Jaguar XF Reviews

Joshua Dowling road tests and reviews the second-generation Jaguar XF with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Jaguar XF with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its international launch in Spain.

Chris Riley road tests and reviews the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S with specs, fuel economy and verdict.

Let's say you want a VW Golf GTI, a Jaguar XFR or even a Porsche Cayenne Turbo but you'd like to turn their performance all the way up to a 11.Well, that's why you can get a Golf GTI performance pack, a Jaguar XFR-S and even a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S.But are these highly tuned models really worth the extra cash? To find out Owen Mildenhall compares them on track with their standard versions.     In this video the Jaguar XFR-S is up against the normal XFR.

Spend big bucks on a performance sedan, and it had better put a smile on your face, right? After driving the 2014 Jaguar XFR-S on mountain roads and on track, we can say that the fastest, most powerful Jaguar sedan — ever — never ceased to have us grinning.With an official 0-100km/h figure of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 300km/h, the XFR-S pushes the performance envelope further upward from the XFR, but it isn't simply chasing German super-sedans. From the driver's seat, we found it more thrilling than some key rival models like BMW M5, Audi RS6, or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.Those each might have a slight edge on the XFR-S in straight-line performance, but the XFR-S is the wild child of the bunch, the one that keeps you close at heart. From the time you press the engine-start button and the big 5.0 litre supercharged V8 barks to life, it's clear that the attitude is a bit different behind the wheel of this one.DESIGNIt's probably best to start with what the XFR-S doesn't have. Thankfully there's no managing a slew of drive modes and steering heft levels and suspension rates. There's nothing complicated about the steering, either; it's merely a very good hydraulic system. And don't expect a dual-clutch gearbox or clutch packs in place of torque converters.What you do get is a raucous 405kW V8 that's not only full of character but fully fitting the character of the car, mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar's new (F-Type-derived) Quickshift logic.Front and rear spring rates have been boosted 30 per cent over the XFR (which adds up to about 100 per cent over the base XF), and the XFR-S gets special front suspension knuckles that allow increased camber and castor stiffness (plus new wheel bearings), a new rear subframe, and a 'bespoke' staggered Pirelli P Zero tire setup—265/35R20 size in front and 295/30R20 in back. Special lightweight forged wheels and a high-performance braking system round out the improvements.In addition, there are a series of functional aerodynamic improvements, including carbon fibre front splitter and air intakes, plus a carbon fibre rear diffuser.And that big wing on the back? It plays a crucial part in reducing high-speed lift by 68 per cent. It makes a very meaningful contribution to stability at mid- and upper-triple-digit speeds; but because of the controversy over...um...the boy-racer stigma that tall, bold rear wings carry, it's optional on the XFR-S—and a hefty $3,500 extra. But if it's functional, you really must get it.The XFR-S also boasts special Varuna lightweight forged alloy wheels, and they can be finished in full gloss black or technical grey. In addition to the rear wing and central rear diffuser, there are five colours, including an especially eye-catching French Racing Blue. And inside, the XFR-S gets Warm Charcoal leather seat and door trim, in addition to carbon-effect leather on the seat bolsters and armrests. Contrast-colour micro-piping also accents the seats, and there's a Dark Aluminium dash fascia.ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONOutput of this engine has been boosted to 405kW, with 680Nm of torque (versus the XFR's 375kW and 624Nm); and it's a difference you can feel. Through breathing improvements, Jaguar has boosted power delivery from the 3,000-rpm range on up. And on the torque side, it's essentially taken the torque plateau of the XFR's engine and allowed it to climb—together with the more aggressive throttle map, allowing that very sharp at-speed throttle response, and allowing increased rewards for revving the engine into its upper ranges.Revving this engine is something we couldn't resist. It's beautiful-sounding from the outside or the inside. Curiously, from the outside there's a strident, V10-like pulsation to the exhaust note that sounds sexy and different as it passes by at full wail; but inside, selectively ducted-in intake noise helps provide a deep, bellowy exhaust note that's unmistakably a V8. What you do hear from