IT’s phase two at Jaguar. The resurgence of the big cat continues with the company having recently launched its 3 Series rivalling XE, and the F-Pace, the first SUV ever from the brand, is set to arrive later this year. The brilliant F-Type has created plenty of heat in the sportscar market, but the one that started it all was the XF and now the company has launched the second generation.
It benefits from the millions poured into research and development for the XE, using the same platform and some of the components, not least of all the new Ingenium engines. This platform sharing has done wonders for the bottom line, with Jag able to bring the XF in at a starting price of R714,000, way more competitive against its German rivals than the overpriced XE.
It is also the first out of the starting blocks when it comes to a wave of new models. Mercedes will launch its new E-Class around mid-year, with BMW set to follow with its new 5 Series and there has to be a new Audi A6 waiting in the wings. This could be good for Jag, with its XF providing ample individuality against its key rivals. On the other hand, the Germans also get the chance to look at the XF and then do their best to make their offerings better. It’s all swings and roundabouts in this game.
First up, the design. Jaguar’s design boss Ian Callum once told Motor News that if you want to know what the next generation XF will look like, then look at the original CX-F concept. That was years ago, not long after the XF had been launched in 2007 and before the new, modern era Jaguar got into its stride. He was right — the new version bears many of the design features of the concept, particularly up front with those curved headlights, deep front valance and pronounced grille. The side profile is familiar although it sits 4mm lower and is 7mm shorter, while the rear gets the XE treatment to give it a family feel.
The big changes though are all beneath the skin, which incidentally features a great deal of aluminium. Jag was big into lightweight technology long before anyone else and its old XJ pioneered extensive use of aluminium in the market. In the new XF, the advanced aluminium architecture has played a major part in allowing it to shed 190kg, making it 12% lighter than the first generation.
Another part of its new lighter character is the Ingenium engines, which first debuted in the XE and which next year will also find their way into the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Jag is claiming that its diesel engined derivative is 35kg lighter than its rivals, which contributes greatly to its increased agility, lower consumption and lower emissions, with the diesel producing a claimed 114g/km of CO2, putting it below the 120g/km threshold to avoid the CO2 tax.
The diesel model also pumps out 132kW which makes it a good compromise when it comes to power and consumption. If it is power you are after then you can opt for either a 250kW or a 280kW version of the 3l V6 supercharged petrol, but while it has plenty of power on tap, it is not the perfect package. That accolade is reserved for the 177kW 2l turbocharged petrol model, which is the best of all worlds. The engine responds quickly and provides more than enough power when you break free of the city traffic. Find yourself stuck in the jams and the consumption is not going to have you scampering to the pumps after a few rush hour trips.
The XF also has to tick the luxury boxes to compete and it does this reasonably well. The interior is spacious with superb seats and that wide, curved dash that has plenty of XE hallmarks about it. The rotary gear selector gets pride of place in the centre console and you get the steering wheel from the F-Type to add to the sporty character. The new model also dispenses with the rubbish old infotainment system, adopting the new generation InControl Touch system that is used in the Disco Sport and the XE. It is still not perfect, but it is a massive improvement.
There is the option of a laser head-up display, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road and will sound impressive when you tell your mates at the pub.
The interior is elegant and luxurious with plenty of sporty touches depending on the model you opt for and there is an air of solidity that sets it apart. But it is likely to fall behind its rivals in some aspects, particularly when it comes to the instrumentation, with more modern digital screens now the norm.
Then there is the boot, which is deep with loads of space, but it is rather on the shallow side compared to rivals in spite of being 20l bigger than that of the 5 Series.
The drive around Johannesburg showed some superb characteristics, most notably its whisper quiet cabin, an essential feature for an executive model. Its level of comfort was also great, with hardly any harshness from the tyres and a suspension setup that includes the front solution from the F-Type.
The whole setup gives the XF a far more dynamic nature than the first generation. It even has great electronic steering which is not something we always get to say. It is well weighted and allows the road to talk back to you without compromising on the luxury feel.
Unusually, the Jag team had a few exercises planned at the Expo Centre, Nasrec for us to experience some other facets of its character. The new XF has Torque Vectoring by Braking, a solution that works with the dynamic stability control to apply braking to the wheels to keep the vehicle in check in the corners. It is a great system that combines with all the other electronic wizardry to keep you safer.
The new XF also has adaptive cruise control with queue assist that should take away some of the stress of being stuck in traffic jams. It has an Adaptive Dynamics system, All-Surface Progress Control and of a number of driver settings ranging from Eco to Dynamic.
The new XF is, as Callum told us in 2014, "more mature in terms of package and space". It is every bit the modern Jag, remaining true to the brand’s heritage of style, sportiness and luxury. It is likely to be out-teched by its forthcoming rivals, but it is unlikely to be outclassed.
-
The new XF has a more edgy and dynamic look to it. Picture: JAGUAR SA
-
The interior takes cues from the XE but is likely to be overtaken by forthcoming rivals. Picture: JAGUAR SA
-
The rear adopts the family look from the XE. Picture: JAGUAR SA
IT’s phase two at Jaguar. The resurgence of the big cat continues with the company having recently launched its 3 Series rivalling XE, and the F-Pace, the first SUV ever from the brand, is set to arrive later this year. The brilliant F-Type has created plenty of heat in the sportscar market, but the one that started it all was the XF and now the company has launched the second generation.
