Jaguar XF 3.0 litre turbo diesel

The Jaguar XF has been around for a few years now but style- wise it's still holding its own against newer competition. It sits low and purposeful..the epitome of what the company is all about. Distinctive daytime running lights complete the package up front.
The latest XFs now have slightly different badging. The "Leaper" on the boot lid is now joined by the word Jaguar beneath it, just in case other drivers didn't know what they were following.
It's a big car,but from the drivers seat it shrinks around you and you don't really notice its width and length.
The previous XF I drove was the 2.2 turbo diesel, and I was mightily impressed with it.
Add a few more CCs and the package becomes even more desirable.
The 3 litre turbo diesel is an amazing powerplant.
 It's so smooth and vibration free, that during my two weeks with the car, no one could ever pick it was an oil burner

It's utterly quiet and vibration free at idle and on the move.You really couldn't ask for more performance from an engine... 600 nm and 202 kw propel the big cat down the road with a giant surge of power that lifts the bonnet when you floor the throttle. Nice. Claimed fuel consumption is 6 litres per 100 kilometres.. I averaged about 8 in city and country driving.
Select Sport on the circular gear selector and the eight speed gearbox changes instantly in response to the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. 
The test car was fitted with a few options including a bootlid spoiler, and piano black 20 inch alloys with  255/35 series tyres front and rear.

Often that sort of combination makes for a jittery ride but not with the XF. Sure it's firm-ish, but never uncomfortable.
The seats are comfy and have two memory positions, but the front pair aren't heated...although the driver's seat has two memory positions.

The novelty of the rising console gearshift and opening air vents in the dashboard doesn't last long however.. I grew impatient for the knob to rise before I could select a gear even though it takes just 2 or 3 seconds to do so. It's not as immediate as a regular shift lever.
I found myself turning off the default stop start idle fuel saving mode each time I drove the car as it would cut in too easily. Having the system off should be the default position rather than the other way around.

The XF is a supreme highway cruiser, with minimal wind and road noise..
Show it a few corners in lower gears and it transforms into an exciting barnstormer.. sitting flat and neutral going into a bend and leaping out under acceleration on the other side. 
Steering feel is good and the turning circle is commendably tight for such a large car.
It's cosy inside, and legroom in the rear is not so generous with a tall occupants in the front seats.The controls are well placed and easy to read. The dashboard layout is clean and uncluttered.
The touch screen is of the older generation but I had no problems working it out.

The test car with extras, tops out at 103 K , but the standard 3.0l diesel is 95K.
If you are looking for a stylish, power packed luxury sedan the 3.0l diesel XF should be at the top of your list.  It's very comfortable, capable, economical, enjoyable to drive and a real head turner as well.
Peter Sellen