inside the cabin—especially if you tip into the throttle lightly and then back off—are a series of burbles and pops that seem so forceful at times you might think someone's kicking in the trunk.DRIVINGProvided you're not tapping into the engine's power too much, the cabin is remarkably quiet and luxury-car composed. Despite the much stiffer setup, very little harshness from the coarse road surfaces we had for much of our road drive route made it inside, and the XFR-S's active damping system (which has thirteen different inputs and can make adjustments 100 times per second) manages to filter out minor imperfections.Take the XFR-S through a series of corners, and the strength of this model's steering are exposed. It's a hydraulic system, and yes, it could be firmer during most normal driving (it feels disconcertingly light for a performance car at first), but just off centre, at speed, it's weighted nicely. Body control is far more in check than you might expect given the lack of fluster in the ride.On the XFR-S's rotary shifter, you simply have a choice between Drive and Sport (with some great steering-wheel paddle-shifters). Then there's a Dynamic mode that sharpens the powertrain response and firms up damper rates. It also affects the stability control behaviour, and the active electronic differential, which helps get power to the rear wheels in the most effective way possible out of corners.The XFR-S might not be an easy car to drive near its limits, but it's an easy car to drive fast—very fast. It's a natural understeerer at its limits, but there's no doubt that with more laps we would have been able to learn the ins and outs of finessing the tail out just right. But even in Dynamic mode, with the stability control in its less intrusive setting, you make modest corrections that leave it feeling remarkably neutral once you set it up on the inside line of a bend.VERDICTThe XFR-S is wicked fast and full of attitude, yet its luxury and comfort are seemingly uncompromised. And many will see it as a more charismatic choice than the top-performance sedans from Germany.www.motorauthority.comJaguar XFR-SPrice: $222,545Engine: 5-litre V8 supercharged petrol, 405kW/680NmTransmission: 8-spd auto; RWDPerformance: 0-100km/h; 4.6 seconds, top speed; 300km/h (limited) 

They're still the epitome of British pace, space and grace. Although Jaguar is now owned by the Indian company, Tata Motors, the change of ownership hasn’t affected the very Britishness of its vehicles. Back in the 50s and 60s Jaguar used the slogan “Grace, Space and Pace” and while there may be question marks around the rear seat space in the XF there’s no argument about the other two.Jaguar XF 2.0 comes in two variants, Luxury and Premium Luxury. As well as the standard safety features (multiple airbags, enhanced ABS brakes package and electronic stability program) the XF Luxury comes with front and rear parking sensors, brake pad wear indicator, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers and semi-adjustable power front seats.For an extra $6510 the Premium Luxury adds 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch in the Luxury), reversing camera, folding side mirrors, full leather trim and fully-adjustable powered front seats. Both models come with an alloy space saver spare wheel.And then there’s the pricing. When the first models in the XF range arrived here in 2008 every one had a six-figure price tag. At $68,900 the new XF 2.0 is not only around one-third cheaper than that, it’s also about $10,000 below the corresponding entry-level models from Audi (A6), BMW (5-Series) and Mercedes-Benz (E-Class).Jaguar’s 2013 model year upgrade also included the option of a new 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine meaning that all five Jaguar XF engines now have some type of forced induction. Completing the ticking of boxes the price of the XF 2.0 Luxury, at $68,900, is just over $20,000 below that of the equivalent 3.0.Such have been the advances in engine technology in recent years that, despite having a capacity around one-third smaller, the new XF 2.0 produces both higher power (177 kW compared to 172 kW) and torque (340 Nm versus 284 Nm) outputs than the outgoing naturally-aspirated V6.At the same time fuel consumption drops from 10.5 litres per 100 km to 8.9 L/100 km, and emissions from 249 to 207 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre.Although it’s tuned differently, the engine is the same as that in the Ford Falcon EcoBoost that recently took out the Australia’s Best Car award for Large Cars Under $60,000. It’s also used in the Ford Mondeo, Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander. In the Jaguar, it gets the added advantage of being mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, now standard across the XF range.There’s certainly a gracefulness about the XF that sets it apart from its German