Jaguar XF

Which is the most desirable seat in the Auto Express long-term fleet? It has to be behind the wheel of our new Jaguar XF.

As the firm’s second Auto Express Car of the Year in the space of three years, the four-door is already a winner, and we’ve put a top-spec diesel model into daily service.

Choosing the right spec for your XF is crucial. If the wheels are too small, the sleek, almost coupé-like lines are ruined.

But there’s no danger of that with the huge, optional 20-inch rims on our car. They fill the XF’s wide wheelarches, perfectly complementing the glossy black paint finish.

No matter who lays eyes on the car, they all fall for its styling. From every angle, it looks muscular and menacing, just as a Jaguar should – I never tire of coming back to it.

Step inside, and the uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking the XF is not practical enough to compete in the executive class. Its wide transmission tunnel and substantial dashboard give a cosy driving position. However, having completed a long-distance trip with four adults on board, I reckon the Jag offers just enough space. The boot is even more impressive – as long as you can live with the small opening – and there’s ample room for two suitcases.

With passengers on board, the XF has an audience for its party tricks. Press the pulsating backlit start button and the round gear selector rises from the centre console, while the air vents slide gracefully open.

After a month of seeing this every day, the novelty has worn off, but such features provide bags of showroom appeal. They also help detract attention from the plasticky column stalks.

Twisting the gear selector soon becomes second nature, yet the delay between choosing Drive and the transmission responding can result in an uncomfortable jolt.

My only other gripe on the move is with the low-speed ride quality, as those big wheels take their toll on the Jaguar’s suspension.

In all other respects, however, the XF has been faultless. Once up to speed, the springs and dampers provide breathtaking body control, making the car an agile sports saloon and a great long-distance cruiser all in one. Even though it’s soon to be superseded by a more efficient unit, the 2.7-litre diesel engine is also a top performer. The Jag rarely feels short of pace and, on extended journeys, fuel economy creeps up to 38mpg.

But its emotive appeal has rivals beat, hands down. You can’t fail to become fond of the XF – and I’m more smitten with every trip!

Second Opinion

Having driven the XF during our 2008 New Car Honours assessment, I always jump at the chance to have another go. The more I experience the XF, the more I love its desirability, style and refinement. But the chassis is the real winner. As I’m normally at the wheel of our long-term MINI, I am used to great handling – yet there’s no substitute for the purity of rear-wheel drive.

Owen Mildenhall
Road tester