2009 Jaguar XF

By Benjamin Cyr

A 180 degree turn

The smell of leather, the interior’s opulence, the particular feeling which accompanies driving a vehicle enjoyed by the British monarchy, these sensations define Jaguar. Starting this year, however, forget all that; the S-Type’s replacement goes by the qualifier XF and represents a genuine renewal for this legendary manufacturer.

Tradition gives way to the times

I agree that certain aesthetic touches hearken back to previous models but the XF highlights a new and current body. The grill confers uniqueness to this Brit. The finish is both subtle and refined from the grill’s meshing to the grill’s chiselling, by way of side vents and huge rims.

At the moment you slide into the cab, the fact that Jaguar started with a clean slate becomes evident. There seems to be no link to the predecessors, whether it’s the S-Type or the great XJ. The finished product shines even without the opulence. The paneling and various clichés have been replaced by a stunning modernism; the automatic air conditioning boasts softly pivoting air vents which disappear when not in use. Inspired by contemporary design, the interior bathes in a blue halo at night. This restful shade also lights up the dials and the multi-color aluminum running board; let’s not forget the active rotating switch that rises during start-up so you one can choose the appropriate gear. Really, this is light years away from the former S-Type.

Road-test liked:

• the competitive price range;
• the driving pleasure;
• the suspension’s middle ground between comfort and road adhesion;
• the beautiful motor music;
• the state of the art and tasteful interior;
• the body’s originality when compared to the competition;
• the great sounding, 440 watts, 14 speaker audio system.
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Road-test disliked:

• the atmospheric V8’s lack of serious torque in low;
• the slow reacting six-speed during downshifting;
• certain controls which sometimes refuse to engage , leaving me doubting long term reliability.