competitors, both on the outside and inside. Its renowned designer, Ian Callum, has managed to combine a contemporary appearance without losing the traditional Jaguar looks demanded by potential buyers.So there’s a large radiator grille, circular headlights that are faired into the bonnet, swooping lines and a cat-like rear end. We just love the elegant simplicity of the XF’s interior that includes air vents and a mouse-like gear selector that retract when the engine is turned off.There’s plenty of space for front seat occupants, including a surprising amount of headroom. Things aren’t so good for those in the rear seats with minimal legroom when the front seats are at their limit. Headroom does decrease but wasn’t as restricted as we expected.We were able to drive both the Luxury and Premium Luxury versions of the Jaguar XF 2.0 from Sydney to the Central Coast on a mix of motorway, urban and rural conditions. Such was the smoothness and refinement from the new engine that it was easy to forget that it only had four cylinders. There is just a touch of turbo lag but no more than in its competitors.We love the firmer ride of the latest XF and the extra feel for the road that it provided once we hit the back roads, yet it’s had little or no affect on comfort and absorbed the occasional pothole without causing any wincing from the occupants. Even with the four-cylinder engine this very affordable Jaguar has all the hallmarks of an excellent long-distance cruiser.While the route chosen for the test was fairly benign there were enough hills and bends to show that the big Jag to be nicely balanced with responsive steering.The new Jaguar XF 2.0 ticks all the right boxes.

What is it about this breed of machine that holds such appeal? Jaguar - oft-maligned for poor reliability but endeared to many by its performance and charisma, the XF is the brand's entry-level model. It's Jaguar's best-selling model across the world, as the brand (and its Land Rover sibling) make sales hay while the sun shines, in China and India particularly. Not so in Australia, where the big cat took a 20 per cent cut in sales as the Green Oval went a similar percentage in the positive direction.As Jags go, it's a cut-price bargain - the XF Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel starts at $78,900, which also buys an eight-speed auto when the petrol cars only only get six speeds. The Jag - as you'd expect in the price bracket - has keyless entry and ignition, Bluetooth phone and sound system link, rain-sensing wipers, 17in alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, a USB-input for the touchscreen-controlled 10-speaker sound and DVD system, parking sensors both ends and a rear camera, automatic headlights, leather trim, dual-zone climate control, LED running lights and LED rear tail lights.The centre and exterior mirrors are auto-dimming and the exterior mirrors have puddle lights and power-folding function so they are less chance of being removed by a passing truck.The company says the little diesel XF is the most efficient Jag ever - it has 140kW and 450Nm (including 30Nm on overboost) on offer from the 2.2-litre double overhead cam 16-valve intercooled turbodiesel four-cylinder. Jaguar says the entry-level model returns 5.4l/100km (we averaged 9l/100km) and says it has driven more than 1300km on a tank. The engine has low-friction pistons and sits on active engine mounts to help reduce the vibration and improve cabin refinement, also aided by no shortage of noise insulation material, but you still know it's a diesel. Part of the frugal nature of the 2.2 comes from the fuel-saving stop-start system, which automatically shuts down the engine in just 300 milliseconds, which the company says can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by between five and seven percent.The XF 2.2 gets the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which claims complete gearshifts in 200 milliseconds - it's a smooth and quick unit but sometimes indecisive, perhaps being spoilt for a choice of ratios. The XF is an elegant machine, sharper than its predecessor - the front headlights in particular have a cleaner look to them. Following the new look introduced by the XJ, the XF aimed to look a little more lithe and sporting than the big limo - "We have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class," said Jag design director Ian Callum. The cabin is as you'd expect - there's leather galore and its a comfortable interior to dwell in - although perhaps not as roomy as you'd expect. The centre stack still has the rising gearshift knob and the rolling vents at start-up, and the touchscreen, clear instruments and a new digital speed readout. The boot is not overly deep but still offers 500 litres of cargo space with a space-saver spare tyre beneath the floor.The NCAP four-star XF packs six airbags into the cabin - dual front, front-side and