Sophisti-cat in a tailored suit

The all-new Jaguar XF is heading for our shores, so we took the the current XF, in R-Sport guise, for a last romp around some twisty Western Cape roads. We're sad to see it go, but if the XE is anything to go by, the XF is going to be brilliant.

If you look at the sculpted, flowing body of a Jaguar XF, you’ll realise why it’s such a hit with the ladies. I don’t envision a home-maker in a pair of tracksuit bottoms and trainers driving it – you’d at least need a dress and a pair of wedges, better yet, a pair of black stiletto heels coupled with a sharp designer suit, and a degree. It’s not called an ‘executive business saloon’ for nothing.

The XF has been around for quite a while - since 2007, to be exact, receiving its last update in 2011. A replacement is due, and according to an insider at Jaguar SA, the all-new XF is already on the ship, and we can expect to see it on our shores next month. But before the shiny new baby arrives, I got the chance to drive the outgoing XF R-Sport 3.0 V6, for the last time, in shimmering Kyanite Blue Metallic. It’s a colour that doesn’t fade into the background, and has real presence. But it’s not the flashy, in your face kind of presence. The XF has a dapper, well-turned out demeanour, and has aged rather well, like a well-heeled English gentleman (who believes in sunblock) should.

Upon its delivery to me at Cape Town International Airport, the Jaguar press fleet manager opened the driver’s door for me.
“It may look unassuming”, he said, "but it’s quick.”

He was right. The 3.0 litre V6 engine is just what the doctor ordered, and I was quite happy to be driving the supercharged version. I am a petrol head of note, and I was quite looking forward to an afternoon rendezvous over some mountain passes.

On the interior side of things, there’s nothing here that gives the XF’s age away. It is beautifully crafted, and smacks of quality and good taste. Once you press the ‘start’ button, the air-conditioning vents, flush-fitting in the elongated, partly-chrome dashboard, rotate to open simultaneously, and the rotating gear shift dial (aka the JaguarDrive selector) rises from the centre console, just like it does in the Range Rover Sport I recently tested. It all works together beautifully. The only details I didn’t like, are the sound controller switches on the steering wheel – I just don’t like the wheel-like mechanism. But I'm really nit-picking here.

Pale blue interior "mood lighting" creates nice ambience, and the glove box opens with the touch of a finger. Black leather seats with red topstitching (leather is standard in all XF’s) go nicely with the sporty theme, and there's plenty of "R-sport"badging and lettering to be found on the XF's inside. The standard specification level is not too shabby, compared to the  BMW 535i, but compared to the extensively specced Lexus GS 350 at only R693 200 it seems a bit pricey. But a Jag's a Jag, and the XF is a fine example of why it's such a coveted badge. I can only imagine how good the all-new XF is going to be. Among other standard features, are Park Distance Control (front and rear), rear-view camera, rain sensing windscreen wipers, electric parking brake, Xenon headlamps, a seven-inch touchscreen, and Bluetooth with Audio Streaming. Traction and stability control are standard, and there's a total of six airbags. (The XF gets a four-star EuroNCAP safety rating, but I expect the new generation will be getting full marks.) We also had heated front seats and a stellar Meridian sound system, but they are optional.

On the drive home I decided to take the Gordon's Bay to Kleinmond route,as there are ample fast corners to be taken. The rear-wheel driven hardly ever flinched, in spite of being gently manhandled, if that is even a possibility. The slick 8-speed auto box, eager engine and speed sensitive steering all impart a sporty, yet very civilized feeling. But don't expect this variant to be frugal, as most V6 petrol engines are not.

Whether you want to drive the kids to school or pick up the big boss (and all her luggage) from the airport, the outgoing XF is a stylish alternative to the many 5 Series BMW's out there.

And now that the new XF is almost here, there should be plenty of good deals around. Speak to a Jaguar dealership or keep a close look here on AutoTrader for specials.

Facts & Figures

Base Price	: R 821 500
Engine	: 3.0 litre supercharged petrol
Power	: 250 kW
Torque	: 450 Nm
Top speed	: 250 km/h
0 to 100 km/h	:  5.9 seconds
Fuel tank	: 70 litres
Realistic fuel consumption	: 11.5 to 14 litres per 100 km’s (combined)
Boot size	: 500 litres
Warranty	: 3 years / 100 000 km
Maintenance plan	: 5 years / 100 000 km
Also consider	: Lexus GS 350, Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5 series

For the full list of standard and optional specifications, please go to www.jaguar.co.za

Credits

Images by Jaguar