You don’t need to have an eye for design to clearly notice the stylish looks of Jaguar’s XF saloon. Now they have created an estate variant, which accentuates its looks further, with the introduction of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake.
It’s available in Ireland now, with prices commencing from €48,220 for the 2.2-litre diesel SE variant with 163hp and 400Nm of torque. There’s also a 200hp variant of this economical diesel engine. Both of these power plants offer sufficient power for the vast majority of motorists, although there is also a 3.0-litre diesel variant that’s available with two power outputs, a 240hp and a 275hp model, with the latter boasting an impressive 600Nm of torque.
The XF Sportbrake is available across four trim specifications, SE, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Portfolio. All models come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. The entry-level SE variant comes with a high level of equipment, this includes HID Bi-Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, keyless start, rear parking aid, 7” colour touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, 17” alloys, cruise control, climate control, leather upholstered seats with suede insert, electrically adjustable front seats and a satin American walnut veneer. Our test car was finished in the Luxury trim which gains full leather upholstery with electrically adjustable front seats, satellite navigation, DVD disk drive, satin rosewood veneer and 17” alloy wheels.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine (163hp) we tested is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth, precise gear changes. It comes complete with steering wheel mounted paddles if you wish to change gear manually. For the majority of our driving we left the transmission in full automatic mode for a more relaxing drive. The chassis is competent beneath although not quite as sharp and responsive as a BMW 5 Series Touring. The XF Sportbrake has a more refined ride then its main competitors including the aforementioned BMW and Audi A6 Avant. This is primarily due to the standard fitment of self-levelling air suspension at the rear. This air suspension will keep the car level even with a full load in the boot. If you need to carry large items the rear seats fold quickly and effortlessly to reveal a cavernous 1,675 litres of load space.
The XF Sportbrake exudes class-appeal, there’s a sense of occasion every time you start the car. When the ignition is turned on the round chromed-gear selector rises automatically out of the centre console and the air vents open simultaneously. The opposite happens when you turn off the car. Another clever touch is the way the windscreen washers are integrated into the wiper blades, leaving the bonnet clear of any unsightly washers.
It’s this heightened sense of luxury that sets the XF Sportbrake apart from the competition. Motorists who want to be individual and drive in style will certainly be attracted to the XF, they won’t be disappointed either. The XF is already a very accomplished car, now with the Sportbrake variant it’s versatile too.
Photos Courtesy of Carl Czanik Photography
[table “132” not found /]
