2019 Jaguar XF Reviews

The arrival of the XF was a seachange moment for Jaguar and every fan of the British brand.  Life has not been the same for anyone since the classy mid-sizer landed, bringing a new style of design and a new commitment to class and quality for customers.It's no surprise that the XF has been a global winner for Jaguar, even during the Global Financial Crisis, and has also lifted it onto shopping lists which would previously have been reserved for Benz, BMW and Audi. And maybe Lexus.The high point of the XF development is the go-fastest model, the XFR, which is intended to lure people away from some of the most charismatic performance cars in the world, led by the BMW M5 and Benz's latest E63 sledgehammer.The deal is done with a transplant that puts a supercharged and direct-injection 5-litre engine into the nose of the XF, with 375 kiloWatts and 625 Newton-metres for R-car duty. It's easy to pick the car by its 20-inch alloys, a punchier front end, bonnet louvres, four polished exhast tips and a bootlid spoiler.Mechanically, the upgrade to XFR brings everything from quicker steering and giant disc brakes to an active differential and adaptive dynamics in the suspension.  The idea is to make the car much quicker - the 0-100km/h run takes 4.9 seconds - but also easier to drive and more responsive for people who enjoy their driving.But no performance sedan can live on its speed alone in 2009, so the XF also comes with a full list of luxury equipment including leather seats, automatic aircon, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system unique to the XF, as well as safety gear including front-side-head airbags, anti-skid brakes and ESP, with an iPod connector for the sound system.The XFR arrives as part of an upgraded 2010 XF range that gets upgraded engines, all with more go and less emissions, and even an acoustic laminated windscreen.But the cost of the XFR is considerable, as it comes in at a rampaging $208,450. That's right on double the price of the basic V6 XF, although it undercuts the E63 and M5 but enough of a margin to make it look like a bargain.Driving - Paul GoverThe XFR is, no question, the best Jaguar I have driven. And I've driven a few.  What makes it so good is the combination of a tight body, good looks, real quality and the sort of get-up-and-go that makes you want to go driving.It's also modern on the inside and suitably chunky with the R-car additions to the external bodywork, including the lovely grille work in the nose.The supercharged V8 gives the XFR real thumping performance, but the electronics and suspension work keep it easily under control. It's nowhere near as hard to handle as some early go-faster XK coupes, but lacks the fully-brutal impact of the latest AMG Benz.Actually, it is a pretty sweet package. It is happy to trickle in traffic but if you flick the switches to sport and take control of the six-speed auto with the column paddles it becomes a real driver's car.You can brake late with the classy discs, the nose follows the wheel without complaint, and it puts all the power on the road without bucking or resistance.The car is quiet, apart from some roar from the low-profile tyres, easy to park and has good cabin and boot space. It's not ideal in the back, where it's a bit short of legroom against the new E-Class, but is fine for family work.The driving position is very good and I love the touch-screen infotainment package, which is just about the best in the business. The B&W sound system is a real thumper, even if the brand is barely known in Australia.But I find the speedometer really hard to read, particularly with blue lighting in daylight, and something as quick as the XFR needs a digital speedo readout for Australia.I still find the gearshift controller a gimmick, but it is easy to use and gives most people a laugh.  The XFR can be very heavy on fuel, which is no real surprise, but generally it's ok in the 11-12L/100km range.I currently rate the XFR a little ahead of the aging BMW M5, although it is no match for the E63, which is an impressive result. But I still find myself wondering how the car will wear over time and if Jaguar has translated Ian Callum's excellent design work and its R-car fast parts into long-term quality and reliability.She says - Alison WardI have to admit I'm not the biggest Jaguar fan, so I rolled my eyes when the XFR arrived.  Why? I cannot shake the feeling that Jags are a bit unreliable, and the earlier XF I drove was a disappointingly sluggish drive.  There, that's the bad part mostly done.The good news is that Jaguar has improved a lot with this car. For me it's a headier mix of stylish fittings and sportier grunt.  It looks great.  Both sleek and sophisticated, just as the Jaguar name suggests.   It drives beautifully and gets going at the slightest hint on the accelerator.The comfortable leather seats, sexy swede roof and easy-to-navigate touch-screen display are well refined but I didn't see anything really new.It does have plenty of legroom and boot space which is a surprising bonus on its sporty external appearance. The attention to detail with the interior and exterior design will rival its competitors and so will its cheaper pricetag.  But would I buy one?  