full-length curtain units - and has anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, the corner brake control system and a clever front bonnet that pops up to reduce pedestrian injuries; front seat occupants also get active head restraints and seatbelt pre-tensioners.The emergency brake assist system offers the driver full braking force in a panic stop and also fires up the hazard lights to warn following drivers of an emergency stop - something not exclusive to Jaguar but a feature that should be on all cars.Long-nosed and elegant, the XF has a hint of arrogant menace about it at standstill. There haven't been too many ugly Jags - perhaps the S-Type is the exception - and the XF is a handsome machine. What flies in the face of the styling is the chuggy noise coming from the sculpted snout when you hit the ignition button that pulses red. It's not a tractor noise but it's not as smooth-sounding as the big V6 drinking the same fuel. It still lays claim to an 8.5 second sprint to 100km/h and it feels as though that's not optimistic - part-throttle pressure is all that's required to slip quickly through the eight-speed auto's ratios and leave the traffic behind. The driver is well accommodated by the updated seating and has no shortage of things at the finger tips. The sound system produces a quality noise and teams with media devices through USB or Bluetooth, but on several occasions the system was silenced by an unknown issue.Despite recognising the iPhone was integrated - for music and phone calls - and displaying as much on the screen, the XF refused to pass on the music or the person at the other end of the phone. Stop the car, switch it off, open door, lock it, wait, unlock it, re-start and - hey presto - noise a-plenty, but that didn't work the next time. Curious and as yet unanswered.It was a disappointing footnote to an otherwise decent driving experience - the ride is not too firm yet it points into bends with purpose (although the steering could still do with a little more feel), and once accustomed to the power delivery and the automatic is a quick and frugal point to point car. The high rump makes sensors front and rear, as well as a reversing camera, required features.The thirst is low and the outputs considerable, but there's something about the four-cylinder diesel noise that offsets the sporting elegance of the XF.Occupants are comfortable and well-catered for with equipment (when it doesn't go AWOL) and may not be bothered by the diesel engine noise, but anyone image-driven might prefer a quieter idle. That said, it's a $24,600 step up to the diesel V6 - what price a soundtrack?

Looking at the Jaguar XF's speedo showing 110kmh doesn't compute when you glance across at the tacho registering a scant 1300rpm. But that's what the new turbo diesel four pot Jaguar XF 2.2 does on the highway. It cruises just above engine idle speed.FRUGALSome cars would be humming away at 3000+rpm sucking fuel like there's no tomorrow. Not the XF 2.2 which is claimed to be capable of 5.4-litres/100km. We couldn't get that but saw a reliable 6.5-litres/100km with mixed driving.Doesn't matter how you cut it, this sort of fuel economy from a 1700kg medium large luxury sedan car is damn impressive. Needless to say, the XF 2.2 is the most economical Jag ever made.PERFORMANCEAnd it goes pretty well too thanks to the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine made by PSA in Europe. PSA is an offshoot of Peugeot and supplies engines to BMW and Mini.This engine is also in the Land Rover Freelander and new Range Rover Evoque. It's a good-un capable of delivering a handy 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.Not as good as the Benz 2.1 turbo diesel rated at 150kW/500Nm but enough not to notice. There's an eight-speed auto driving the rear wheels with seamless precision and paddle shift if you want a sporty drive.VALUEThe entry level XF Luxury hits the showroom at $78,900 plus on roads but start ticking the boxes for options and up it goes - rapidly. We drove the Premium Luxury model at $86,100 with more kit but you can still crank it up. Happy with the Luxury?It gets you leather, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, automatic dual climate control, air filtration, auto bixenon headlights, LEDs front and rear, a seven inch colour info ' touch screen and multi' steering wheel controls.Other goodies include an electric park brake, pop up dash vents, pop up gear selector knob and rain sensing wipers. The XF was revised recently inside and out but still looks like.....an XF with XJ headlights.THE DRIVEThe 2.2 is great to drive and you wouldn't know it was a four cylinder diesel except under hard acceleration because of low noise and vibration. It hauls the big sedan around with aplomb. Ride quality is supple and controlled and overall drive feel is positive.DOWN SIDEBut it only gets a four star crash