I have always been a big fan of Jaguar but have got to say as company ownership shifted I think the brand lost direction.
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Under current owners Tata Jaguar has regained its mojo.
The XF R Sport 25d built in the UK is competing against some class opposition in Mercedes Benz E Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi R7. But this is Jaguar - the very best of British engineering.
Designers have outdone themselves with a truly beautiful shape in the XF, harking back to the days when XJ Series I of the the late 60s held the most beautiful car in the world award.
The XF is powered by a 177kW(237bhp)/500Nm, 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel engine.
It drives the rear wheels via an eight speed auto. Acceleration to 100kph is a claimed 6.3seconds.
Fuel economy is a very economical 5.3l/100ks (51mpg).
The cars range on a tank of fuel is around 900ks.
Inside the XF is truly luxurious and would satisfy the most fastidious buyer.
This was the R-Sport which includes sporty seats and leather upholstery and other sporty touches like the wheel and paddle shift.
The Jaguar gains a 5 star ANCAP rating and comes with a wad of active and passive safety gear including anti-lock brakes, stability control, six airbags, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto headlights and wipers and a tyre pressure monitor.
As well, it has auto emergency braking and lane departure warning.
The XF comes standard with cruise. The adaptive type is a $4360 option included in the Active Safety Pack.
I strongly believe adaptive cruise should be mandatory in all cars sold in this country.
All the tech bits aside, Jaguars are drivers' cars and the XF is no different. Handling on wet or dry roads is faultless. The car rides beautifully.
The Jaguar XF maintains the brands tradition of performance luxury and style. Well worth considering if you are looking to purchase a luxury sports sedan.
Recommended retail price is $87400 plus ORC as tested $120290 +ORC.
My rating 8.25
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