Jaguar XF 20d R-Sport 2016 Review

Jaguar XF 20d R-Sport
Road Test

Appropriately nipped and tucked, the latest Jaguar XF mid-sizer does an admirable job of driving like its one size smaller than its predecessor, while losing nothing in terms of packaging. Tested in 132kW/430Nm Ingenium diesel-powered XF 20d R-Sport form – the highest spec available with this engine – the eight-speed automatic, rear-drive XF is a strong all-rounder, though with options taking this example close to six figures the value equation is harder to solve.

This Jaguar XF 20d R-Sport, finished in Italian Racing Red with black highlights and fat 19-inch wheels, gives off a suitably taut first impression.

Looks, however, can be deceiving.

Sure, the XF 20d R-Sport is a capable steer, and its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel ‘Ingenium’ four-pot is eager enough, but its 132kW puts it at the bottom of XF power ladder.

Priced from $88,800 (plus on-road costs), that power output doesn’t especially excite. Then again it’s most natural rivals, the rear-drive BMW 520d and Mercedes-Benz E 220 CDI entry-spec diesels, produce 140kW and 125kW respectively, so the plucky Brit is in the ballpark.

This particular XF 20d R-Sport is heavily optioned, from the a sliding panoramic roof ($3200) through to the Advanced Parking Assist Pack (which adds 360-degree Park Distance Control as well as Parallel and Perpendicular Parking System for $1710), Reverse Traffic Detection with Blind-Spot Monitoring ($1420), 19-inch alloys in gloss black with 245/40-series tyres ($1300), Taurus Sports leather-faced seats ($1100), Lane Keeping Aid and Driver Drowsiness detection ($1060) and the Black Pack, which adds gloss black finish to the boot plinth and grill surround for a not-insubstantial $1310.

This all equates to this particular R-Sport being $100 away from six figures, at $99,900 (plus on-road costs).

Moving beyond the expensive, expansive option list (which isn’t a trait unique to Jaguar in this segment), the XF R-Sport’s confident styling is backed-up by a strong list of standard inclusions.

Backing the Ingenium’s 132kW/430Nm engine and combined cycle 4.3L/100km fuel figure is an eight-speed automatic transmission that includes shift paddles and Jaguar’s all-surface progress control system. Its stability control suite also offers traction control and torque vectoring. Emergency brake assist and autonomous emergency braking are also included.

Safety is further outlined with driver and front passenger airbags as well as front side and full-length side window curtain airbags included.

An R-Sport-specific body kit includes a specific front bumper, side sills and boot-mounted rear spoiler with R-Sport branded metal tread plates and multi-function steering wheel, while bi-function xenons light the way with LED DRLs.

Keyless start, Jaguar’s drive control (which incorporates eco, dynamic, normal and winter drive modes), an electric park brake with auto-release functionality, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth streaming capability and sat-nav are among the interior features, though you get the impression that Jaguar’s next-generation multimedia solution, InControl Touch Pro, would update the space with its larger 10.2-inch touchscreen and modern technologies (including the 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster) when it arrives as a cost option by mid-year.

Beyond the modernised, yet still Jaguar, exterior, there’s some impressive packaging. The boot access is wide, and flat, while allowing for 540 litres of luggage; 20 up on the BMW 5 Series. As per colleague Ken Gratton’s recent XF review this example showed a section beneath the parcel shelf that appeared unfinished, with exposed bolts to boot.

The above is particularly odd, because from the moment you enter the cabin the XF feels otherwise well-presented and put together.

There’s a leather-trimmed dash-top, and the electrically-adjustable seats smell like leather should. Subtler touches, such as the way the outboard rear seats are slightly contoured to better accommodate passengers, or the carpeting to door storage areas, add to the impression of quality.

Rear occupants gain additional ventilation and there’s excellent leg-room (up by 15mm, with knee space increased 24mm), though head room could best be described as adequate with the sunroof equipped, despite a claim of ‘up to 27mm’ more available.

The new Ingenium engine is perhaps a little harsher – in idle, when restarting from idle-stop activation and under load – than you may expect, but it does produce strong torque throughout the rev range. Coupled with a slick eight-speed automatic transmission that offers manual shifting via wheel-mounted paddles, the XF 20d R-Sport provides satisfactory day-to-day performance without being spectacular. It’s also tough to match the economy claim in the real world, with figures in the sixes more realistic during our time with the car.

Where XF truly challenges the segment – and lives up to the Sport nomenclature – is in its ride and handling combination.

Like the new XE, this XF has incisive steering accuracy and response, the kind of helm you miss in the F-TYPE sports car.

That steering points a chassis that offers ride with more suppleness than the sports-biased German options, such as the 5 Series with M Sport Package. That the XF is also keen to change direction with quick response and little in the way of roll becomes even more impressive… and it actually feels smaller than it is when threading through, which is no mean feat; and a tribute to the extensive weight savings the engineers rendered in the new XF’s construction (up to 190kg saving, depending on spec).

Jaguar also backs up the XF with a three-year / unlimited kilometre warranty that can be extended for a fee. Complimentary roadside assist is offered for the warranty period.

A scheduled servicing plan is also available, allowing for an upfront payment of servicing costs at a fixed rate. This will cover up to five years or 100,000km. In the XF 2.0 turbo diesel, the cost is $1100 to cover the first three services with intervals set at an outstanding 36,000km.

A polished all-rounder, the latest XF continues Jaguar’s impressive new model offensive, though we’d wait for the updated infotainment option to become available before committing nearly six figures to the XF 20d R-Sport.

2016 Jaguar XF 20d R-Sport pricing and specifications:
Price: $88,800 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 132kW/430Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 4.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 114g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star (EuroNCAP)

Also consider:
Audi A6 (from $79,900 plus ORCs)
BMW 5 Series (from $82,300 plus ORCs)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (from $80,400 plus ORCs)

25t R-Sport pictured for illustrative purposes only