Used Car Review - Jaguar XF (2008-Current)

On the second day of Christmas Myk Belmonte gave to me... two Jaguars. Two pre-owned units for me.

2008-Current Jaguar XF

History
We all know that Jaguar Cars was sold to Tata Motors (a huge conglomerate in India) from Ford Motor Company. Since the Blue Oval wants to focus on its core product - which is, Ford - they had no choice but to sell Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, and let go of some percentage off Mazda.

The last Jaguar under Ford's supervision, the XF debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show with customer deliveries commenced in March 2008. Under the codename X250, this sedan was designed to replace the S-Type.

Locally, this vehicle had its local launch in 2008 with three gasoline powerplants available at first; with an update in 2011 saw the arrival of the diesels. Not much to discuss in this paragraph since we'll deal it more on the preceding portions of this article.

Value and Costs
Purchasing a brand new Jaguar XF can give you the following: fast depreciation since you are the first owner, a waiting period is possible, and you'll be under scrutiny of the BIR - especially if you know the news about it. With a pre-owned unit that can cost you between P3,200,000-P5,200,000, you would get something brand new for less. Best head to Jaguar in either Makati or Global City to check for pre-owned units since they have been checked and inspected.

Maintaining one is no bed of roses since Jaguars are known for their expensive maintenance costs. Just like other luxury sedans, one must check the electronics since the XF has tons of them. As with engines, going with the normally aspirated ones would save you more; supercharged models (available in both V8 gasoline and diesel) can put a drain to your wallet.

Exterior and Interior
Ian Callum is the guy who pushed Jaguar's design direction to the modern side, leaving behind the classic angles that is known for. More sharp lines from the front that reaches to the back which now appeals to young accomplished executives. Highlights include a chrome strip in the boot lid and the prominent Jaguar logo up front. Supercharged models gains an "S" badge to know the unit you are buying.

It is an electronic affair inside the XF since the car makes life easier for you. Having a bunch of keys is a thing of the past, a push button to start the car is present. Located in the center console, pushing the button will have the air-con vents open by itself. Another nice amenity is the rotary knob that acts as the shifter for the automatic transmission - whether six or eight speed. Simplicity is the key with a touchscreen monitor for the entertainment functions plus other buttons - that can be a source of driving distraction - located below for the audio and climate. You may adjust the cruise control via buttons mounted in the steering wheel, the same goes with the paddle shifters. Before leaving, material quality is excellent and cabin space is comfortable for four (five is a squeeze due to the center console).

Engine
As with luxury sedans, you get a wide raft of engines that suits your requirements and budget. Start from the basic, which is the AJ30 2,967cc V6 gasoline that carries 238hp at 6,800rpm and 293Nm at 4,100rpm. Graduate to the AJ133 5,000cc V8 in either normally aspirated or supercharged flavors; figures for the normally aspirated are 385hp at 6,500rpm and 515Nm at 3,500rpm while choosing the supercharged version gives you 510hp at 6,000-6,500rpm and 625Nm at 2,500-5,500rpm. Added in 2011 is the Lion 2,993cc V6 diesel both available in normally aspirated or supercharged. Crunching the numbers, the normally aspirated carries 240hp at 4,000rpm and 5,000rpm at 2,000rpm while the supercharged version has 275hp at 4,000rpm and 600Nm at 2,000rpm. Choosing the 3.0 V6 gasoline would reward you with ample power inside the city but underpowered at spirited drives. There is the 5.0 V8 with 385hp which carries the vehicle's weight well plus it is one smooth operator but it is fuel thirsty. The supercharged version gives you blistering acceleration at the expense of maintenance and fuel costs. Go for the 3.0 V6 diesel in normal flavor that will give you great acceleration while saving you diesel fuel in the process. There is also a supercharged version of this oil burner but for practicality we'd stick with the normal ones.

Driving Impressions
Daddy mobile no more, it is one car that will respond to your desires since steering is precise. Despite the 1,800kg mass, handling is controlled even at the sharpest turns. Stopping this heavy sedan is nothing, it will stop in a penny.

Verdict
Long from an old man's ride to the retirement home, Jaguar now has a styling direction that has more sharp angles than ruler inspired lines. The XF is nearly perfect, almost there. For those who want to get noticed (think Totoy Brown) than speeding up, then a pre-owned unit is the answer.



The Good:

• Sleek design
• Exemplary quality
• Available diesel

The Bad:

• Expensive to buy
• Expensive to keep
• Does not fit all personalities

The Pick: Diesel

THE SPECS

Engines: 2,967 AJ30 V6, 5,000cc AJ133 V8 normally aspirated and supercharged gasoline, 2,993cc Lion V6 normally aspirated and supercharged diesel

Power: 238hp @ 6,800rpm (3.0 V6 gasoline), 385hp @ 6,500rpm (5.0 V8), 510hp @ 6,000-6,500rpm (5.0 V8 supercharged), 240hp @ 4,000rpm (diesel normally aspirated), 275hp @ 4,000rpm (diesel supercharged)

Torque: 293Nm @ 4,100rpm (3.0 V6 gasoline), 515Nm @ 3,500rpm (5.0 V8), 625Nm @ 2,500-5,500rpm (5.0 V8 supercharged), 500Nm @ 2,000rpm (diesel normally aspirated), 600Nm @ 2,000rpm (diesel supercharged)

Fuel Consumption: 4-8km/L (city), 7-11km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic (until 2011), 8-speed automatic (2011-current)

Suspension: Front and rear independent double wishbone 

MORE INFO

Price (New): P4,000,000-P8,000,000 (estimated due to indent order status)

Price (Now): P3,200,000-P5,200,000
Rivals: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Lexus GS, Mercedes Benz E Class, Porsche Panamera
On Sale: 2008-Current
Resources:
http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xf-xfr-x250-44/
http://www.xfforum.co.uk/forum.php

Contacts:
Jaguar Bonifacio Global City - (02) 856-2277
Jaguar Makati - (02) 881-7060

Photos from http://sulit.com.ph/26656187