Jaguar XF 2.0 i4 (2014) Review

The Jaguar XF is Britain’s answer to the German barrage of executive sedans that rule the segment with their precision, refinement and clinical attitudes to luxury. There is hope for the outsiders though as Lexus is improving as we can confirm with the GS we recently drove.

The Jaguar XF has also been clawing its way into contention as the power behind Jaguar (Tata) continues to pour money into research and development. Following the downsizing tradition it’s now specced with a 2-litre turbo petrol but does it maintain its luxurious and suave demeanour with the new powerplant.

Go Faster Stickers?

You may have noticed the leaping Jaguar decal on the side and on the back there’s a chequered flag style sticker as well. This particular XF did duty at the Knysna Hillclimb event earlier this year. Over the course of the three day event it was run multiple times up the hillclimb at speed and with vigour so it will be interesting to see if the XF suffers any ill effects from its motorsport foray.

Downsized Engine

The 2-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mill powering this XF is meant to lean towards efficiency and an overall reduction in emissions. With 177 kW and 340 Nm of torque it’s still got good grunt when you put your foot down, it’s not lightning off the line, but it will still get to 100kph in 7.9 seconds. The main number that counts for the sake of downsizing is the claimed 8.9l/100km it’s said to use. Over our test period where we took in both freeway and town driving our average economy for the week was above 14l/100km. Crazy thirsty, we even speculated about a leaky fuel tank or a tweaked engine management system for the hillcimb.

With the eight-speed automatic transmission the XF cruises along with gear changes occurring faultlessly in the background. In standard D mode the gearbox shifts a little too early for my liking and often means that you push more into the throttle to get a move on. That tends to result in a kickdown from the gearbox and then you’re off like a flash. Switch to S mode and the gearbox responds better and the whole driving experience feels less lazy. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel aid if you feel like intervening with the auto box and doing some shifting of your own and they work with adequate rapidness.

On the Move

What I most like about the Jaguar XF is its ride, the Jaguar rides along on a supremely comforting set of shock absorbers. It doesn’t bump or jolt over bumps but it doesn’t wallow or have excessive roll when you corner. The XF always maintains its composure, even when manhandled through a set of bends it arrives on the other side in a dignified fashion. Body control is excellent for a large car that rides this comfortably. The steering is well weighted and provides good confidence in long sweeping corners, the steering’s quite quick too so it gets the Jag’s nose pointing into the corners energetically.

Inside the Den

The Jaguar XF was first introduced in 2007 and we all went wow! The air vents rotated automatically once the ignition was switched on and the gear knob rose up out of the centre unit. It has managed to defy its age over the years, it’s still awesome to watch all the bits and pieces spring to life as the ignition is switched on. During daytime though it can look a little dated, the silver trim with its textured pattern is starting to feel a tad old and the buttons around the steering wheel work more efficiently on the German sedans. Once night comes along though, the jaded look passes as the interior lights up in neon blue light that boosts the appearance of everything. Seven years on and this effect still amazes.

Final Word

The Jaguar XF is getting long in the tooth, the XE will take up some of the slack but that steals sales from the smaller Germans – C-Class, 3-Series and A4. The 2-litre turbo engine we found to be quite thirsty despite its intentions of reducing fuel economy. The XF remains a luxurious yet sporty vehicle and is still an excellent choice if you don’t want to go German, but its age is starting to hold it back where it could be bossing the market.

Second Opinion

The Jaguar XF is a superbly smooth vehicle with ride quality being excellent. The engine too is absolutely wonderful, with plenty torque available. Despite its age, the XF is one of Jaguar’s finest. It’s just a shame about that fuel economy though… -David Taylor

Jaguar XF 2.0 i4 Premium Luxury quick specs

We like:
. Great ride and sporty attitude
. Still an attractive car despite its age
. Night time glitz from the interior

We dislike:
. Drinks like it’s down at the pub
. Getting on in years

Also consider:
BMW 5-Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Lexus GS