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The first impression

There is something rather beautiful about a well-kept lady who is past a ‘certain age’. Of course self-confidence, intelligence and the ability to reinvent and maintain her physical appearance plays into what we define as attractive.

Looks are a subjective thing but there is a fine line between a perfected look and an overdone mess. Physical beauty, which has been enhanced with tailored clothing, a ‘less is more’ approach to makeup and fragrance and combined with elegantly quaffed hair, are vital in achieving an elegance that is becoming of a beautiful lady.

I promise, I didn’t steal this dialogue from a Martha Stewart ‘How to look your best’ book even though it sounds like it, but relates to the XJ Jaguar on review, I promise!

The Jaguar XF is just like that well-kept lady. It was first revealed as a concept by British car maker, Jaguar, halfway through 2007 but was only sold from March 2008.  The XF was designed by current design director at Jaguar, Ian Callum, whom presumably started penning his masterpiece from 2005.

Car years are much like cat to human years, and according to the Cats Age Conversation Chart, it would suggest the roughly six year old XF design is like a 40 year old human.

This beautiful medium sized luxury sedan is arguably the best looking car in its class. During 2011 the XF had certain technical and aesthetic enhancements to improve an already stunning car. It’s a tough category to play in especially considering the competition – BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus GS. More interesting than the cosmetic enhancements that took inspiration from the original concept car are the mechanical enhancements. The XF now features a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox which in my opinion is the leading automatic currently. It is sublime and used in a variety of other Jaguar and Land Rover products.  There was also the introduction of new turbocharged four cylinder petrol and diesel engines; in fact all the engines were new. These enhancements have done a lot to increase the XF’s worldwide sales which have actually increased year on year since its launch: Year sales 2009 - 26 247, 2010 – 34 368, 2011 – 30 646, 2012 – 34 693, and 2013 – 47 422.

On the road

The XF is a driver’s car. It is tuned to make daily commutes fun. Throw the large rear wheeled driven cat into a bend and it obliges with tenacity. The entire driver experience is coherent. The message to the driver - the XF feels like an agile sports sedan due to the R Sport suspension modifications. The steering offers loads of feedback from the road sending it through the driver’s hands via the leather covered wheel.

The breaks are sharp but in a way that in positively reaffirming to the driver. Power from the 2.0T engine is smooth and relatively linear. And with 177kW on tap at 3500rpm, the XF feels well suited to this power plant. Surprisingly this engine along with the 2.2T diesel engine is in fact the entry level unit, with larger 3.0 and 5.0 supercharged and turbocharged petrol and diesel units available for those who like their XF fast or ridiculously furious.

Inside the cabin you are ensconced in a neoclassical leather and alluminim chamber. Unique to Jaguar are two playful but functional equipment novelties – the revolving air-conditioning vents and the automated, self raising rotary gear knob selector. The cabin is bathed in a turquoise light provided neatly concealed LED lights. Seats are superbly comfortable. In R Sport guise they offer additional side bolstering, hugging the driver and front passenger in a cossetting manor.

What I liked

• The XF is beautiful to look at from any angle
• The XF features an eight speed automatic gear box that is flawless
• The XF in R Sport guise features a retuned suspension system that offers an outstanding union of luxury comfort and athletic driver dynamics
• Good performance from the 2.0T engine
• Quiet drive

What I’m not mad about

• The 2.0T engine is thirsty
• Compared to its competitors the XF’s rear headroom and leg room is slightly compromised for taller backseat passengers
• The driver speedometer dials look dated

The figures

The extra stuff

The Jaguar XF range scored four stars in the European crash test – NCAP. All new XF’s are sold with a five year/100 000km maintenance plan.

The verdict

The entire line-up of executive boardroom beauties are all of a ‘certain’ age. I made reference to the Jaguar “cougar-esque” status, where in fact none are fresh on the block and all have gone through some form of plastic reconstruction.

The Mercedes-Benz created this category in the 1950’s followed by Jaguar in the early 60’s. The current E-Class is arguably the best looking incarnation of the nameplate. It features a silky smooth ride and a broad range of engines.

The 5-Series is a great driver’s car. The 528i features the most powerful 2.0T engine of the group giving it the dynamic performance edge. The 5-Series is available with a host of optional extras that make it costly.

The A6 (specifically the 2.0T SE) has been positioned pricewise to comfort the bean counters at the boardroom table. It offers great value. It looks like a big A4, which isn’t saying much. Its generic looks could be a turnoff for some but its Teutonic composition is outstanding.

The XF is the most distinctive looking of the cougar line-up. Parts of the XF are showing their age but none enough to detract for the overall package. It is my favourite of the well-heeled Bellas. Its looks and enjoyable albeit comfortable ride make this the royal flush that wins my eye.   

Jaguar South Africa