Maybe, or maybe not. The unreliability reputation reared its head again when I heard the rear suspension rattle after just four days on test. I worry about what else would start to hum and squeak given enough time.The 'James Bond' styled dial called a Selector (that I would usually call a gear lever) rises out of the centre console. Most men will love this feature, however I think its over-the-top, as are the air vents that also open when you start the car.The glove compartment has a secret silver button that was temperamental to open as well.  I could see these useless items failing in the future and I would hate to think of the costs to fix them.   Overall, Jaguar has done a great job here but I would say this car is definitely one for the boys.BOTTOM LINE: The best Jaguar since . . . forever, really.SCORE: 82/100Jaguar XF-RPRICE $208,450ENGINE 5.0-litre Roots supercharged V8POWER  375kW at 6500 revsTORQUE 625Nm from 2200 revsTRANSMISSION Six-speed automatic, rear driveBODY Four-door sedanSEATS FiveDIMENSIONS  Length 4961mm, Width 2053mm, Height 1640mm, Wheelbase 2909mm, tracks front/rear 1559mm/1571mmSTEERING Servotronic ``fast ratio'' rack and pinion power steeringSUSPENSION Double wishbone front; multi-link rearFUEL TANK 69.5 litresFUEL TYPE Premium unleadedFUEL CONSUMPTION 12.5/100km combinedWEIGHT 1891kgSPARE TYRE Space-saver spareBRAKES Anti-skid all-round discsWHEELS 20-inch alloysTYRES Front 255/35 R20, Rear 285/30 R20SAFETY GEAR Dual front, side, curtain airbags, bi-xenon headlights, active damping, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, active differential controlCO2 EMISSIONS 292g/kmRivalsAudi S6: 78/100 (from $204,900)BMW M5: 80/100 (from $241,816)Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG: 84/100 (from $234,900)

At a time when most manufacturers are downsizing engines in the name of fuel economy, luxury car maker Jaguar has decided to take a different route.The Tata owned British marque has updated its mid-sized XF range with a brace of larger, more powerful diesel and V8 engines that deliver better performance.But, incredibly, they are more fuel efficient and produce less harmful carbon emissions than the engines they replace.All engines are teamed with an enhanced version of the excellent ZF six-speed automatic which allows the driver to change gears like a manual.Many other mechanical changes have been made along with some minor cosmetic touches, the most notable being new exterior mirrors.The four-door XF which looks more like a coupe certainly seems to have struck a chord with Aussies since its launch here last year, as it now accounts for 65 per cent of the company's sales.It will soon be joined by a striking new flagship the XJ limousine that is also set to adopt a more modern look.DrivetrainsWith the launch this week of the new XF, Jag has taken the opportunity to add a fire-breathing XF-R model, complete with a supercharged, 5.0-litre direct injection V8.With 375kW of power and 625Nm of torque under foot, the R is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.That's 23 per cent more power and 12 per cent more torque than the previous 4.2-litre V8, with fuel consumption rated at 12.6 compared to 12.5 litres/100km and carbon emissions 292 compared to 299g/km previously.But it's the exciting new 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel, developed in conjunction with PSA Peugeot-Citroen, that stole the show, with 202kW and class-leading 600Nm of torque down low — a 33/38 per cent increase in power/torque.With no real, discernible turbo lag, 500 of the 600Nm of torque is accessible within 500 milliseconds of planting your right foot, allowing the car put away the dash in 6.4 seconds.And it is able to achieve this while using just 6.8 litres of fuel per 100km and producing only 179g/km of C02 (compared to 7.5 and 199 previously).Quiet, smooth and responsive, it's without doubt one of the best diesels that we have ever driven.The naturally aspirated V8 meanwhile produces 283kW and 515Nm (up 29 and 25 per cent) while the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 175kW and 293Nm is the only carry over from the previous model.PricesPrices for the new XF start at $109,450 for the V6 petrol, $116,250 for the diesel, $147,900 for the V8 and $208,450 for the supercharged XF-R, which is distinguished by quad tailpipes, bonnet air inlets, deeper front air dam and a tiny lip spoiler atop the boot.DrivingWe got to put the cars through their paces over two days and several hundred kilometres of country roads.Performance is strong and convincing across the range in keeping with Jag's aspirations to build beautiful, fast cars.The diesel and naturally aspirated V8 models exhibit a little too much body roll for our liking, but it should be kept in mind that this is a tourer rather than full blown sports car.The steering too lacks some feel off centre, a trait not exhibited by the XF-R with its quicker steering rack.Overall as might be expected the XF-R has a more secure, planted feel than the previous S Type R, thanks to Bilstein dampers, a new variable suspension system and a trick electronic diff — the previous CATS system has been dropped.Not only do the cars look and go well, but they are also finished to a high standard.Our one minor disappoint is Jaguar's reluctance to include a digital speedo as part of the centre computer screen. We're told by Jag's ‘Mr XF' Kevin Stride that only one other person in the entire world has requested this facility.