rating, has a space saver spare and there is some lag off idle when you punch the accelerator - waiting, waiting, whoosh. The test vehicle developed an annoying frequency vibration in the front door area which would drive an owner nuts. We didn't `get' the engine stop/start system that seemed to have its own agenda. The boot opening is narrow.VERDICTIt's up against some classy opposition in the BMW 520d, Benz E220CDi and Audi A6 2.0 front wheel drive -  all around the same money. Hard call.....JAGUAR XF 2.2L TURBO DIESELPrices: $78,900 (Luxury 2.2 turbodiesel), $86,100 (Premium Luxury 2.2 diesel), $84,990 (driveaway Luxury 2.2 white or black)Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kmService: 26,000km (diesel), 24,000km (petrol)Safety: 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlEngine: 2.2L litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 140kW/450NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 5.4 l/100kmCO2: 149g/kmDimensions: 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)

GRAND touring in luxury has just become more affordable. Jaguar this month releases its updated XF saloon range with its first four-cylinder model; an entry level diesel which is the cheapest XF yet, will cost just $1200 in luxury car tax, has huge service intervals and is Jaguar's most frugal car ever.Jaguar Australia brand manager Kevin Goult says they tried hard to come in under the $75,000 luxury car tax threshold for vehicles with fuel economy under 7L/100km."But we also wanted to put a lot of kit in it, so in the end you only pay about $1200 in luxury tax," he says.The 2.2-litre diesel model is set to be the big seller in the range comprised of two V6 diesels, a V6 petrol and two V8 petrol models, one of which is supercharged. Goult says he believes the new diesel will attract more women to the brand which already has a respectable 40 per cent female customers."Although, women represent about 60 per cent when it comes to the decision-making," he says. "This car allows us to appeal to a much wider demographic."However, he's not concerned about Jaguar losing some of its exclusivity by being more affordable."We will just have a bigger membership of an exclusive club," he says.VALUEPrices start at $78,900 (plus on-road costs) for the 2.2-litre diesel Luxury model, making it the cheapest XF yet. The Premium Luxury ($86,100) model adds full leather upholstery not just an alcantara insert, door mood lighting, different style wheels, dark rosewood veneer trim and satnav with 30GB hard drive. However, the base model is being made available with satnav ($2495) at the nationwide driveaway price of $84,990 at launch.These prices undercut the trio of German competitors (5 Series, E Class and A6). It even offers a viable alternative for people wanting to step up from a BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C Class and Audi A4. However, the big value proposition is in the extra kit these cars come with as standard that are extras in the others such as Bluetooth with audio streaming, HID lights, 30GB hard drive audio system and satnav.Cost of ownership is also very attractive with service intervals every 26,00km for the diesels, and 24,000km for petrol models.Prices for the other XF models have changed relevant to a shift in specification levels. For example the 3.0L V6 diesel Luxury has been down-specced to the same level as the 2.2L diesel Luxury with a $4000 price drop, while other models have increased specification and price rises starting from $700.DESIGNNike may want its swoosh back. Jaguar has stolen it for its signature daytime LED running light display around the headlights. They call it a J Blade design and it is the most significant and obvious exterior styling change.The new headlight shape requires a different line for the bonnet which also has a more aerodynamic design for less wind noise and more effective windscreen wiper operation. Out back there are LED taillights and on the side is a larger triangular vent.There has been more tweaking inside, including the loss of the touch-sensitive glovebox button they made so much of when the XF was released. It's now a conventional button. Jaguar Australia product manager Andrew Chapman says the conventional button is "easier to find in the dark".Other interior tweaks are more comfortable seats, a colour info touch screen with more buttons underneath for easier navigation and full-colour instruments. It didn't actually need any more design tweaks inside or out as it was already a far more exciting offering than any of its bland German competitors. Now it's just that little bit bolder and classier at the same time.TECHNOLOGYApart from the new entry-level diesel, the biggest technological update is the eight-speed auto in the diesel models. It's made by ZF, but electronically programmed by Jaguar for optimum performance and integration with the automatic