JAGUAR XF

JAGUAR XF  "ANOTHER TYPHOON"

Jaguar, the British marque and a well renowned name in the luxury car section is going to uncover XF S 2.2 at the 1very end of year 2012 or at the beginning of 2013. The luxury vehicle was earlier expected to launch in the third quarter of 2012 and is expected to hold a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine under its hood. With an eight-speed automatic transmission gearbox this executive vehicle offers best in class performance.The vehicle is going to enter India through the CKD route so it might be priced less than before giving it an edge over its arch rivals like Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series. Jaguar XF price tag at present is more in comparison to its competitors, hence the CKD route strategy is going to act as a massive advantage in the British marque’s direction.

JAGUAR MODELS:-

   Jaguar XF 5.0 Litre V8 Petrol (5000 CC Automatic) Rs 60 Lacs

   Jaguar XF R Supercharged 5.0 Litre V8 Petrol ( 5000 CC Automatic) Rs 75 Lacs

   Jaguar XF Diesel (2993 CC Automatic) Rs 49 Lacs

   Jaguar XF S 2.2 ( 2993 CC Automatic) Rs 49 Lacs

OVERVIEW:-

Jaguar XF was launched in 2008 and received a positive response from the richies in India. As it completes nearly three years in the market, the company has given a make-over to the saloon and brought out a facelifted Jaguar XF. All the changes in the new Jaguar XF are barely cosmetic with the exteriors and interiors tweaked. The Jaguar cars are regarded as bold and beautiful and the new XF series has got all the attributes installed. The car not only comes fitted with luxurious interior features but also with super cool innovative technologies. Jaguar unveiled the revised version of the XF at the 2011 New York Auto Show earlier this year. This updated and upgraded car went on sale around the world in the middle of this year, and considering that Tata now owns the JLR brands, this new XF will surely adorn some wealthy garages in India. Jaguar is filling a lot of action in the Indian luxury car market and knows it can’t afford to be slow to offer its very latest. This speaks as to why Jaguar has brought in the face-lifted XF saloon.

Jaguar XF was in true sense, a head-turner for the Tata-owned British luxury car maker, Jaguar. After a steep decline in sales during recent years, the company went back to pencil and paper and redesigned its XF saloon. With the face-lifted XF, Jaguar has the potential to really take the fight to the German trio of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. The XF, which takes-on other premium luxury sedans such as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6, offers a great substitute in a section which is otherwise only occupied firmly by the German auto giants. But as these three big German luxury car makers launched updated versions of their offerings in this segment recently, the task Jaguar is rather tough.

The new Jaguar XF is truly a visual treat. The front end is aggravated with all the changes, after all it is the first impression of a car. The refreshed car gets a new nose. The slim new headlights now identifies with those on the flagship Jaguar XJ saloon. Fresh slit headlights and distinctive LED lighting strips sets it visually apart from the rounded twin cluster headlamp design of the previous model. The grille is stretched now as compared to the erstwhile model while the front bumper has been redesigned to go with the updated styling. The section under bumper also gets bit of styling with 3 airdams, the outside pair of which is now intersected by twisted chrome fins. Towards the rear, the tail light design is again reformed. Even the rear of the car has been redesigned with LED technology. 

 

The interior of the XF getting subtle now, receives redesigned seats, restyled steering wheel and an all-new colour central and dial-mounted screens relaying reprogrammed navigation and entertainment software. Apart from some new technology on board, the new Jaguar XF boasts a fascia that seems to mimic its larger sibling, the XJ.

The bigger-engined XF range has proven adept at taking on all-comers at the upper levels of the class since its introduction, but it took until cosmetic and detail technical tweaks for the 2012 model year before the XF became available with a 2.2-litre diesel, a type of engine whose sales dominate the sector. An estate is due late in 2012, too, thus completing a highly competent range.

DESIGN AND EXTERIOR:-

1. INTERIOR:-

Redesigned seats and new trim pieces complete the list of changes in the interiors of Jaguar XF. The Jaguar XF is beautifully designed to fill that aroma of luxury while drive. It owns all those supreme luxury finishes which will simply take your heart away. It melts wood veneers along with the supple leather and shining aluminum to give a contemporary look which you will never forget in life. The designing is too exclusive to XF with every part showing huge work done by craftsmen. The interior depicts modern looks and still assures you the traditional comfort. Coming to the performance oriented detailing in Jaguar XF, it again deserves a patent as it is exclusive and new in market. Its seats are in soft grain leather giving comfort and style. Seats are adjustable as per convenience. The 5 seater Jaguar XF has lofty seating arrangements.