It might not look it from the outside, but Jaguar has been quietly honing its XF sedan into a formidable fighting machine to go into battle against the German trio of Audi, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus.Buyers now have a choice of two all-new direct-injection Gen III 5.0-litre V8s, but the big news is the new twin-turbo V6 turbo-diesel and the arrival of a high performance supercharged XFR.The revised models are expected to continue the modest resurgence for the brand locally since the XF arrived here late last year. The average age of the XF buyer, 44, is also helping drag down the traditional Jaguar buyer profile, which has fallen from 55 to 49 across the brand since the XF was launched.More than 500 have been sold and the car has single-handedly underpinned Jaguars local sales.With the exception of the 3.0-litre petrol V6, the three other XF models have received significant makeovers in the engine and performance departments.The new 5.0-litre supercharged V8 XFR replaces the previous range-topper, the supercharged 4.2-litre V8.The 3.0-litre petrol V6 remains the entry car, but the big news is the new performance 3.0-litre twin-turbodiesel V6, which will go up against the turbo-diesels from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.This engine replaces the previous 2.7-litre engine but has significantly more power and torque, delivering 202kW at 4000 revs and 600Nm from 2000 revs.It is 33 per cent more powerful than the smaller 2.7-litre engine but also 10 per cent more economical with a combined fuel economy figure of 6.8L/100km.Importantly too, the engine emits 179g/km CO2 emissions, which is 10 per cent more than the 2.7-litre engine.Jaguar has managed to extract the power and torque gains out of the diesel through the parallel sequential twin-turbos, which keep performance at both low and high revs. The aim is to eliminate any turbo-lag at any speed.ExteriorThe biggest improvements are reserved for the XFR, which gets a tricked-up exterior package to suit the extra power.Visually, there are revised bumpers, lower front air intakes, discrete body kit, bonnet louvres and grilles, quad exhausts and a small bootlid spoiler.The other XFs get a choice of new alloys and some cosmetic interior updates.All models also get a stiffer rear sub-frame, stronger differentials, upgraded brakes, improved navigation system, acoustic laminated windscreen and an upgraded ZF six-speed automatic.PricingThe entry V6 petrol is now $109,450, a modest price jump over the previous model but diesel pricing has risen to $116,250, up almost $8000. The naturally-aspirated V8 is $147,900 and $208,450 for the XFR.Platform and equipmentThe XF basics really needed little massaging. The platform of this car is proven and typically Jaguar. There's an all-encompassing ride quality that befits the brand, while the quality and equipment of the XF has helped lift Jaguars reputation to levels unseen in recent past years.There is the expected safety suite of six airbags, anti-skid brakes, traction control, dynamic stability control and immensely strong body. This is supplemented by cruise control, LED rear tail-lights, leather trim, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, automatic climate control and 7-inch colour touch-screen.The Portfolio pack is really the only option. Its about $22,000 on the diesel and about $11,000 on the naturally-aspirated V8.Spend the extra and you get a sort of poor-man's XFR. There are 20-inch wheels, up-spec leather interior with electric heated and cooled seats, suede-like cloth headlining, television, voice control, tyre pressure monitoring and premium sound system.DrivetrainMuch of the XF makeover has been reserved for the powertrains.All are mated to six-speed sequential automatics with the V6 petrol remaining the entry car, developing 175kW at 6800 revs and 293Nm at 4100 revs.Both the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and the 5.0-litre V8s are new. The 3.0-litre diesel is a development of the trusty PSA-developed 2.7-litre turbo-diesel but light-years ahead in refinement and performance. The engine will also appear in various Land Rover models, including the new Range Rover.The 3.0-litre diesel S develops 202kW at 4000 revs and 600Nm from 2000 revs, just 25Nm shy of the supercharged 5.0-litre V8.The V8s are almost all new, just two carryover parts remain from the 4.2-litre: a cylinder head bolt and supercharger tappet. The XF's chief program engineer, Kevin Stride, says the engines were solely Jaguar-designed and developed and have nothing in common with the latest V8s coming out of Ford in the United States.Both V8s employ direct injection, with the naturally aspirated version delivering 283kW at 6500 revs and 515Nm at 3500 revs while the supercharged engine ups the ante with 375kW at 6000 revs and 625Nm from 2500 revs.The naturally-aspirated V8 delivers 11.1 litres/100km with a CO2 figure of 264g/km, while the supercharged engine delivers 12.5 litres/100km and 292g/km.Zero to 100km/h in the naturally aspirated V8 is dispatched in 5.7 seconds, while the XKR does the same sprint in 4.9 seconds. The big surprise is the turbo-diesel, which is no slow coach. It hits 100km/h in a respectable 6.4 seconds.In keeping with the XFR's extra grunt, Jaguar has specified a new active differential control system and adaptive dynamics (another phrase for a computer control suspension) as well as a faster steering ratio and larger brakes.The active