Jaguar XF 2.0D Portfolio Auto
This model from £39,050
Jaguar’s extraordinary product renewal offensive has seen its ranges transformed into what are among the most modern on the market today. For instance, this new XF may look superficially like the old XF, but while its predecessor was based on a Ford-engineered platform dating back literally to the last century, this car is all new, and all Jaguar.
At its heart lies a new aluminium intensive architecture powered by a state-of-the-art two-litre diesel engine, the most fuel-efficient version of which was the first car in this class to offer CO2 emissions of under 100g/km.
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The result is a car that ticks all the boxes you might expect of one in this class and then it starts ticking those you might not. You would expect an executive’s express like this to have a spacious and comfortable interior, and it does. You’d expect the latest telematics and infotainment, and the Jaguar does not disappoint. Performance is competitive and refinement at least as good as the class average despite the slightly gravelly tones of the new engine.
But cars like this need more, especially to compete against established German premium players such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW, and the XF has it. Simply put, if you love driving there is no better car in the class. The XF has a poise, a feel and a love for the open road not unlike the beloved MKII of Inspector Morse fame back in its late 1950s heyday. In short the XF is not just a likeable and competent class player, it is an exceptional Jaguar and one that will do much to energise further still the marque’s already impressive resurgence in the marketplace.
Performance
- Engine: 1999cc, 4 cyls, 178bhp
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Top speed: 136mph
- 0-62mph acceleration: 8.1sec
Costs
- Cost: £39,050
- Economy: 65.7mpg
- VED: Group C
- Insurance Group: 32
