There are four different engines that we will get; Two 2 litre diesel 163 PS I mentioned and a 180 PS version which I'm driving here now. They're available with a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic and is also two V6’s to choose from. They only come in S trim but there's either 300 PS diesel or a 380 PS supercharged petrol V-6 from the F-Type. Now the V6 petrol and diesel are a lot punchier than the 2 litre but all of these engines are really refined and overall the car feels quite grown up, just very very positive it really soaks up the road as you roll over it and again it just makes you drive in a lightly more grown-up manner than you might in its younger brother the XE.
Steering is that little bit slower too, so it doesn't feel quite so hyper active and alert but that means you get more stability and calmness on the motorway which is where most of these cars will be driven.
There isn’t a lot to complain about I have to say but if there's one thing it's at the XP gearbox is probably not calibrated quite as well as it is in this cars main rival the BMW 5 Series.
Changes aren't quite as crisp and occasionally you'll be left waiting.
Also right at the top end of the road range sometimes this two litre diesel does feel slightly like it runs out of puff. But these are pretty minor niggles in what is otherwise a seriously impressive dynamic package.
The other one criticism I probably do have is with this cabin. Feels very upmarket and stylish but in certain places some of the materials feel a little bit cheaper. Also this entertainment system while considerably better than the old car really has taken a big leap forward again just not quite as slick graphically or as easy to figure out some of the best systems around. Other than that though have to say the XF really seems like it's a challenge for class honours".
Key Specifications:
- Model: Jaguar XF 2.0 diesel 180 R-Sport ZF 8 auto
- Price: From €44,820 - €79,850
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl diesel, eight-speed auto
- Power/Torque: 178bhp/318lb ft
- 0-62mph: 8.1 secs
- Top speed: 136mph
- Economy: 65.7mpg
- CO2/BIK tax liability: 114g/km/20%
- Boot space: 540 litres