differential is essentially a sophisticated electronic limited slip differential. When not needed, the system is switched off. So unlike a mechanical system, there is no risk of undesirable understeer at low speeds. Another refinement of the Jag active diff is that creates no noise, vibration or harshness problems at low speeds.The adaptive suspension system monitors and adjusts damping to suit the road conditions in a similar manner to the CATS systems seen on previous Jaguars.The new system is configured to rapidly assess body motion and steering wheel input to modulate the damping forces and reduce roll and pitch.DrivingIN today's modern turbo-diesel cars, we're seeing the type of torque numbers that were once the preserve of high-performance V8 petrol engines.The XF's new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 is one of them. With 600Nm it is just 25Nm shy of the supercharged petrol V8, yet delivers its peak torque lower in the rev range. According to Jaguar the primary turbo has 61 per cent more torque at 1500 revs than the 2.7 while the secondary turbo has 32 per cent more power at 4000 revs.What does this mean for drivers? Well, don't dismiss the S badge on the XFs boot.It will launch itself from standstill with not so much as a hefty shove like the XKR, but more of a very firm seat-of-the-pants push that delivers loads of torque way beyond the point where most diesels are gasping for breath.The diesel shows the right stuff at overtaking speeds. How does 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 80km/h to 112km/h sound?Its a refreshingly petrol-like V6 too. Crank the ignition and we had to open the door to establish whether it was, in fact, a diesel. There is little rattle at idle and most people would not even know it was a diesel, except if they looked at the fuel economy (8.3 litres/100km in spirited driving) or the rev counter.And if the diesel is not your cup of tea, then there's the supercharged 5.0-litre V8 in the XFR.What can we say, except that this engine is truly a delight. Pedal reasonably quickly and it returned 12.9 litres/100km, within a whisker of Jaguar's own figures.What is amazing is the effortless delivery of power, the crisp, linear steering and surprisingly compliant, yet firm ride. Even with the 20-inch wheels and alloys, the XFR rides incredibly well. It's a sort of luxury sports ride if you like.Look out AMG and M, there's a new kid from Jaguar to tickle your performance figures.Engines: 3.0-litre petrol V6, 3.0-litre twin-turbo diesel S, 5.0-litre Gen III V8 and 5.0-litre Gen III supercharged V8.Power: 175kW at 6800 revs (V6 petrol), 202kW at 4000 revs (V6 S diesel), 283kW at 6500 revs (5.0-litre V8), 375kW at 6000 revs (5.0-litre supercharged V8)Torque: 293Nm at 4100 revs (V6 petrol), 600Nm from 2000 revs (V6 S diesel), 515Nm at 3500 revs (5.0-litre V8), 625Nm from 2500 revs (5.0-litre supercharged V8)

Having a supercharged V8 engine under the control of your right foot is a blast at any time.

The luxury marque struggled under Ford for years and hopes that now, with the help of the XF — and under the ownership of Indian car giant Tata Motors — it can turn itself around.With the choice of four engines including one diesel, the XF range provides a good choice for all driving and lifestyles.The 2.7 litre turbo-diesel produces 152kW at 4000 rpm and 435Nm of torque at 1900 rpm. It gets from 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 229km/h. The most frugal of all the variants, the diesel burns 10.4 litres/100kms.With a top speed of 237kW, the 3.0litre V6 petrol generates 175kW at 6800 rpm and 293 Nm at 4100 revs. Its 0-100km dash is just a fraction quicker than the diesel and its top speed is only eight kilometres more at 237km/h. Fuel economy starts to creep up for the first of the petrol engines at 15.8litres per 100kms.The first of the V8 units has a 219kW, 4.2 litre engine with 411Nm at 4100 rpm. It hurtles to a limited top speed of 250km/h after a 6.5-second 0-100 sprint.The biggest engine is a turbo V8 that creates a substantial 306kW at 6250 rpm and an equally large 560Nm at 3500. It will read 100km/h in a rapid 5.4 seconds but can’t go any faster than 250km/h.Both the V8s are quite thirsty with the smaller one using 17.3 litres per 100kms and the bigger of the two using a litre and a half more.All variants transfer power to the wheels via a six speed automatic transmission.Servotronic variable ratio power-assisted steering is standard on every version of XF and together with its light and rigid structure and wide track, ride and handling is well-balanced and responsive. For the SV8, that includes the adaptive damping strategy of Jaguar´s Computer Active Technology Suspension (CATS) which uses a network of sensors to monitor your driving style and road conditions and a high-speed processor that uses the data to constantly fine-tune the adaptive shock absorbers.Jaguar have taken a big design step with the XF, making it look more modern and sleeker than the stately, traditional style of previous models.The low nose, strong woven mesh grille and rising waist give this coupe-like four door an athletic appearance and an assertive presence.A very Aston Martin DB9-looking chunky rear with lipped boot lid and – like the front - wraparound lights, accentuates the cars sportiness and conjures a sex appeal that hasn’t been associated with Jags for some time.Three trim levels are available in the interior that Jaguar describes as ‘sporting luxury’. There’s not much clutter at all thanks to ‘invisible until needed’ features like the revolving air vents, the touch screen controls and the pop-up JaguarDrive Selector™.But it’s the use of real wood – more than any other Jag since the Mk II saloon in the 1960s – that shoots this interior into the luxury category at first glimpse. Satin American Walnut, Burr Walnut and straight-grained Rich Oak adorn the cabin and highlight the aluminium finishers.For it’s coupe like exterior there is lot of room inside the XF – enough for five large adults to sit comfortably. There is plenty of storage too, including three cup holders, storage pockets in each door and two lidded compartments in the centre console. Not to mention the boot which holds over 500 litres.There are several other features to make driving simpler and more enjoyable like satnav, TV, a camera for rear park assist, a premium sound system, Bluetooth and iPod capabilities, soft blue illumination for the instrument cluster, cruise control and voice recognition.A comprehensive airbag package heads a long list of safety features for the Jaguar XF, including Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, Electronic Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, Understeer Control Logic and Engine Drag Control.The XF is a beautiful car, to view and to drive. It is everything a Jag should be; original in design, instantly recognisable to the cognoscenti as a Jag, feline in stature and demeanour, masculine in nature while maintaining feminine appeal. My wife loved it and her taste is showing a shift away from 4wds and small to medium sedans to larger family coupes and stylish performance four-doors. Thank god.Ford did a great job of getting a product line together it could sell. Wehope Tata does a good job of custodianship of the marque. Personally we would have liked to have seen Ford keep Jag and cut some of the other crap from their own product line. Selling Aston was a good decision and it is in good hands, especially if the partnership with Mercedes proceeds. We worry for Jag though.The only negative comment on the interior came from a rear row passenger who pointed out the back of the front seats is just an ugly plastic. He was right but we hadn't looked as it is hard to take your eyes away from the dash, which is simply the best designed dash - period. The use of timber is superb, with a pale ash that looks modern and a great breakaway from the traditional burled walnut that the try-hard Japanese "prestige" models use to try to imbue some sense of style.The V6 in the test car gives ample power for most, but Jag is a performance marque so we would opt for the V8. The extra 10-20 bucks (driving style dependent) a week in fuel is a small trade-off on the enjoyment stakes. The handling is dynamic and we couldn't find any vices.Driving this is a joy, an event, something that anyone who is contemplating buying a car that is more than transport is really after. Its competition is Audi, Mercedes, BMW and to a certain extent Citroen, Jag with the XF can now hold its head very high in this company.Now let’s hope Tata does take Jag back to Le Mans and commissions one of the great design houses to build a true descendant of the E-type. We would go with the newly re-established Touring… bring it on.For - Style, driving dynamics, designAgainst - the back of the front seats should be leather and not plasticNot only is this the make or break car for the prestige Pommy – scratch that – Indian marquee, but it is a new modern direction in styling for Jag. And that has been lacking for quite some time in the brand.It’s a standout from its very DB9 rear, along its high waistline crease and down to the low slung nose. It’s already clear that Jaguar have bitten the bullet and started from scratch with this big, impressive car. It’s sleek and sporty but in a firm handshake, dinner suit kind of way. Very modern, but still retains the look you associate with the brand’s history.The XF has one of the best interiors we have ever seen, touched and heard. They have combined Jaguar tradition with the necessary mod cons and plush new surfaces beautifully.It’s roomy without losing intimacy, and the designers have kept the long, wide sweeping centre console that have featured in Jags for decades. A large brushed-metal dial, together with a multi-function display, controls nearly everything in the car. So there is no clutter except for stereo and air-con buttons. Even the air vents are hidden until they revolve into life when the engine is turned on.Another eye-catching feature was the woodgrain panelling. The over-varnished cherry coloured monstrosity, that we see far too much of, is nowhere to be seen in the XF. Instead it’s replaced by real wood that actually looks like something you’d choose to make your dining table with.The seats are comfortable and supportive and there is very little wind or tyre noise.On the road at slow speeds, the Computer Active Technology Suspension eats up ruts and blemishes. Acceleration and gear changes in the V6 were timely and smooth. We never longed for extra power but still want to give the V8 a go just hear what sort of noise it makes.The XF performs like many cars half its size when its legs are stretched on winding, hilly roads. Cornering is fun and the car is agile thanks to the suspension firming up and sticking the tyres hard to the tar.We just hope under new ownership, this brave new attitude is nurtured.

