked by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) in its "polluters" league table.

Despite Mr Prescott's £60,000 vehicle being converted to run on gas, it is still more damaging to the environment than almost every other car on sale in Britain.

Taking its engine capacity, emission levels, noise pollution and fuel consumption into consideration, the Jaguar is third from the bottom of the ETA's list of around 800 cars, just above the Jaguar XJR Supercharged in last place and the Jaguar XJ Sovereign in second-last position.

"Even if Mr Prescott's car was converted to gas it would be 'bi-fuel' so it would run on petrol too. It would still be highly polluting," said an ETA spokesman.

The most environmentally friendly car is the Smart City Coupe, said the ETA.