| Week at the Wheel | Jaguar XF Diesel S|
Inside & Out:
The XF is not a Jaguar where the styling is heavily influenced by the past and it's all the better for it. The XF's shape has mellowed with familiarity, it elegant and just assertive enough to get you noticed without resorting to the glitzy LED lights and aggressively surfaced shapes of its German competition. The interior follows much the same restrained theme, though Jaguar hasn't been able to resist the temptation to show off a bit with its pop-up gear selector. Like the trick automatic opening air vents it's pointless, and actually its gear selection action isn't as nice as it could be, but it's certainly a talking point. The touch screen infotainment system feels a bit dated now too, with it lacking the slick operation of some of the latest systems from competitors.
Engine & Transmission:
If there was a weak area in the XF's
initial model line-up it was the single turbodiesel choice - a 2.7-litre V6. It lacked the sort of performance that buyers in this class have become accustomed to. Jaguar addressed that in 2009 by adding a new 3.0-litre unit in two outputs. This S unit ups pace significantly with 271bhp and 443lb.ft of torque enabling the XF to accelerate to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and onto an electronically-limited 155mph top speed. It's super smooth and flexible too, the acceleration always gutsy regardless of gear choice. Adding to the effortlessness is the ease with which the automatic gearbox slips through its six ratios with only the change in revs to inform you that it's shifting.
Ride & Handling:
It might look different to Jaguars of old but it retains their ability to cosset and involve in equal measure. The ride is extremely well judged, the XF 3.0D S doing a tremendous job of isolating the occupants from poor surfaces without resulting in detachment behind the wheel. The steering is nicely weighted and quick, with enough feel to allow you to place it with confidence. With its precision on the road it's easy to carry the speed that the turbodiesel engine so easily gains, the XF Diesel S an extremely good car to cover big miles in - whether they're on a motorway or a sinuous A-road.
Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:
There's something of a having-your-cake-and-eating-it feel to the XF Diesel S. Certainly you're never likely to find the performance wanting, and the economy is good too, with 42mpg on the official combined consumption cycle - the same as the lesser power engine incidentally. Carbon dioxide emissions of 179g/km are also the same, and that figure is significantly better than any of the petrol options in the line-up. Equipment levels are competitive too, with Jaguar fitting satnav, climate control, leather seats and cruise control on all its XFs.
Overall:
A composed, comfortable, decently equipped and easy driving executive, the Jaguar XF Diesel S is a seriously desirable proposition. It's got the economy and pace to match its closest rivals, and provides a brilliantly rounded driving experience, at a price that's very competitive.