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Editor/Photographer : Mark Charles

December 14 2007

XF - First impressions

The adoration bestowed on Fiat's new 500 proves that retro design can work, but it hasn't done any favours for Jaguar in recent years as the sales figures will testify. But expect that to change because the XF appears to have more in common with the XK coupe than the S-Type. Out goes the retro styling, in comes a very modern take on a Jaguar saloon from Ian Callum, the man behind the Jaguar XK and Aston DB7. But the Jaguar cues are still there. There are echoes of the original 1968 XJ in the grille and of the current XK around the headlights.

In fact it does share its suspension and paddle-shift operated automatic gearbox with the XK and the more powerful versions share engines too. There are three trim levels available: Luxury, Premium Luxury and SV8 and as before there's a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Prices stretch from £33,900 to £54,900 making the XF more expensive than the S-Type but it is far better equipped. As with the S-Type, only one body style is available: a four-door saloon. Although estate versions of BMW's 5-Series and Mercedes' E-Class are popular in Europe they don't sell well in the US where most XFs are bound.

Performance
The are three petrol engines to choose from: a 3.0 V6 with 235bhp, a 4.2 V8 with 294bhp and a supercharged version of that V8 developing 410bhp which used to power the old S-Type R but now simply carries an SV8 badge. That's because when an XF-R does appear it will be packing more like 500bhp to match AMG and BMW M rivals. The S-Type's meek 2.5 V6 doesn't appear, neither does a manual gearbox; take-up of both was small and Jaguar wants to push the XF further upmarket. So the six-speed automatic becomes the only transmission, driving to the rear wheels only, as before.

Unfortunately Jaguar chose not to bring either the 3.0 petrol or 2.7D to the launch in Arizona. Unfortunate because while they might not be relevant in the US, they're likely to form 95% of UK sales. Of the two V8s, the supercharged car is massively quickly as you would expect, powering to 62mph in 5.4sec, compared with 6.2sec for the naturally aspirated model. It also has that distinctive supercharger whine that you either love or hate although neither car sounds as meaty as a BMW 550i. And such is the powertrain's refinement, even the SV8 often doesn't feel as fast as it really is.

Ride and handling
Whatever you thought of the S-Type's retro-styling there was nothing wrong with the way it drove. So it comes as little surprise to discover the XF is just as accomplished. Both V8 and SV8 treat occupants to that traditional Jaguar sensation of floating along the road's surface, the V8 on its smaller wheels actually smoother. But crank up the pace and the XF adapts, offering responsive, well weighted steering and fine body control that on the SV8 can be tightened further by pressing the CATS button that controls the adaptive damping. Even with 298bhp the V8 has more grip than power but the SV8 can be persuaded to slide with the DSC off.

Interior
If the exterior design has transformed your expectations of how a Jaguar should look, just have a peek inside. Forget your wooded dashboard nightmares, this is a thoroughly contemporary cabin with smart metal finishes, aggressively swept back A-pillars and cool blue lighting. Step into the car and the red starter button begins to pulse; press it and the covers folding the climate control vents retract into the dash and the cylindrical gear selector rises from the transmission tunnel into your hand. There are paddles on the wheel this time too, giving you proper manual control of the gearbox.

Leather is standard on UK cars, as is DVD-based full-screen navigation that, like the XK's, is accessed by a touch screen that also houses the controls for the hi-fi and air conditioning system. That might sound impressive and declutters the cabin but it can be fiddly to use. Perhaps Jaguar is hoping that with all this free you won't notice the modest rear seat space. One area where the S-Type fell down was cabin room and while the XF's wheelbase is identical, there's now more headroom and legroom, the latter helped by thinner but still comfortable front seats. The boot is significantly bigger too and now holds 540 litres, a 140-litre improvement.

Economy and safety
If fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are a concern there's only one engine in the running, the 2.7D. Capable of 37.6mpg, it's also the only model whose emissions sneak below 199g/km. But don't expect to get more than 22mpg from the SV8 even on a motorway journey and the 299g/km emissions will cripple company car drivers. The XF hasn't yet been subjected to an NCAP test but it will likely score five stars. Electronic stability control and brake assist are standard and adaptive cruise control is available, while a pop up bonnet makes it more pedestrian friendly than rivals.

The MSN Cars verdict: 5/5
The old S-Type was a great BMW rival scuppered by styling that repelled younger buyers attracted to Audi and BMW. With both failings addressed and packaging improved, its replacement can't possibly fail. The XF breathes life into the executive saloon market and also Jaguar at a crucial time for the company. Modern yet restrained styling, a superb cabin and a driving experience that satisfies those who want to be cosseted as much as those looking for B-road fun, it's a genuine triumph. All it needs is a more powerful diesel engine, and that's on the way.

Ratings out of five: Jaguar XF
Performance ****
Ride & handling *****
Interior *****
Safety ****
Price ****
Practicality ****
Fuel economy ***
MSN Cars verdict *****

Need to know
Petrol engines 3.0, 4.2, 4.2 supercharged
Diesel engines 2.7
Power (bhp) 204 - 410
Torque (lb/ft) 216 - 413
0-62 (secs) 8.3 - 5.4
Top speed (mph) 143 - 155
Combined mpg 22.4 - 37.6
CO2/tax