stop-start function which helps the little 2.2-litre turbo diesel achieve fuel economy of 5.4 litres per kilometre. That's Jaguar's most frugal car yet.The gearbox has a clever system that drops out of drive when the car is stationary plus a Tandem Solenoid Starter for intelligent" stop/start that allows quicker re-starts in stop-start traffic and can refire the engine before the stop cycle is complete if needed.Another clever transmission function is Jaguar Easy Off which engages park and turns off the engine when the car has stopped and the driver releases the seatbelt. You still have to manually activate the electronic park brake.The 2.2-litre diesel is the third-generation version of the powerplant used before in the Freelander, but turned from east-west to north-south in the engine bay. It's a quiet and smooth engine that rivals not just the BMW 520d, but the 530d for manners, if not outright output. It produces just 140kW of power, but a very healthy 450Nm of torque and idles along at just 1800 revs at highway speeds. There are no changes to the other engines.Technology in the cabin has been improved with the easier-to read colour touch info screen, audio streaming added to the Bluetooth function and 30Gb hard-drive Bowers & Wilkins audio system that has been beefed up from 440 watts to 1200 watts.SAFETYThe new XF has the same four-star safety rating as its predecessor. There are no plans to have it re-tested as the basic chassis and body is unchanged. Safety features include ABS, traction control, stability control, electronic brake force distribution and six airbags including full-length curtain airbags.DRIVINGJaguar is making no bones about the impact of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel. In fact, the national launch in northern NSW this week was all about the new diesel with no other models available for test. In a spirited 300+km gallop through the bumpy and winding roads of the border ranges, the little diesel never wanted for power, yet returned acceptable economy figures of 7L/100km.At idle, the engine purrs with only a slight diesel rattle and with the doors shut, it's almost imperceptible. Give it some revs and unless you look at the low revs on the tacho, you wouldn't know it was a diesel. It leaps off the line like a "leaper" should with those impressive 450Nm of twisting torque, yet is also wants to rev without a raucous noise or grainy vibration.The new eight-speed auto box is a delight with smart, seamless changes that never leave the engine stranded. Sport mode on the transmission further sharpens the deal with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts keeping the show on the move.The lightweight diesel engine doesn't affect steering or handling and the compliant suspension takes the ugliest potholes in its stride without steering kickback or a sidestep.That aerodynamic bonnet must be doing the trick, because there is almost no wind noise. However, that serves to highlight the tyre noise, the wheelarch noise from loose stones and a slight buzz in the dashboard of our test car.The 2.2L diesels come with 17-inch wheels but all the test cars had 18-inch wheels with Pirelli 40 per cent profile tyres. Still, ride was quite compliant, so the 17s would probably be even plusher. The stop/start function is one of the smoothest and quickest I've experienced, but if you don't like it, you can switch it off. It defaults to "on" each time you get in the car.VERDICTXF is a big deal for us, says Goult. And the 2.2 diesel is the best deal in the pack with the ability to attract a whole new audience with its lusty and frugal engine, value package and classy styling.JAGUAR XF 2.2L DIESELPrices: $78,900 (Luxury 2.2 diesel), $86,100 (Premium Luxury 2.2 diesel), $84,990 (driveaway Luxury 2.2 white or black)Warranty: 3 year/100,000 kmService: 26,000km (diesel), 24,000km (petrol)Safety: 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlEngine: 5.4L litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 140kW/450NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic, RWDThirst: 5.4 l/100kmCO2: 149g/kmDimensions: 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)Other XF prices3.0 V6 petrol Luxury $89,900, Premium Luxury $97,100V6 diesel Luxury $103,500, Premium Luxury $112,500XF-S diesel V6S $125,100, Portfolio $142,100V8 petrol Luxury $129,600, Portfolio $146,600XF-R V8 supercharged petrol $210,900