The designing though being eye catchy still maintains some serenity and simplicity in it. It promises simplicity and luxury in its own unique ways. The dash is jeweled up with little hallo illumination around 2 trip meter, Jaguar Drive Selector console, switch panels, Electric Parking Brake and the start-stop button. These detailing simply enhances the car interior and facilitate the driver n small yet peculiar ways. The 4 door salon has a good boot space of 462 litres.

 

There’s now a slightly different design and material specification for the steering wheel’s audio and cruise control panels, and the ventilation controls. There’s also some new leather seat designs and a few slightly different fascia trims – and that’s about all.Which is good news, because the XF has, since its launch, set a high standard when it comes to appealing, contemporary style and the luxurious feel of its interior. It’s reassuring to find that’s still the case, especially now that the car, since the introduction of the 2.2 diesel, is available at a lower price.

It remains a real treat, and a pleasing piece of automotive theatre, to settle into this cosseting cockpit, press the starter button and watch the gear selector dial rise to meet your fingertips, as the air vents rotate in their housings. Being in a BMW 5-series, Mercedes E-class or even the new and relatively lavishly appointed Audi A6 seems a dull and cold experience by comparison.

Interior Measurements:-

The new Jaguar XF saloon treats you like its master and obeys your commands at a click. A powerful AC with dual zone climate control, cruise control and rear AC vents commences the comfort list on Jaguar XF. Power windows, remote control opening for boot and fuel lid, power steering with tilt adjustments for reaching and raking and audio controls for easy access to infotainment system are the other Jinis being operated with ease. The XF saloon gives you all the comfort front and rear armrest, rear wiper and rear defogger. Tinted glass with provides protection from heat and rain sensor wipers on windscreen along with electrically heated, auto dimming power foldable ORVMs with approach lamps and side repeaters are boastful. Auto headlamp and auto washer makes the Jaguar XF more than a car.

2. EXTERIOR:-

The sports saloon from Jaguar has increased horizons of sporting credentials in automobile world. The new Jaguar XF is assonant on mechanics but the exteriors of Jaguar XF are tweaked drastically. New Jaguar XF saloon in the D+ category of cars is bestowed with a fresh look. Designers at Jaguar labs have worked aggressively and went back to sketchboard to design the new Jaguar XF. It is evident from their work that the facelift XF follows the design language of XJ flagship sedan. The XF now sports an all-new face at the front end with slim headlight set into which are LED strips sitting either side of the grille. The grille in turn has become more upright and wide. A lower bonnet line complete with a pronounced, wider power bulge running down the center adds a purposeful stance. This is joined by a refreshed front bumper. The section under bumper also gets bit of styling with 3 airdams, the outside pair of which is now intersected by twisted chrome fins. The car has a new nose and exciting roof with sweeping line.

At the rear of the car the tail lamp units have been redone with LEDs, while the units themselves now extend further into the boot lid with a new chrome blade placed below Jaguar logo. The beautiful 10 spoke alloy wheels shed luxury and looks simply sporty and assertive. The exterior is simply mesmerizing for all those who fantasies luxury with power. The exterior will simply blow your mind with those interesting cuts and lines on its body, giving it an incomparably look in its segment.

The four-pot diesel motor is the main event in Jaguar’s 2012 model year upgrades for the XF, but there are numerous noteworthy alterations elsewhere too. The styling changes give the XF the front-end it should always have had: sleeker and more in keeping with the graceful lines that make this (by the estimation of all our testers, at least) the best-looking car in its class by some margin.

The back end and interior have been tweaked, too. Rear lights have been given LEDs and redesigned so that they extend further into the boot beneath the chrome strip. This seems to balance the styling a little, even if the changes are fairly subtle. Inside, the XF has been given a very subtle tidy-up, improving the ergonomics but maintaining its design flair.

Exterior Measurement:-

Overall length, wheelbase, width and height of the all new Jaguar XF are 4961mm, 2053 mm and 1460 mm respectively which is in perfect ratio that makes it a well balanced and controlled car. It has a wheelbase of 2909 mm.

PERFORMANCE AND ENGINE:-

 3.0-litre V8 is one of the strongest reasons to buy this car. It impresses the moment you thumb the pulsing engine start-stop button. It is refined, smooth and with a thumping 274bhp and 61.1kgm of torque, a lot more powerful and torquier than its German rivals.

There is a bit of throttle lag when moving off the line but once past 2000rpm, the car squats on its haunches and pretty much blows you away. But that’s not all – the six-speed ZF automatic gearbox is designed to lock up its torque converter without hesitation and the result is a transmission with a more direct and immediate feel. Gearshifts are lightning-quick and I particularly love the way the gearbox aggressively downshifts from high revs, just like in a sports car. The electronics even blip the throttle for you when you pull on the downshift paddle.

