Jaguar XF Review - Motorhub Minimag 8

Bringing you up to speed Motorhub MiniMag Review Series - Issue 8

The New Jaguar XF

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Inside the cabin you are greeted by Jaguar’s blend of premium materials and craftsmanship Words & Pictures by Brian Kellett

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This week saw the launch of the all new Jaguar XF in Ireland building on the success of the brands new XE model launched earlier in the year.

Stemming from the same aluminium lightweight architecture, the brands new XF is a blend of modern design and the technology infused by Jaguars traditional sporty appeal.

In the metal, it appears almost like a stretched XE and that is no bad thing as the XE is a very attractive car. While it still may not be a million miles away, in terms of looks from the model it replaces, the revised product blends the core attributes of the old with the benefits of its new architecture. Like the XE, it gets the new signature power bulge at the front, sleek front headlights

and distinct Jaguar daytime running lights. The aluminium lightweight construction on which the new XF is designed means this latest model is 190kg lighters than its predecessor, that’s good for fuel economy. It also means the car is now benefits from 28% more torsional stiffness, that’s good for handling while its new platform means interior space has been increased, that means more legroom and class leading rear seat space.

Inside the cabin you are greeted by Jaguars blend of premium materials and craftsmanship.

Our test car on the day was the ‘Prestige’ model finished with a blend of cream leather seats contrasted with a piano black with aluminium inserts finished dashboard. Again, it is a design almost identical to that of its smaller sibling the XE. On this slightly grander scale with the additional space in the cabin, you have more of a chance to appreciate the sleek design and delve in the luxury of its low slung leather interior. It matches premium executive saloon space with a sports car feel that makes you want to grip the wheel and drive. Thanks to its new construction, it now boasts class leading rear legroom by a considerable 15mm beating the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.

Headroom has also been improved while the boot can swallow up to 540 litres of your finest luggage. The Audi A6 still has one of the best cabins on offer in its class, but the Jaguar XF’s new design is less fussy and pips the Audi for design and ergonomics. Its 8 inch touch screen with the app-based InControl infotainment system (as seen in the XE) is a massive step up from the old XF’s system and is simple and intuitive to use.

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The new XF is a blend of modern design and technology infused by Jaguar’s traditional sporty appeal

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The new Ingenium diesel engine also features in the new XE sibling

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“ Our test car on the day features the new 2.0 turbo diesel Ingenium engine as seen in the new XE. It gets 180bhp linked to the slick 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The auto is the choice to go for as it slides through the ratios with ease lending to the new Jaguars comfort levels. Put the foot down and the 2.0 happily responds by urgently wafting you down the road in an elegant but speedy manner. Behind the wheel it feels sporty too and is a pleasure to drive. Its new suspension setup means body movement is kept in check at all times offering better handling. That same engaging drive you get with the new XE has been carried over into the XF making this larger animal just as much fun to drive.

Elegant styling cues throughout

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With four specifications available from ‘Prestige’, ‘R-Sport’, ‘Portfolio’ and the top of the range performance ‘S’ models, the new Jaguar XF starts at just €42,350 for the entry level 2.0 165bhp rear wheel drive 6-speed manual. This new XF has taken all of the best points of the model it replaces and wrapped it a lighter, more spacious and dynamic package. With a starting price like that above, combined with the looks and presence that will make your neighbour peer over your front gate with envy every morning, this new Jaguar XF could well be the pick of its segment.

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