It benefits from the millions poured into research and development for the XE, using the same platform and some of the components, not least of all the new Ingenium engines. This platform sharing has done wonders for the bottom line, with Jag able to bring the XF in at a starting price of R714,000, way more competitive against its German rivals than the overpriced XE.
It is also the first out of the starting blocks when it comes to a wave of new models. Mercedes will launch its new E-Class around mid-year, with BMW set to follow with its new 5 Series and there has to be a new Audi A6 waiting in the wings. This could be good for Jag, with its XF providing ample individuality against its key rivals. On the other hand, the Germans also get the chance to look at the XF and then do their best to make their offerings better. It’s all swings and roundabouts in this game.
First up, the design. Jaguar’s design boss Ian Callum once told Motor News that if you want to know what the next generation XF will look like, then look at the original CX-F concept. That was years ago, not long after the XF had been launched in 2007 and before the new, modern era Jaguar got into its stride. He was right — the new version bears many of the design features of the concept, particularly up front with those curved headlights, deep front valance and pronounced grille. The side profile is familiar although it sits 4mm lower and is 7mm shorter, while the rear gets the XE treatment to give it a family feel.
The big changes though are all beneath the skin, which incidentally features a great deal of aluminium. Jag was big into lightweight technology long before anyone else and its old XJ pioneered extensive use of aluminium in the market. In the new XF, the advanced aluminium architecture has played a major part in allowing it to shed 190kg, making it 12% lighter than the first generation.
Another part of its new lighter character is the Ingenium engines, which first debuted in the XE and which next year will also find their way into the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Jag is claiming that its diesel engined derivative is 35kg lighter than its rivals, which contributes greatly to its increased agility, lower consumption and lower emissions, with the diesel producing a claimed 114g/km of CO2, putting it below the 120g/km threshold to avoid the CO2 tax.
The diesel model also pumps out 132kW which makes it a good compromise when it comes to power and consumption. If it is power you are after then you can opt for either a 250kW or a 280kW version of the 3l V6 supercharged petrol, but while it has plenty of power on tap, it is not the perfect package. That accolade is reserved for the 177kW 2l turbocharged petrol model, which is the best of all worlds. The engine responds quickly and provides more than enough power when you break free of the city traffic. Find yourself stuck in the jams and the consumption is not going to have you scampering to the pumps after a few rush hour trips.
The XF also has to tick the luxury boxes to compete and it does this reasonably well. The interior is spacious with superb seats and that wide, curved dash that has plenty of XE hallmarks about it. The rotary gear selector gets pride of place in the centre console and you get the steering wheel from the F-Type to add to the sporty character. The new model also dispenses with the rubbish old infotainment system, adopting the new generation InControl Touch system that is used in the Disco Sport and the XE. It is still not perfect, but it is a massive improvement.
There is the option of a laser head-up display, which allows you to keep your eyes on the road and will sound impressive when you tell your mates at the pub.
The interior is elegant and luxurious with plenty of sporty touches depending on the model you opt for and there is an air of solidity that sets it apart. But it is likely to fall behind its rivals in some aspects, particularly when it comes to the instrumentation, with more modern digital screens now the norm.
Then there is the boot, which is deep with loads of space, but it is rather on the shallow side compared to rivals in spite of being 20l bigger than that of the 5 Series.
The drive around Johannesburg showed some superb characteristics, most notably its whisper quiet cabin, an essential feature for an executive model. Its level of comfort was also great, with hardly any harshness from the tyres and a suspension setup that includes the front solution from the F-Type.
The whole setup gives the XF a far more dynamic nature than the first generation. It even has great electronic steering which is not something we always get to say. It is well weighted and allows the road to talk back to you without compromising on the luxury feel.
Unusually, the Jag team had a few exercises planned at the Expo Centre, Nasrec for us to experience some other facets of its character. The new XF has Torque Vectoring by Braking, a solution that works with the dynamic stability control to apply braking to the wheels to keep the vehicle in check in the corners. It is a great system that combines with all the other electronic wizardry to keep you safer.
The new XF also has adaptive cruise control with queue assist that should take away some of the stress of being stuck in traffic jams. It has an Adaptive Dynamics system, All-Surface Progress Control and of a number of driver settings ranging from Eco to Dynamic.
The new XF is, as Callum told us in 2014, "more mature in terms of package and space". It is every bit the modern Jag, remaining true to the brand’s heritage of style, sportiness and luxury. It is likely to be out-teched by its forthcoming rivals, but it is unlikely to be outclassed.
Change: -0.68%
Change: -0.84%
Change: 0.70%
Change: -0.69%
Change: -2.45%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -1.25%
Change: -1.14%
Change: -0.68%
Change: 0.00%
Change: -1.25%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -0.09%
Change: -0.20%
Change: -0.15%
Change: -0.15%
Change: -0.22%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -0.36%
Change: -0.74%
Change: -0.72%
Change: -0.40%
Change: -0.39%
Data supplied by Profile Data