Jaguar's XF is setting a high standard in the executive
saloon class, even in economical 2.0d guise
Verdict
This model is likely to be one of the most popular in the
new Jaguar XF range and rightly so – it’s brilliant. We love its blend of
comfort and sportiness, its efficiency and performance. The only minor gripes
are that the interior isn’t quite at Audi levels, and the infotainment still
lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Even so, it’s our current pick of the
executive car crop.
You wait for a new executive challenger for years, then
three turn up all at once. Well, almost. The new Jaguar XF is now in the
UK, the new Mercedes
E-Class turns up soon and a new BMW 5 Seriesarrives at the
end of the year.
If you have to buy now, the new Jag makes a fine choice and,
for now, tops the class. It may look a little too much like a stretchedXE, but this all-new mostly
aluminium model is even better than it’s smaller brother.
Jaguar has taken what was good about the old car: its blend
of confidence-inspiring handling and a cosseting ride, theatrical interior and
individual style and improved on all those. It’s also addressed the lack of
space and outdated infotainment to become class best in the former and
competitive in the latter.
There’s also Jaguar’s highly-praised 2.0-litre diesel under
the bonnet. It’s the Ingenium four-cylinder diesel first seen in the smaller
XE, and is available with the same choice of 161bhp or 178bhp power outputs.
Here we try the more potent version in racy R-Sport guise.
It’s a tad gruff at times, but revs sweetly and is pokey
enough responding swiftly to a prod of the throttle. This feeling of
effortless acceleration is enhanced by the eight-speed automatic box (there’s
also a six-speed manual that’ll save you £1,750). In auto mode it delivers
slick shifts and responds promptly to the throttle. Squeeze the pedal a bit
harder and it holds on to a gear for stronger acceleration; give it a little
lift and the transmission changes up seamlessly. You can also take manual
control using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Like other XFs, the 2.0d’s steering is quick and precise,
boosting the feeling of agility as you turn into a bend. More powerful R-Sport
models like our test car get slightly stiffer suspension that’s designed to
reduce roll and improve body control. Yet despite a slightly firmer low-speed
ride, the car feels almost exactly the same to drive as less sporty versions.
That means you get strong grip and excellent composure – for such a big saloon,
through a series of corners the XF feels remarkably nimble. It’s refined, too.
Wind and road noise are well suppressed, while on the
motorway the 2.0-litre diesel is barely audible. And once you’ve got past the
suspension’s low-speed fidget, the Jag glides quietly over most bumps and
potholes.
Elsewhere, the 2.0d is virtually identical to the more
expensive V6 diesel. On R-Sport models, that means you get the same deeper
bumpers, subtle side skirts, tailgate spoiler and 18-inch alloys – the 161bhp
version comes with smaller 17-inch rims.
Where the 2.0-litre car differs from its six-cylinder
brother is in its low running costs. Go for the 161bhp version with a manual
box, and you’ll benefit from CO2 emissions of just 104g/km and a claimed
70.6mpg. The more powerful 178bhp model tested here emits 114g/km and returns
65.7mpg – virtually identical to a 520d’s figures, but slightly higher than an
A6 2.0 TDI Ultra’s.
It’s a similar story inside, where the car has the same mix
of soft leather for the seats and aluminium-effect trim inserts. Some of the
materials feel a little cheap compared to those inside a BMW 5 Series, but the Jag
is solidly built and has a classy look and feel. Also familiar is the cabin’s
cosy and cosseting air, created by the small side windows and wide centre
console. Yet there’s a surprising amount of space, with plenty of rear head and
legroom.
So for now, the XF sits at the top of the class. But it’ll
be doing brilliantly if it’s still there at the end of the year.
source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/jaguar/xf/93580/jaguar-xf-20d-diesel-2016-review
by Steve Fowler
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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