The updated Jaguar XF is sharper and bolder than before and very comfortable for steaming down a wet German autobahn or climbing alpine ways.But while the style team has lifted the British car's appeal inside and out with a number of design tweaks, while there remain sporting V8s and diesels, it's the little diesel engine joining the ranks that adds extra substance at a keen price.Arriving in Australia around October, the quiet achiever of the refreshed range could well be this 2.2 litre, four cylinder engine claimed to deliver 5.4 litres per kilometre. The engine is the third generation of this powerplant, used before in the likes of the Freelander and here turned north-south and mated to an eight-speed auto.Along with the parsimonious fuel consumption comes a very competitive price tag - $78,900 for a premium sedan designed to fire a shot under the bows of the German diesel executive offerings from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.Fitting that the Jaguar launches the refurbished range in Germany where driving remains a privilege, not a right, and the new cat can show off its full potential.Indian-owned Jaguar is chasing new markets and new segments with rumours of a smaller Jag, perhaps an SUV and a wagon (or estate) to join the stable at some point. Between Jaguar and sister Land Rover there are plans for 40 new cars in five years.For now it's about the reworked XF, a car that's helped bring life and customers to the brand since its original launch four years ago. The current petrol V8 and V6 diesel versions have been given a polish, some of this thanks to the trickle down of technology from the larger XJ Jaguars, some of it thanks to style and interior upgrades.But today it's all about the new little 140kW jigger, strategically critical for Jaguar and XF.VALUEFrom the showroom floor this 2.2 Luxury looks like a handsome buy. The 'entry level' Jaguar lacks for little and, in fact, outdoes the competition in the style and substance stakes while undercutting current prices of the German rivals.There is a host of technology, the 8-speed auto and thrifty diesel engine. These are wrapped in a stylish sedan with a plush interior that shows up the blandness of some of the competition's cabins.DESIGNThe XF was always a handsome car; the 2011 version adds extra sparkle and boldness with more aggressive front end from the windscreen forward. New headlights, a J curve of LED running lights, more pronounced bonnet lines give the Jaguar more snarl. (This is most marked in the XFR versions with huge air intakes below the front bumper.TECHNOLOGYA deal of work's been done to ensure this engine is worthy of a Jaguar, most importantly on noise and vibration levels with new materials and construction for externals such as sump and timing cover. There's reduced piston friction and water-cooled turbocharger to ensure this motor matches the V6 diesels.And there's the clever eight-speed ZF gearbox which drops out of drive when the car is stationary plus a Tandem Solenoid Starter for 'intelligent' stop-start. It's claimed to allow quicker re-starts in stop-start traffic and can refire the engine before the stop cycle is complete if needed. Among wow bits is Jaguar's Easy Off - when a driver undoes the seatbelt, takes the foot off the brake, the Jaguar engages Park and shuts down the engine.SAFETYThe current XF has a four-star safety rating and there's no reason the 2012 models won't match that. There are six airbags, ABS, traction control, stability control and electronic brake force distribution.DRIVINGIt's a wet, sometimes crowded day on the autobahn so we don't see Jaguar's claimed 225km/h though 180km/h is pretty effortless with two on board. Moving on to those flowing German country roads shows the XF as a quick and comfortable sedan.What's impressive, aside from the general willingness of this little motor, is the Jaguar's composure at decent speeds. It is not a sports sedan but it is a very competent sporting sedan with balanced dynamics; it turns in neatly and the rear sits squat as the car is powered out.The diesel, helped by the smooth auto, is rarely caught out. At 100km/h in eighth it's ticking over at 1200rpm. Yet there's little hesitation when asked to accelerate from cruising speeds; the motor delivers with surprising refinement from low down in the rev range, if not as smartly as the 3 litre V6 diesel nor as explosive as the XFR V8s.Sport mode on the transmission further sharpens the deal with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts keeping the show on the move. Whether crawling through towns, belting down highways or attacking hillside climbs this XF's ride comfort, and cabin comforts, are much appreciated. From previous experience with the outgoing XF the 2011 Jaguar's ride and dynamics should not be compromised on Australia's rougher road surfaces.VERDICTThe 2.2 XF diesel is a surprise package, refined, economical and keenly priced. Jaguar is a bullish company in 2011, looking to make inroads into rival territory with product such as this.JAGUAR XF 2.2 LUXURYPRICE $78,900WARRANTY 3 year/unlimited kmSAFETY 4-star NCAP, 6 airbags, ABS, traction control, stability controlENGINE 2 .2 litre, 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 140kW/450NmTRANSMISSION Eight-speed automaticTHIRST 5.4 l/100km, CO2 149g/kmBODY Four-door sedanDIMENSIONS 4961mm (L);1877mm (W);1460mm (H);2909mm(WB)