Jaguar India lately came up with a diesel engine powered Jaguar XF that was loaded with a 3.0 litre, 2993cc, AJ-V6 diesel S powertrain generating awesome power of 275 Ps at 4000 rpm and mind-blowing torque of 600 Nm at 2000 rpm via six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission; furthermore, the vehicle can do 0-100 kmph sprint in less than 6 seconds. The Jaguar XF diesel has been customized by Jaguar engineers in the UK for the Indian market. With ride height adapted for Indian conditions and a non-DPF diesel engine, the 3.0L Diesel XF has been fully homologated and certified at ARAI for the Indian market. This symbolizes the importance and Jaguar’s commitment to the fast growing Indian premium luxury car market. This engine along with the other two is kept the far away from any changes and all the 3 engines are used as it is in the facelift.

The other two engines on board are petrol trimmed. The Jaguar XF petrol is available with two variants in India i.e. Jaguar XF 5.0 Litre V8 Petrol and Jaguar XF R Supercharged 5.0 Litre V8 Petrol. The petrol operated Jaguar XF is endowed with a 5.0 litre, V8 petrol engine produces highest power of 385Ps at 6500 rpm and churns out maximum torque of 515 Nm at 3500 rpm with the help of a six speed automatic gearbox. The top speed of the car is 250 kmph and it can make 0-100 kmph mark in just 5.7 seconds.

The variant is packed with a 5.0 litre; supercharged V8 petrol engine develops outstanding power of 510 Ps at 6000-6500 rpm and belts out top torque of 625 Nm at 2500-5500 rpm that give enough calibers to the car and results in 0-100 kmph mark in only 4.9 seconds. However, this variant is not displayed in showrooms in India but can be imported by the company on orders.

RIDE, BRAKING AND HANDLING:-

The front brakes used in Jaguar XF are ventilated and the rear brakes are disc brakes to avoid any mishap during accidental situations. Not just that, a lot of electronics also detect early threats and senses that the car can go out of control, and thus instruct Jaguar XF to get control over itself. Anti Lock-braking system along with EBD (Electronic Braking System) is helpful in preventing the wheels from locking up during emergencies, thus making the handling of the Jaguar XF quite easy. All independent suspension system is used in the luxury saloon. 6 speed Electronic Automatic Transmission with Jaguar Sequential renders a butter smooth drive on Indian roads.

Jaguar XF uses all latest and intelligent technologies to keep your car safe and you being free from tensions. It comes with Jaguar smart key system which makes it possible to conduct keyless entry and start. It also features pedestrian contact sensing to protect your wealth from outside danger. The front and rear camera keeps you aware of the ambiance and thus avoiding any mishap. The remote control central locking and security system keeps you safe and secure with Jaguar sport saloon.

ABS and EBD enhance the safety in Jaguar XF with along with 8 airbags, front and rear parking sensor, fog lamps, traction control, and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). 3 rear seat belts are given with Jaguar XF.

Most variants of the XF get adaptive dampers, which can be set-up ever so slightly more firmly for press-on driving on smooth surfaces, but most of the time their standard mode is more than adequate. Simply, it's a car well set up on dampers that suit all occasions – an ideal balance not only for the mundane duties that this car will generally be tasked with, but also one that allows for that crucial spark of entertainment that too often gets sacrificed in a car of this class.

Meanwhile, the XF steers with unerring accuracy and even a little road feel, a rarity in this class. The overall handling balance is fine, too. Arguably the purest handler of them all is the naturally-aspirated 5.0 V8, which has lots of power but combines that with a lighter weight in its nose than the XF, so feels a touch more agile.

There's no denying the XF is an entertainer, though. At its limit it'll understeer a touch but there's so much power and torque that it can be driven through very easily. If you're so inclined, it's a real drift machine.

Ultimately, though, it's the deftness of ride and handling and steering that leaves the XF, to this day, our favorite car in the class to drive.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:-

Jaguar XF Variants:-

Variants	Transmission	Engine Description	Mileage		Power	AC	Power Steering	Central Locking
			City	Highway
5.0 Litre V8 Petrol (Petrol)	Automatic	5000cc 8 Cylinder 32 Valve	5.7	12.0	379.7bhp @ 6500rpm	Standard	Standard	Standard
R Supercharged 5.0 Litre V8 Petrol (Petrol)	Automatic	5000cc 8 Cylinder 32 Valve	5.7	12.0	503bhp @ 6000-6500rpm	Standard	Standard	Standard
Diesel (Diesel)	Automatic	2993cc 6 Cylinder 24 Valve	10.26	13.53	271.2bhp @ 4000rpm	Standard	Standard	Standard

Courtesy : Aarush