I still have a good six months to go with my long-term Jaguar XFR, but already the mileage stands at near 16 000 km! For obvious reasons, it has become quite a desirable long-distance vehicle. In my previous post I mentioned that I had achieved a consumption figure of under 12,0 L/100 km on one long-distance trip. My colleagues refused to believe this, but since then Technical Editor Nicol Louw has achieved a similar figure on a trip into the Freestate, even Tweeting the trip computer display as proof. Overall, the consumption appears to be improving, but around town it is near impossible to dip below 15,0 L/100 km.
However, for many potential owners this will not matter. The engine is a beauty, delivering an addictive soundtrack and stonking acceleration. Clearing slow-moving trucks on long-distance trips is therefore stress-free. Subjectively, my XFR also feels stronger than the unit we tested against the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG for the April issue. Deputy Editor Mike Fourie has commented that it feels as if my XFR has “had its oatmeal”.
One consequence of all of that power is that the XFR is quite easily tempted into breaking traction at the rear, even with the traction control on. The throttle is also quite sensitive so care has to be taken, especially in the wet and when the tyres (Dunlop SP Sport Maxx) are cold. In fact, the situation is much more predictable when the tyres have warmed up.
Jaguar has been performing very well in recent quality surveys, and thus far I’ve had nothing to complain about. There are no rattles and no sign of wear. We recently travelled up the West Coast for the flower season with a full boot and five adults in the cabin and the quiet interior and relaxed ride quality (for such a sporty car) were much appreciated. Oh, and of course that Bowers&Wilkins sound system is simply superb. Perhaps climate controls for the rear passengers would improve rear cabin comfort even further, along with side window blinds.
For me, the Jaguar XF remains the most attractive medium executive saloon on the market, even though it is not the newest by a long shot. An all-new model must already be on the drawing board. At the recent launch of the new F-Type roadster in Paris, I spent some time with Jaguar Design Studio Director, Wayne Burgess, and the topic of a replacement came up. I suggested it must be a very difficult job to improve on the looks of the current model. A heavy sigh followed, indicating his agreement. I’m glad I’m not in his shoes!
SO FAR
Mileage on arrival: 1 364 km
Mileage now: 15 886 km
Fuel consumption: 15,1 litres/100 km
We like: Looks, sound, comfort, ride/handling balance, character, quality
We don’t like: narrow boot aperture, fuel thirst, lacks a more comprehensive trip computer