2011 Jaguar XF Review
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to: RM888,888
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2011 Jaguar XF at a glance
Not the fastest or the biggest in the class, the 2011 Jaguar XF however does not need to be because the rest of its package is so compelling. The modern Jaguar XF represents a refreshing—and capable—alternative to the German norm.
2011 Jaguar XF quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Jaguar XF ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Jaguars, until recently, represent old British charm. And therefore it is no surprise their designs, inside and outside, look old-fashioned relative to competing German models. Just as the Jaguar XK has heralded in the new, modern design language, the 2011 Jaguar XF features a contemporary exterior that is subtly elegant. While some may not like the front end treatment, we are sure the brilliant interior—a fine blend of leather, wood and aluminium—will appeal to everyone. The modern, stylish cabin looks worlds apart from the dated Jaguar S-Type's interior.
Handling
Jaguars drive well and ride even better. Thus there is little surprise how the 2011 Jaguar XF has managed a remarkable balance between ride and handling. The Jaguar XF drives exceptionally well, thanks to its superb chassis. Full of grip, wonderful composure, and sharp steering sum up the sports sedan credentials, which means the 2011 Jaguar XF is equally at home on twisty roads delivering excitement, as well as on highways ensuring refinement. With electronically-controlled damping, the range-topping supercharged Jaguar XF variant is even more agile to drive.
Comfort
At low speeds, the ride borders on firmness, but crucially never jolting. Up the speed, and the 2011 Jaguar XF cruises along pliantly. Refinement is top-notch, blocking out road and wind noise from the cabin, only allowing desirable V6 and V8 growls in. The modern cabin, as can be seen from the start-up procedure to interior lightings, is also intuitive to use. Drivers get ample steering and seat adjustments, and the supple seats make long-distance journeys a breeze.
Quality + Reliability
To succeed in this luxury sector means having quality of the highest standard, and the 2011 Jaguar XF is up there with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in this regard. The leather, wood and aluminium used are of high quality. Panel fit-and-finish are exemplary, with soft-touch surfaces aplenty. The 2011 Jaguar XF looks and feels suitably expensive for its luxury positioning. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, Jaguar as a brand took a credible fifth place in 2008.
Performance
Three potent engines are available for selection. 3.0-litre V6 with 235 bhp, 4.2-litre V8 with 294 bhp, and supercharged 4.2-litre V8 with 410 bhp are paired with six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifts. Figures-wise, all three engines actually produce less power relative to comparable rivalling units, but on the roads, even the base 3.0 V6 is extremely capable for pace, and flexible for city driving. The normally-aspirated V8 is of course faster, but the supercharged V8 delivers a simply stunning performance. The transmission is one of the finest from Jaguar, ever.
Roominess
Interior room lags the best in the class. Front two enjoy good head- and leg-room. Rear passengers, except the tallest, get similar treatment as the front. The sloping roofline compromises the rear headroom slightly, while the transmission tunnel inhibits legroom for the rear middle passenger. The boot is of a useful size and shape, with the added option of rear-seat folding for more loading space.
Running Costs
With the base engine being the 3.0-litre V6 and two V8s in the engine lineup, fuel consumption is understandably not ideal. Maintenance, repair and insurance costs are all expected to be sizeable. Depreciation of older Jaguars is much steeper compared to BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. But with the Jaguar XF, things could improve; its excellent reputation, along with its generous standard equipment list, plus the lower number of the Jaguar XF on the roads would support the second-hand market values.
Value for Money
Jaguar no longer offers 2.0-litre variants to compete with the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, instead starting at the 3.0-litre mark with the 2011 Jaguar XF. The shift in strategy does not just end there. The Jaguar XF 3.0-litre costs a premium over comparable 5-Series and E-Class variants, and only slightly cheaper than a comparable Audi A6 variant. Taken as a whole, the 2011 Jaguar XF is a refreshing alternative to the usual German players, and more importantly, it is high on abilities and even standard equipment. A highly recommended Jaguar offering, indeed.
Equipment
Expected equipments and then some are standard, including leather trim, iPod connectivity and touch-screen satellite-navigation infotainment system with voice controls. Safety kit is similarly generous, with all active and passive systems in place, and even one to minimise collision injury to pedestrians, achieved by popping up the bonnet during a frontal collision.
Environment
Jaguar lags Audi and BMW in terms of environmental awareness. The 2011 Jaguar XF's steel, rather than aluminium, body structure helps little in fuel economy, while the engines lack fuel-efficiency enhancing features found on Audi and BMW engines.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Contemporary styling
Remarkable ride-and-handling balance
Generous standard equipment list
Slightly firm low-speed ride
No 2.0-litre variants
Use of steel, instead of XJ's aluminium body
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