Jaguar XF Saloon (08 on) - Review

The four engines on offer are similar to those used in the S-Type, but the supercharged engine in the SV8 is more powerful than in the XF's predecessor, developing 420bhp. This means it will sprint from 0-62mph in just 5.1 seconds while the standard version of the same engine is no slouch and will cover the same distance in 6.2 seconds. As you'd expect, neither version is particularly economical with fuel economy figures of 22mpg and 25mpg respectively - but the engine itself is superb, offering surging acceleration accompanied by a wonderful engine note. A 3.0-litre V6 is also available and with 238bhp on tap it accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. However with an average of 27mpg there seems little point in choosing it over the excellent diesel. That engine is a 2.7-litre V6 which has a modest 207bhp - however it boasts more pulling power than the 4.2 V8 which gives it a 0-62mph time of just 7.7 seconds. All versions of the XF come with a six-speed automatic gearbox plus steering column-mounted manual shift paddles. The gearbox offers smooth and rapid changes, particularly on downshifts, where it 'blips' the throttle before changing gear. In 2011 a 160bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine was added to the line-up. On the benchmark sprint it can get from zero to 62mph in 9.8 seconds and it goes on to a top speed of 130mph.

The XF's low, wide stance gives it good body control without having to make the suspension stiff and as a result the Jaguar is a saloon that is genuinely enjoyable to drive without making occupants suffer a harsh ride. Although the initially light steering leaves you unconvinced that the car will feel truly sporty, this is only temporary. On the move the steering is heavier, but light and precise enough to make small changes of direction - encouraging a nice flowing motion when driving on twisty roads. There are three levels of stability control, the first brings the car back into line after a hint of untidiness, the second level allows a degree of indulgence by the driver before pulling the car back into line while the third completely disables the system. Revised cars from March 2009 come with a system called Jaguar Drive Control which has three different modes, activated by switches next to the gear selector. There's a standard mode, winter mode for low grip conditions and dynamic mode. The latter increases throttle response and quickens the gear changes.