1. Its size may take some getting used to
If you're used to the driving school's Kia Picanto or Hyundai Grand i10, this large saloon car's generous dimensions may feel a little clumsy at first. But at least you'll have park distance control to help guide you into parking spaces. For parallel and perpendicular parking assistance (where the XF recognises and measures the parking space and then then steers autonomously into it), you will have to pay extra, as you do in most premium sedans.
2. It's a little pricey, starting from R873 300...
But, that's about the going rate in this market segment. (Read our comparative article, Jaguar XF vs BMW 5 Series vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class: which one is the best value for money?to get a better idea of what the rivals have to offer.) We do like the entry-level diesel model, the XF 20d Prestige (R873 300 without options), with 132kW and 430Nm, but we like its frugal fuel consumption figures even more. Jaguar says it will use around 5.2 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle. This means that on one 66-litre fuel tank, you may be able to get as far as 1535 km! (Also readWhich Jaguar XF trim holds its value better? here.)
3. On the upside, it has all the safety spec any new driver could possibly need...
We're talking ABS with EBD and brake assist, hill-start assist, traction and stability control, cruise control, trailer stability control, a full size spare wheel, and six airbags. It scored a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and also won Germany's Golden Steering Wheel Award for the best 'mid-full-size saloon car'.
And if you have some extra cash to part with, you can specify options such as rear-cross traffic alert (which warns you of oncoming traffic about to pass behind you) and navigation.
4. It's practical too, with plenty of boot space and a roomy rear bench
Sedans don't enjoy as much attention they used to, but people are actually missing out on all that they offer, especially in terms of space. The boot is a mammoth 540 litres, plus there will be plenty of room left for shopping after you've stowed the baby stroller.It's also easy to fit a child seat into the back of the XF as access to the ISOFIX points is easy.
5. The Jaguar XF has a certain aristocratic British flair...
The Jaguar XF isn't a car that we see on our roads all that often and if you're looking for something unique, then the XF will suit you well. South African buyers tend to buy most premium sedans from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and as a result, your XF will depreciate considerably faster than these German sedans. However, if you're buying a used XF, you'll surely get a better price than you would for an E-Class or 5 Series, depending on age, spec level, and mileage, of course. Search the AutoTrader sales section for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the BMW 5 Series here.
Verdict
I like Jaguar as a brand, and the XF's unfussy and ergonomic interior will keep driver distraction to a minimum. If you're shopping in this price range, you should definitely also consider the Volvo S90 for its fantastic semi-autonomous driving skills.
Look for used and new Jaguar XFs here and for Volvo S90s here.
