Drove: Jaguar XF
Again, I have to repeat that it is mainly the Indian owner who is “to blame” for this. Even in conversations with Jaguar employees, they confirm that they are now finally happy and enjoy their work. Obviously, the Indian owner, who is otherwise primarily the owner of the successful Tata Motors company, has raised enough money to save Jaguar from stagnation, if not collapse. He not only saved money, but also provided enough funds for further development, and, of course, all employees are happy. According to the testimonies, they invest in the brand, develop new factories, products, and although sometimes it turns out that certain investments will cost more than originally planned, they again meet with the approval and understanding of the owner.
Thus, it is obvious that such things are reflected, of course, positively on cars. With the all-new Jaguar XF, the brand wants its vehicles to feature pleasing design, prestige, state-of-the-art technology and efficient engines.
It's easy to write that the second generation XF is definitely on that path. At the same time, it will adequately replace its predecessor, and in many respects it will clearly surpass it. Although the predecessor should not be underestimated. Between 2007 and 2014, it was chosen by more than 280 48 customers, which is not much compared to German competitors, but on the other hand, not so little. More interesting is the fact that last year alone, 145 buyers chose the Jaguar XF, which of course indicates that the brand is once again becoming more popular and its models more recognizable. However, in all that time, the Jaguar XF has won XNUMX different world awards, making it, of course, the most awarded cat of all time.
The new XF, although they will say that it is not much different from the old one, is new due to the fact that it was created on a completely new platform, and at the same time a new body composition. This was taken care of right at the head plant in the English town of Castle Bromwich, in which more than 500 million euros were invested. The body in it weighs only 282 kilograms, as it is almost entirely made of aluminum (over 75 percent). This is primarily known for the weight of the car (the new product is lighter by more than 190 kilograms), and, consequently, for the efficiency of the engines, better location on the road and interior space.
The XF's design is not much different from its predecessor. It is seven millimeters shorter and three millimeters shorter in length, and the wheelbase is 51 millimeters longer. Thus, there is more space inside (especially in the rear seat), the position on the road is also better, and, above all, there is an excellent coefficient of air resistance, which is now only 0,26 (previously 0,29).
Like most competitors in this class, the new XF is also available with full LED headlights (a first in Jaguar's history), while the classic headlights also feature LED daytime running lights.
XF offers even more interior innovations. A new 10,2-inch touchscreen is available depending on equipment, but at an additional cost. Even more, a 12,3-inch screen is installed instead of classic instruments. So now they are completely digital and only the map of the navigation device can be displayed on the screen. In addition, thanks to a completely new screen, but above all, a multitude of connectivity options, a variety of applications and a multitude of assisted safety systems, the XF is currently the most technologically advanced Jaguar. For example, the XF now also offers a color laser projection screen, but sometimes it is less readable in the sun, including due to reflections from the motherboard in the glass.
The rest of the cabin feel is very majestic as the materials collected are pleasant and of high quality. Depending on the engine version and especially the equipment package, the interior can be sporty or elegant, but in both cases, there is no need to complain about the workmanship.
In the same way that we cannot complain about the position on the road, the driving dynamics of the car is significantly improved over its predecessor. As written, this is a completely new platform, but also a suspension that is partially borrowed from the sporty Jaguar F-Type. An adjustable damping chassis is also available at an additional cost, which perfectly matches Jaguar's drive control system. This adjusts the response of the steering wheel, transmission and accelerator pedal, of course, depending on the selected driving program (Eco, Normal, Winter and Dynamic).
Buyers will be able to choose between three engines. The smallest two-liter four-cylinder diesel engine will be available in two versions (163 and 180 "horsepower") with a new six-speed manual transmission providing gear changes. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission will be available at an additional cost, and it will be the only choice for the other two more powerful engines - a 380-horsepower six-cylinder petrol engine and a 300-horsepower six-cylinder three-liter diesel. "horsepower". as much as 700 newton meters of torque.
During our nearly 500km test drive, we tested all the most powerful engine versions and only the eight-speed automatic transmission. This one works well, shifting smoothly and without jamming, but it's true that we didn't drive through the city crowds, so we can't really judge how it behaves when pulling off quickly, braking and pulling off quickly again.
The XNUMX-litre diesel engine, which we recently described as very loud in our tests of the smaller XE, is much better soundproofed in the XF. A completely different song is a larger three-liter diesel engine. Its commercials are even a bit too quiet, especially since it doesn't have the typical diesel sound. Of course, as already mentioned, it impresses with its power and, above all, with its torque, which is why we believe that it will convince many customers who have not even thought about a diesel engine until now.
The top of the lineup is the three-liter six-cylinder petrol engine. If other engine versions are tied only to rear-wheel drive, it can be all-wheel drive along with a gasoline engine. Instead of a gear, it is represented by a completely new chain drive in the center differential. It works quickly and smoothly, which means there is no problem even when driving on less perceptible or even slippery surfaces.
Finally, we can say that the new XF is a gentleman's car, regardless of the engine chosen. It may differ from other, especially German, competitors, but it simply replaces any flaw with its characteristic English charm.
Text by Sebastian Plevnyak, photo: Sebastian Plevnyak, factory
