XF Series II

JAGUAR gave its XF executive sedan a comprehensive mid-life facelift, which not only made it far closer resemble the C-XF concept that spawned it, but added a frugal new four-cylinder diesel engine option.

Powered by a 140kW/450Nm 2.2-litre turbodiesel, the first four-cylinder XF became Jaguar’s most efficient model ever – as well as being the cheapest large Jaguar in memory.

Despite that, this sub-$80,000 large luxury sedan – a direct competitor to volume-selling German diesels like BMW’s 520d and E220 CDI sedan – offered more performance than its key rivals, without skimping on the quality, luxury and refinement expected at this level.

A ZF eight-speed automatic transmission linked the new engine to the rear wheels, accompanied by Jaguar’s first automatic idle-stop system, helping it return combined fuel consumption of just 5.4L/100km and CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The facelift also saw 3.0 V6 diesel models receive the eight-speed transmission but not idle-stop.

The XF's slimline new headlights featured high-tech Xenon technology and were punctuated by signature ‘J-Blade’ LED daytime running lights.

They were accompanied by a more aggressive front bumper with more upright chromed mesh grille, a new bonnet, triangular side vents, LED tail-lights and a chromed rear valance that did away with ‘JAGUAR’ lettering, leaving only a bootlid Leaper badge to reveal the car’s maker.

A host of interior quality and equipment upgrades included a hard-drive sat-nav and audio storage system, softer-touch XJ-style switchgear and colour TFT touch-screen and instrument panels with a digital speedometer function.

Other additions were Bluetooth audio streaming and an optional new 1200-Watt 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system.

Base Luxury models came standard with 17-inch wheels, Xenon headlights and leather/Alcantara seats, while Premium Luxury models added full leather trim, satellite-navigation, blue interior mood lighting, different 17-inch alloy wheels and rosewood veneer inserts.

S-badged XF diesels were fitted as standard with the same aerodynamic sports bodykit and variable damping system as seen on the top-shelf XFR.