Jaguar has finally pulled the covers of its rainmaker model – the new XF. Jaguar first released it to the world in 2007 where it gave global audiences a completely new outlook to what Jags typically are. It was less English drawing room and more funky vodka bar.
Jaguar has since been under the helm of indian magnate, Tata Motors who has guided the brand onto a path that Jag has never thread on before. They’ve had enormous success with this model and it has given rise to several other reiterations of the brands models such as the XJ and the F-Type.
Speaking of the F-Type, it is immediately apparent as soon as you lock onto the rear end of the all-new XF that the F-Type has had a tremendous influence on the styling detail and direction of the new model. Jag has gone to extensive detail to rework the styling and look of the XF, giving it a tinge youthful vigour.
The front end has been sculpted to be much more angular, and together with the headlights it spears an aggressive fascia. The rectangular honey-comb grille compliments that thought. The headlights, as you may have noticed, are decked out with LEDs and DRLs as you would rightfully expect.
The rear end brandishes the F-Type’s own design cue with the attention grabbing tail lamps that reaches around and creeps up the side, transforms the look of this business saloon to a desirable looker that’s worthy of the bestowed styling cue.
The all-new XF is 51mm longer than the previous. To this affect, it sports more kneeroom, legroom and headroom than before. Despite that, the XF lost some weight to the tune of 190kg plus an increase in torsional stiffness of up to 28 percent.
The interior on the other hand has had some work done to it, befitting the XF name as the XE model is poised to be Jag’s entry-level sports saloon. The rotary gear selector and air-cond vents are retained, giving an adequate sense of occasion. Wood and veneers give the cabin a warm yet familiar Jag feel.
The options list on the all-new XF are as long as your arm and rightly so. They include quad-zone A/C, a 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument cluster, 10.2-inch touchscreen, 10-colour ambient lighting and even soft-close doors should that tickle your fancy. Fret not audiophiles, for Jag has thrown in a 17-speaker, 825W Meridian digital surround sound system for your delectation.
Jag has also elected to go with EPAS or electric power assisted steering in a bid to save weight and improve fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. This system also paves the way for tech such as lane-keep assist and bay- and parallel park-assist to be included.
Jags have always upheld a sterling reputation for silky smooth ride quality and true to its name, the XF comes with Advanced Passive Damper technology via an extra valve which reduces damping forces at low speeds. The system monitors body movement 100 times a second and wheel movement 500 times a second to determine the optimum damper settings for the appropriate driving conditions.
The all-new Jaguar XF comes with a choice of three diesel engines and a magnificent petrol powered lump. The oil-burners in question come in the form of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder lump that is tuned to put out 163 and 180 horses each. The “super-diesel” variant is a 3.0-litre V6 block that makes out 300 hp and 700 Nm of torque thanks to Parallel-sequential turbocharging and a high-pressure injection system.
Then there’s the big daddy, with petrol spritzing through its chambers – the 3.0-litre V6 producing 380 hp and 450 Nm of twist. The additional bang is courtesy of a twin-vortex supercharger kit strapped to it. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via an eight-speed ZF gearbox. This goes for the rest of the range as well.
The all-new XF is now on sale in the UK, and it’s only a matter of time before it gets introduced here. Its base price in the UK starts from £32,300 (RM206,134) all the way up to £50,000 (RM319,093). In Malaysia however, we can expect the new XF to arrive as early as next year, most likely after Jaguar Land Rover Malaysia introduces the new XE. More on this to come! Meanwhile, enjoy the picture gallery we’ve put together for you.
IMAGE GALLERY
