With a smaller diesel motor under the hood of the XF, Jaguar finally ventures into the entry-level executive saloon segment.
What’s also impressive is the engine’s relative refinement, considering it’s got four cylinders. Sure it’s not as supremely quiet or smooth as its six-cylinder brother, but the difference is marginal. More importantly, it feels a whole lot quieter than the engines in the 520d and the E 250 CDI.
So the XF 2.2’s smooth shifts, linear power delivery and refinement make for a car that feels rather relaxing to be in and entirely fitting with the Jaguar character. Oddly, though, the ride seems to be on the lumpy side at low speeds, but the higher-profile tyres and smaller, 17-inch rims help it handle sharp bumps impressively. It also has a flat, composed high-speed ride, and body control is good too. That apart, the handling isn't sporty. The steering isn’t as sharp or direct off centre as a 5-series and it doesn’t feel particularly involving to drive, which is fine – this car is for the more economy-conscious owner who’s unlikely to push it to its limits.
What owners will expect are comfortable, special interiors, and that’s what they will get, largely. The XF still gets Jaguar’s ‘handshake’, where the rotary gear selector rises out of the centre console and the air-con vents flip open electrically. They will also find a simple, well-built and uncluttered dashboard that looks a bit traditional, with its acres of wood. Some might also be disappointed by the fact that the interiors don’t feel as avant garde as those of its more modern competition. That aside, Jaguar has added satellite navigation and a switch that allows rear passengers to slide the front passenger seat back and forth; small but significant additions to an equipment list that also includes a reverse camera, dual-zone climate control, paddle-shifters, keyless go, a sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and USB and aux-in ports.
Jaguar should have liberated more cabin space along with the recent mid-life facelift. Though the front seats are quite spacious, there is noticeably less space at the rear as compared to its rivals at the rear. Jag ofcourse is paying the price of the coupe-like profile.
Now for the anoraks. It’s rather easy to tell a passing four-cylinder XF from the 3.0-litre one. Simply look for the smaller wheels and the single tail pipe. Oh, and the 2.2-litre car doesn’t get the ‘S’ badging on the boot lid either.
At Rs 44.5 lakh (ex-showroom, pre-octroi, Mumbai), the XF isn't the cheapest car in its class, but it is easily the cheapest XF. A BMW 520d is Rs 2.4 lakh cheaper. But, remember, the Jag car does have a bit more equipment that its rivals which does offset the higher price to some extent. And, because it is assembled here, you can also expect it to be a sizeable Rs 10 lakh cheaper on the road, in some cities, than the 3.0-litre XF S. This in itself will attract those who have been eyeing the relative exclusivity of the XF, but have been put off by the high entry price.
One thing’s for certain, this car will no doubt become the best-selling Jaguar in India, and we are convinced it has the potential to take the fight right to the Germans.