Jaguar XF
Styling/Image
Three trim options are on offer - Luxury, Premium Luxury and
SV8. Whatever model you pick, there’s no denying the XF’s style. The
imposing grille, sweeping roofline, strong shoulders and neat LED
rear lamps all add to the eye-catching looks. The standard car’s
17-inch alloy wheels appear small in the wheel arches, so we’d
recommend spending the extra on 19 or 20-inch rims.
Interior/Practicality
The Jaguar’s cabin feels special as soon as you climb aboard.
Hit the start button and the cylindrical gear selector glides up
from the centre console, while the dash-mounted air vents
automatically roll open. At night the cosseting experience is
heightened further still as the whole cabin glows a cool blue. Pick
the Premium Luxury version and you’ll get a traditional mix of
leather and wood trim. Only poor packaging lets the XF down.
Headroom can be tight for taller occupants and there’s only
500-litres of luggage capacity on offer.
Engine/Performance
Not only is the 2.7-litre V6 diesel the most popular with
buyers, it’s the also the best unit in the range. With 204bhp, the
refined oil-burner can sprint from zero to 60mph in 7.9 seconds, yet
still return 37.6mpg. The 3.0-litre V6 petrol is underpowered in
comparison and the 4.2-litre V8 thirsty. Performance fans can plump
for the supercharged SV8, which serves up 410bhp and 560Nm, but
struggles to return 20mpg. For buyers wanting even more urge, a
500bhp XFR is on the cards for early next year.
Driving experience
Despite using the same platform as the elderly S-Type, the XF is
a revelation on the road. Thanks to its incisive steering, finely
tuned damping and strong grip there are few executive rivals that
can match the finesse and sensitivity of the big Brit. Better still
is the relaxing ride that manages to isolate occupants from the
worst road surfaces. It’s refined too, with engine, wind and road
noise kept to a minimum.
Ownership Costs
This is where the Jaguar needs to shine if it is to lure BMW,
Mercedes and Audi buyers. Pick the 2.7-litrre diesel and you’ll have
little to complain about. Fuel economy is 37.6mpg, while servicing
costs are reasonable. But it’s the XF’s residuals that really
impress, with oil-burners retaining around 50 percent of its value
after three years. Buyers looking to keep costs down should steer
clear of the petrol models, particularly the thirsty V8 versions.
Safety/Environment
EuroNCAP has not tested it yet, but the Jag should be safe.
Airbags, stability control and a bonnet that pops up in a pedestrian
impact to cushion the collision are all part of the standard spec.
You can also pay extra for a blind-spot warning system, tyre
pressure monitors and a Parking Aid Pack featuring front sensors and
rear cameras
Source
www.auto-express.co.uk
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