Jags are all about heritage, style and performance and the XF doesn't disappointment, particularly in the looks department.Park it next to a Benz or BMW at the golf club and it's the Jag that is going to attract all the attention, with the possible exception of the swoopy CLS coupe.The XF is the new age replacement for the retro-looking S Type sedan first introduced in 1999.From the pen of design maestro Ian Callum, it manages to look modern yet unmistakably like a Jaguar at the same time.The purists may not care for the look, but it is one that is going to draw in more buyers than it turns away.That's just what the doctor ordered, with the company's ageing demographic.Priced from $105,000, our test vehicle was the top of the line $166,700 SV8 with all the bells and whistles, including a supercharged 4.2-litre V8.The V8 kicks out an impressive 306kW of power and is hooked up to a six-speed sequential auto with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.In perhaps the car's most controversial departure from tradition, there is no gear stick or shift lever as we know it, just a round, pop-up drive selector that you use to dial-in drive or reverse.It's a practical, space-saving solution and we wonder why someone hasn't thought of it before?The SV8 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in a rapid-fire 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.But for all its power, it is in fact a real pussycat around town, unless you put the boot in.The power is there when you need it, but the delivery is refined rather than brutal.Despite its 1842kg the XF feels light and nimble around town, with power steering that is perhaps over-assisted.The seating position is low and enclosed and it is difficult to see the extremities of the car, making parking and negotiating carparks difficult.At 4961mm the XF is slightly longer than a Commodore, but the styling is more GT than sedan, in the vein of the current crop of four-door coupes.Riding low, with 20 inch wheels, side `gills' and twin tailpipes, the focal point is undoubtedly the sporty wire mesh radiator grille.SV8 gets CATS computer controlled suspension, with electronically controlled, two-stage, adaptive dampers.In this model you can switch off electronic stability control, with Normal, Winter and Dynamic modes available - the last of these to allow a more purposeful driving style.The inside is bright and inviting thanks to a mix of colours and finishes, with a combination of metal and dark chocolate wood trims.The car seats five with individualised seating for the outer rear passengers and a generous amount of rear legroom.The good-sized boot houses a space saver spare.Fuel consumption is rated at 12.6 litres/100km and that is pretty much what we were getting in mixed driving, using premium grade unleaded.Wish they were all as easy to use as the touch screen computer in this car, which interfaces with a high-end Bowers and Wilkins sound system.We thought the wheels looked a bit plain and were disappointed to find the instrument cluster does not offer a digital speed readout.

Even when you didn't - and that was often in recent times - you still wanted to. It might have been some retained warmth for such things British, or maybe just the cool badge, but whatever it was, the need to give the marque “just one more chance” was strong.On reflection, that may have been aided by the lovely clubby feelof leather and wood keeping your spirits up as you waited on the roadside for the repairman.In any event, it is now official. You can say you really, really like Jaguar and nobody, well, at least nobody who stays up with the times, is going to point and laugh.The revival started with the XK sports cars. Stylish, powerful and worth being seen in, they gave modern Jaguar its first taste of what it was like to be wanted or even desired. At the time, those in the know shared a quiet smile and a gentle “just be patient”.The late and sadly lamented Jaguar boss Geoff Polites offered - in regard to the then secret and unnamed XF - some three years ago that “we will never build a worse car than the next one”.At the time we knew exactly what Polites meant, even if in isolation the statement is a little ambiguous. He was promising the start of a new Jaguar dynasty.The XF has now delivered on that promise. The whole range, from the 3.0-litre V6 petrol to the 4.2-litre supercharged V8, is good.The 2.7-litre bi-turbo diesel is special. Jaguar actually believed the car to be so good as to not need an entry-level “stripper” to lure buyers into showrooms and away from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Call it a premium niche product and they will come, chequebooks falling open.That may be an exaggeration but there can be no argument that the XF, especially the diesel, should be back on the shopping list of anyone looking at a six-figure car purchase.The diesel starts at $105,500, not exactly bargain basement but trimmed with care and specified to pass acceptable at that level. While style may not sell the XF alone, it is enticing and challenging enough to appeal to a fair percentage of the public. The front is unapologetically aggressive, with a grille drawing influence from the gaping square mouth that fronted the XJ Series 1, while the rear is a classic from the director of styling Ian Callum, using power play with cues to the designer's gorgeous Aston Martin and XK styling.The coupe-like lines of the XF are accentuated by the matching rake angles of the windscreen and rear glass.It’s inside the car that the XF takes Jaguar to an entirely new level. Where once wood and leather were enough, the new Jaguar boasts an affinity