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Jaguar XF: Test Drive
Date: 14 December 2007 | Author: Nat Barnes
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Some of the pipe and slippers Jaguar traditionalists might not approve, but the XF is a car that looks forwards not back.
Its shape and lines are far more modern and challenging than anything we've seen on a Jaguar saloon for some time. It is, quite simply, chalk and cheese compared to its predecessor, the popular but unloved S-type.
As, thankfully, are the projected residuals. Where the S-type lingers around 32-33% after three years/36,000 miles, CAP and EurotaxGlass predict the best-selling 2.7D to stand at 50%. Praise indeed.
Of course, with its four-engine line-up, the XF can't hope to compete with the Audi A6, BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class on sheer volume of model numbers, but it can certainly compete on a dynamic and emotional level.
Unsurprisingly, the 207PS 2.7 turbodiesel will take around 70-75% of sales. With a 7.7 second 0 to 60mph time, 143mph top speed, 199g/km emissions and 37.6mpg average fuel economy, it's hard to see why anyone would want the entry-level petrol 3.0-litre V6, which is slower, thirstier, more polluting and the same price. Even Jaguar admits the V6 petrol might not be popular, which is why the two 4.2-litre V8 petrol engines (one normally aspirated with 300PS, the other supercharged with 420PS) are predicted to account for the majority of other sales. A BMW M5-rivalling super-sports 'R' version will arrive in early 2009.
The moment you climb behind the...
