Jaguar XF 2.2 2011 Review

Jaguar XF 2.2 Luxury and Premium Luxury

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): Luxury $78,900; Premium Luxury $86,100
Options fitted (not included in above price): not applicable
Crash rating: 4-star (Euro NCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 5.4L/100km
CO2 emissions (g/km): 149
Also consider: Mercedes-Benz CLS

Jaguar and its customers have always enjoyed a level of exclusivity not shared by luxury rivals like the segment-leading German trio. That's a good and bad thing: While the big cat-badged cars are a relatively rare sight, the company still needs to find buyers to support its hunger for performance and innovation... And need for survival.

Company spokesmen say now, under Tata ownership, is a good time to be with Jaguar. Renewed interest and best ever lineup -- new XJ, 2012 updates for the XK, release of XK-RS and two "production concept" reveals -- prove Jaguar is seriously on the prowl for customers. That includes going after buyers looking for cheaper choices among the luxury offerings, and Jag's competitors who already offer the same; accounting for around 46 of cent of the market according to the brand.

Currently the cheapest Jaguar available, the new XF 2.2 slightly undercuts competitors on price. Two specification levels are offered to local buyers: Luxury and Premium Luxury. A nation-wide $85,000 drive away deal is available for the Luxury model.

We detailed the XJ 2.2's equipment in our international launch review but in short, standard features for Australian-delivery models include electric parking brake, cruise control with auto speed limiter, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and Bluetooth streaming. Bi-xenon headlights (complete with the MY12 update 'J-Blade' LED headlights) come standard with washer function.

The Premium Luxury spec includes keyless entry and sat-nav -- otherwise $950 and $2495 options respectively for the Luxury model.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel is used elsewhere in the JLR business (for Freelander and upcoming Evoque) but it's been "Jaguarised" for the XF. The unit is placed longitudinally compared to the Freelander's transverse layout and boasts reduced piston friction and higher operating temperature for the watercooled turbocharger, bringing efficiencies in consumption. Officially the car returns 5.4L/100km in combined testing.

There's a decent load of power onboard, at 140kW, and its 450Nm of torque is available from 2000 revs. That means a slight pause from standstill but from then on the smallish unit's energy is well meted. For those who haven't worked out this isn't one of Jag's performance models and must know: 0-100km time is 8.5sec.

MY12 XF updates introduce the new ZF eight-speed auto transmission in the 3.0-litre V6 and 2.2-litre models. The gearbox operates smoothly and is ready to drop one or two of its many cogs when required, such as approach to hills and under braking. We didn't detect unwarranted 'hunting' between higher gears at slower speeds but there wasn't much city-type driving required during the launch.

The stop/start system is unobtrusive... One of the best we've experienced for its smooth, quick restart. The drive route didn't offer good opportunity to exploit its potential benefits but after 300-odd kilometres through the NSW/Queensland border hinterland region we averaged around 8L/100km. Anticipate better figures after our seven-day test.

Both models come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels but all launch cars were fitted with optional 18-inch versions. It would've been nice to have been able to compare the ride but the bigger package was comfortable, even over some of the worst roads we've endured for a long time on a luxury car launch.

Fortunately the XF's steering is quick to respond and has a trustworthy feel. It's comparatively 'heavy' compared to, say, Audi's over assisted wheel and preferable for its feedback and reaction to input... Indeed, this was a highlight during our drive time in this 'cheapest' Jag.

We're also pleased the entry XF resembles its bigger siblings in ambience. It doesn't look like a cheaper version -- the most telling evidence it's not the V6 is the inline unit's single exhaust pipe. Occupants are treated to the same quality cabin fit and finish even if they do opt for the four.

In its uniquely Anglo timbre Jaguar says ownership exclusivity won't be diluted with the frugal XF 2.2 offering; rather "that membership to this exclusive club has been opened to allow more members."

Sign me up...

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