with the past but styling driven by _ dare it be said _ a sense of fun.The whole process of bringing the XF to life is theatrical enough to bring a smile to your face. This is a place you want to be.Smooth lines, soft blue phosphor lighting, subtle use of metal; theyall welcome you to the interior ready for the show.The car is fired up by a pulsing starter button, a bit twee but a nice analogy for what is the heart of the car.Gone is the ridiculous J-Gate. The gear shifter is now an integrated dial, which rises out of the centre console to fit comfortably in the hand when the car is started. At the same time, the air vents reveal themselves in the fascia by swinging open.The interior lights are controlled by touch-sensitive coverings and the glove box opens only to the direct touch on an embedded brass rondel. This has little practical purpose but is cute as a button.The design target for the cabin was to emphasise sporting character. The dash has been lowered to improve the horizon vision and the glasshouse sits high enough to push the line that the driver sits in, rather than on, the seats.Space is good, in fact, generous for a Jaguar, with ample room up front and acceptable space for the rear-seat passengers. There is also a substantial boot.The engine at the heart of the XF diesel is not new. It has done service in the outmoded S-Type and XJ models outside Australia. That doesn't make it any less worthy. With 152kW and a thumping 435Nm, the diesel deserves to be the hero of the range.It is no sprinter (an 8.2 seconds from standstill to 100km/h attests to that) yet is fuel efficient for a twin-turbo engine and offers a largely stress-free drive experience with most of its torque on tap from just over 1000rpm.The real surprise is that this car is every bit as quiet and refined as its V6 petrol sibling _ all the good bits with none of the vices. Drive is through a ZF six-speed automatic, controlled either by the central shift knob or, if you really want, by wheel-mounted shift paddles.The ride and suspension retain a nice balance between sporty and plush, probably tending towards plush but quite capable of punching along a twisting mountain road.

Jaguar takes the Australian market very seriously, and not just because our country is a former British colony.

Now threatened as Jaguar prepared to launch a new cat this week in Victoria's chilly high country.But it held off long enough for us to put the new Jaguar XF through its paces, amid jibes about Jaguar's impending sale to the Indian Tata conglomerate.Interestingly, Tata already owns another English icon Tetley Tea.Looking more like a coupe than a sedan, the big four-door, five-seat saloon hits all the right notes and is sure to “curry” favour with its new masters.The mid-sized and mid-priced XF is a replacement for the aging and somewhat ungainly S Type sedan, but visually at least it appears to have more in common with the sleek XK two-seat sportier.It's the dawn of a new era for Jaguar, trumpet the execs, at the same time talking up the company's sale by Ford, which is due to be finalised next month.They say Jaguar is making money but its main problem lies in its loyal but shrinking customer base - the average age of which is 57.Ironically, instead of the younger group the entry level X Type is targeted at, its buyers are mainly cashed up retirees.It is probably a good thing then that current S Type owners apparently aren't too fond of the new XF's styling.Jaguar revealed that 77 per cent of the 200 or so orders it is holding for the car are from people who don't own a Jag.XF is the work of Jaguar design guru Ian Callum who also penned the XK.At 4961mm in length the car weighs between 1679 and 1842kg, depending on the model.It sits on a heavily modified S-Type platform, but employs the same engines, transmission and suspension components of the XK.High-strength Boron steel is used to reinforce the cabin.Prices for the XF start from $105,500 with a range of engines including a 3.0-litre V6, 4.2-litre V8 and Supercharged 4.2 litre V8, as well as a twin turbo 2.7-litre diesel.The entry level V6 and diesel are priced the same, but you would have to be crazy to go past the diesel with 152kW of power and 435Nm of torque.Like the others it's hooked up to a ZF six-speed sequential auto with wheel mounted shift paddles.The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.2 seconds (a 10th faster than the V6) and it consumes just 7.5 litres/100km against the V6's 10.5litres/100km.The XF lines up against the likes of the Benz, BMW and Audi as well as Lexus's GS range.Gone are the twin lights that were a hallmark of the S Type. Yet the front grille is distinctive and readily identifiable. There's no Leaper atop the bonnet, but a big cat can be found emblazoned across the boot.The modern themes extend to the interior where's there still plenty of wood and leather, but mixed in with more contemporary, and more importantly, sportier finishes.We got to sample the V6, turbo diesel and 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 (a supercharged version is still to come).It's a classy car and is finished to a high standard and one that manages to avoid the sombre tone that distinguishes German interiors, with a good mix of colours and finishes.It doesn't quite reach Lexus standard of interior quiet, but it's nothing to complain about.The stop/start button pulses red to draw attention while blue halo instrument lighting takes its cue from Motorola's RAZR mobile phone, of all places.Perhaps the biggest talking point is the large iDrive-style gear selector that replaces the normal shifter.It takes some getting used to but works fine and occupies significantly less space in the cabin.Rear head and leg room is good but the back seat could be a squeeze with three passengers.The V8 scores a 440 watt 7.1 Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system, with full iPod compatibility

