Jaguar XF 2.0L

I am a Jaguar devotee from childhood. My father owned two Mark 5s and I remember them fondly, from the pale purple glow of the projected dashboard lamps to the insanely comprehensive tool kit in the boot lid and the manually operated taillight switch in the rear bumper. 

But times change and Jaguar has most certainly done that with the all new XF. 

I have driven several versions of the car from the XFR to the twin turbo diesel and regular six cylinder petrol models. Jaguar has however definitively broken with the past on one model at least,and the marvellous straight six engines that powered generations of Jaguars. 
The latest is a technical tour de force. 

A two litre turbocharged four cylinder power plant with more torque than the old sixes and better fuel economy. 

It was a little disconcerting to hear a new and somewhat uninspiring sound from beneath the bonnet when I first took the wheel, but it soon became familiar.

Acceleration under full throttle was a surprise.. I expected turbo lag and moderate forward motion but this engine has the goods.  It fairly flew down the road, belying its capacity and the weight of the big Jag.

Keeping the secret of what's under the bonnet, is the absence of any engine capacity badges on the car...so your neighbours will be fooled into believing you might have the top spec model instead of the budget one.

The engine is the same as used in some of the latest Ford Falcons.

I am yet to be convinced however of the ride of the XF.

It is not as serene as previous models, and as one who enjoys a comfortable ride, it was a tad disappointing.

Handling though was spot on, the big Jag lunging through corners was a hoot.

The interior is nice but to my eye, far too plain.

Other marques have more aesthetic appeal for me than this does. and once used to the rising circular gear selector and self opening air vents it becomes a little ho hum. That's not to say the quality isn't there, it's not that impressive. 

The absence of heated seats for example is an omission that shouldn't be. 

Many lesser vehicles include this feature and it's a welcome one on frosty mornings.    

Leg and head room in the rear is tight despite the cars generous dimensions elsewhere.

At 68 thousand dollars the 2 litre XF is Jaguar's cheapest model.. the  others start at well over 100 K.

If you have always yearned after a Jaguar this could be for you ..the price is definitely right.
Peter Sellen