New Jaguar XF

What is it?

A replacement for the S-Type Jaguar, a car that has been a little too long in the tooth, certainly in terms of styling and image. Jaguar's designers have undoubtedly answered its critics with the XF, as it's a thoroughly contemporary shape, following on from the sharply drawn XK Coupé and several concept cars. Admittedly, it isn't quite as gorgeous as the show car that previewed it, but we're used to such things.

More importantly, Jaguar will be hoping that the XF appeals not only to its traditional fan base, but also buyers that usually opt for the German marques, so that means buyers of the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It's priced to compete directly, though the XF's line-up is relatively small in comparison to the bewildering array of models available from the German companies. Both V6 petrol and diesel models are available at the same price, though you'd need to have a pathological hatred of diesel cars to opt for the 3.0-litre petrol model, as the 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel is better in most respects. Further up the range is the V8 and the SV8 model, which features a supercharged version of the same 4.2-litre engine. Prices start at £33,900 and rise to £54,900.

Is it any good?

Oh yes. The XF's styling may still divide opinion, but there's no denying how thoroughly modern it looks and wait until you see it in the metal to make your final judgement on it, as pictures do not do the car justice. In particular, the rear view is plain gorgeous and remarkably coupé-like.

However, it's the interior that steals the show. First up is the starting sequence. The engine start button pulses red awaiting your command. Press it and the air vents rotate into position in a synchronised manner, while the dashboard and infotainment screen light up. Press the button again and the novel rotary gear selector rises out of the centre console and the engine purrs into life. You can't help but smile when your journey starts in this manner. It's even more impressive at night time, when the cabin is swathed in a blue light, the same colour outlining several instruments and controls. Jaguar apparently turned to Motorola for its RAZR mobile phone technology.

Razzmatazz aside, the cabin is beautifully appointed, with leather standard across the range. Jaguar claims that the XF features more wood than any previous model, yet because of the contemporary usage of the material, and the presence of aluminium, the XF feels way more modern than its predecessor.

Jaguar has also managed to move the XF's dynamics on. The driving controls are all well-weighted and the ride comfort seemed spot on at first acquaintance. Despite that, body control is exemplary, with little roll, pitch or dive no matter how hard you are attacking a favourite corner or two. It's quite fun too, though the V6 turbodiesel doesn't feel all that quick, a sensation not helped by the presence of the friskier V8 models at the launch. The SV8 in particular eclipses the rest of the range, though it's no hardcore driving machine, still managing to retain the lesser cars' ride comfort. It does feature a few more chassis and transmission gizmos to put a grin on the driver's face though, and the mid-range urge offered up by the supercharger is highly addictive.

Should I call the bank manager?

Jaguar is certainly hoping you will, as it is proving to potential company buyers (and itself) that it can produce cars to compete with the world's best. When having that chat with the bank manager, make sure you mention that Jaguar is predicting class-leading residuals for the XF, thanks in no small part to the vast specification as standard across the range. Hence you'll not need to raid the optional extras list.

Summary

First impressions suggest that Jaguar has created a truly original alternative to the standard German offerings in the executive saloon class. The XF is distinctive to look at, has one of the boldest and most special interiors in its class and is great to drive too. Odds are that buyers will flock to Jaguar dealerships.

Shane O' Donoghue