Excitement around the recent launch of the sporty XK range was palpable. With the new XF saloon it has notched up to sweaty-palms, hand-wringingly tense level.With XK it was pretty much a case of preaching to the converted.The car, as beautiful and competent as it is, appeals to the established Jaguar faithful.The XF is a whole new ball game. This is the car that has to bring fresh blood to the marque; the car that must redress an ageing owner base carried over from an earlier era.“A group of customers fell in love with us in the 1960s and '70s and they are very loyal customers,” Jaguar Australia general manager Dorian Lapthorne said at the XF launch last week. “However, new customers didn't fall in love with us.“Our current customer base has an average age of 57 — about 10 to 15 years older than the likes of BMW, Audi or Lexus, or just about anybody else. That wouldn't be a problem in itself, if every time somebody turned 57 they thought; 'I'm old enough now to buy a Jaguar'.”That, according to Lapthorne, isn't happening and Jaguar's ageing owner base keeps on ageing.Enter XF and, according to Lapthorne, there's already strong evidence that the tide is turning.“With first deliveries due on June 1 we've already sold 60 per cent of our allocation (400 cars) for this year ... and the good news is that 77 per cent of XF customers don't currently own a Jaguar,” he said.“That's good news for us. And the median age we're seeing is not 57, it's 44 — more than 10 years younger than the overall brand.”Jaguar is also making no excuses for presenting the XF as a premium product. There's no “entry level” model to take the fight to BMW or Mercedes-Benz.Jaguar describes the car as a premium niche product and those who want it will pay the premium.The 3.0-litre V6 and the bi-turbo 2.7-litre V6 diesel offer a twin entry point at $105,500 with the 4.2-litre V8 at $130,500. The current hero model, the SV8 4.2-litre supercharged, is $166,700 but look to that to be supplanted as the apex model by a XF-R version of the car within the next 12 months.“There's no 2.5-litre XF; there is no sub-$100,000 XF — because that doesn't fit the profile of building beautiful fast cars,” Lapthorne said.“Does that mean we don't compete head-on with the Germans? Yes, it does.“We don't have an $80,000 car to compete with the (entry-level) 5 Series or the A6. We are a premium niche business.”The biggest thing in favour of the XF is the XF. While the external styling may be a little challenging for some tastes — the front is unapologetically aggressive, with a grille harking back to the gaping square gap that fronted the XJ Series 1 and the rear is a classic; Ian Callum (director of styling) power play with cues to the designer's gorgeous Aston Martin and XK styling.The coupe-like lines of the XF are accentuated by the matching rake angles of the windscreen and rear glass.However, it's inside the car that the XF takes Jaguar to an entirely new level. In its own British men's club way, the marque has always used wood and leather to distinction.It still uses fine wood and plush leather but in a more modern fashion.It would be a little unfair to call the interiors Scandinavian, yet the subtle use of metal, sweeping lines and blue phosphor lighting could make you think they were.There are some really nice design touches that, while unlikely to shake the world of car interiors, gives the XF points of difference and a new warmth.The gear shifter is now an integrated dial, which rises out of the centre console to fit comfortably in your hand when the car is started by a push on the pulsing start button.At the same time the air vents reveal themselves in the fascia by swinging open.Interior lighting is controlled by touch-sensitive coverings and the glovebox opens only to the direct touch on an embedded brass rondel — little practical purpose but cute as a button.The design target for the cabin was to emphasise sporting character.The dash has been lowered to improve the horizon vision and the glasshouse sits high enough to push the line that the driver sits in, rather than on, the seats.On the road, it's a lesson in how varied a character can be drawn from a basic chassis by variation in engine and gearbox.There were no supercharged cars available for the launch drive, due by the on-sale date of June 1, but the differences between the petrol pair and the diesel were significant.The 3.0-litre V6 (175kW and 293Nm), coupled to the six-speed ZF shared by all models, is a pleasant enough experience but begs the question as to why some 50 per cent of forward orders are for this car.There's nothing wrong with the combination per se but, for the same price and with the same high specification level, the diesel, with 152kW and a thumping 435Nm, makes so much more sense.It's marginally quicker — 8.2 seconds 0-100km/h against 8.3 — considerably more fuel-efficient and a less stressful drive with bags of torque available from just over 1000rpm.It's also every bit as quiet and refined as the petrol V6.The V8 is a proven engine doing service in both the XJ and the XK.The 219kW and 411Nm unit means there's adequate urge under the right foot but it's not as happy a marriage with the gearbox as the diesel.Obviously tuned for launch feel, first and second gears are eaten up in a huge rush but there's too large a step up to third gear to make punching through varied speed corners a comfortable experience.