By Guilherme Marques
Jaguar is not the default option in any segment of the market. Good, because if you buy a Jaguar, it means you know something about cars.
The Jaguar XF is hardly breaking news in the automotive world. It arrived in 2008 as the successor to the poor man’s Jaguar, the S-Type, basically a Ford Mondeo in a Sunday suit.
Jaguar knew better than anyone that the XF could not be a new S-Type but a whole different machine altogether, something that could go head to head with the best models coming out of Germany.
Designed by Ian Callum, the XF has been a tale of success for the British manufacturer and paved the way for the biggest revolution in Jaguar’s history, which now includes the new XJ and the all new F-Type for 2013, the first Jag sports car since the magnificent E-Type.
Like I said, the XF is not a new car but as I stared at it at the back of the Jaguar press park, I couldn’t stop thinking it might as well have been launched last week – it looks beautiful, well proportioned, its lines flowing with such grace you wonder why all cars can’t look like this. The 2001 restyle did not change much, focusing mostly on new head and tail lights, and a more aggressive bonnet line.
The rotating gear selector and air vents are still miles ahead of the opposition in the gadgets-that-make-you-feel-special competition, while that blue backlighting is the final touch of a carefully and tastefully designed interior.
There is a new XF Sportbrake and we hope to drive it soon, although we suspect differences will be limited to the exterior design and the practicality of a bigger boot, since dynamics, performance and fuel efficiency should be pretty much the same. The XF saloon 2.2 diesel starts at €56,900, but if you go for the top of the line Premium Luxury version, which includes all the goodies you can think of and more, you will be looking at €67,500.
The Sportbrake adds around €3,000, but still possesses the novelty factor the saloon can no longer muster.
If you like British cars, I would say it is a no-brainer because the XF is a very, very good car. If, on the other hand, you prefer the Germans, I urge you to not sign that cheque just yet and take a drive in the XF, because even this entry level 2.2 diesel has an ability to seduce its driver that may prove too much for you to bear.
In case you end up with a Jaguar in the garage, I promise you will not be disappointed.
