What is it?
In a sense the XFR has it all to lose – this is, after all, one of the few cars to have been awarded a five-star rating in an Autocar road test.
Wise to this, Jaguar has sensibly resisted the temptation to alter the dynamic set-up. Mechanically, this is the same car we tested in 2009. What has changed is its appearance. Like the rest of the XF range, there are new, slimmer, XJ-style headlamps along with a reshaped bonnet and bumper. Together, this gives the XF a more assertive face.
What's it like
However, the biggest news is in the cabin, because Jaguar has addressed several aspects of the XF’s interior that we weren’t so sure about.
Rubber-esque soft-touch plastic replaces the faux aluminium switchgear. That might sound like a retrograde step but, personally, I think it is superior in appearance, to the touch and in the actual movement of the buttons. These are small things, but thin-feeling switchgear can so easily destroy the sense of premium.
Jaguar has also upgraded the combined navigation, ventilation and entertainment touchscreen – with simplified control logic, enhanced resolution and new icons.
Although it is still not quite class leading, it is at least now not embarrassed by a Skoda Superb. Interestingly, though, this system surpasses that fitted to the XJ, meaning that Jag’s cheapest car now has its best sat-nav.
Elsewhere, the XFR is as impressive as it ever was – effortlessly rapid, with a spectacularly broad range of abilities.
Should I buy one?
Far from losing anything, the enhancements keep the XFR at the top of the class, especially given that, at £65,350, it undercuts rivals from Mercedes and Porsche. The risk on the horizon is the new BMW M5 but, as the XKR-S illustrates, Jaguar probably has something in reserve.
Jamie Corstorphine
Jaguar XFR
Price: £65,350; Top speed: 155mph (limited); 0-62mph: 4.9sec; Economy: 22.5mpg; CO2: 292g/km; Kerb weight: 1891kg; Engine: V8, 5000cc, supercharged; Power: 503bhp at 6500rpm; Torque: 461lb ft at 5500rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd automatic
Join the debate
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
Like the rest of the XF range, there are new, slimmer, XJ-style headlamps along
with a reshaped bonnet and bumper. Together, this gives the XF a more assertive
face.
I agree as the area around the front of the first series was a bit bland and lacked any real presence. It was the only area of the car's body design that I feel needed work from day one.
It is going to get interesting as we have the new M5 on it's way and of course we may well see a new RS6 around early 2012?
This Jaguar is a very fine car but not my cup of tea. I'm more of an RS6 type of person.
Jaguar has made huge gains in sales and profit recently and I feel the updated XF and XFR will help continue Jaguars recent good form.
But where is the 'Jaguar Cub' with Cygnet levels of luxury?
I feel if Jaguar made such a small car it would under cut the price of the Cygnet by about £15.000.
I am convinced there is a market for a £20.000 Jaguar luxury economical super mini.
I should sell the 'Cub idea' to Tata, The new Jaguar Cub......the purr-fect city car!
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
I dont know if its just me, but when I look at the front end I now see SEAT.
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
I dont know if its just me, but when I look at the front end I now see SEAT.
Do you mean like this?
I know where you are coming from but to my eyes the Jaguar is a far classier, less Germanic look. It's all about the detailing and I'm sure in the flesh they will be miles apart.
It's all about the twisties........
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
This Jaguar is a very fine car but not my cup of tea. I'm more of an RS6 type of person.
.. RS^ a nice car but I would recommend a test drive of this one.. I much preferred the ride....
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
I don't know what they have in mind, but overhaul their bodging looks more and more appealing!
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
Is that a Bodykit I see..?!?
Seriously, the side-skirts are too much for me. Doesn't become the XK's elegant lines.
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
Like the rest of the XF range, there are new, slimmer, XJ-style headlamps along with a reshaped bonnet and bumper.
Always liked this car over and above the equivalent Audi/BMW/Merc and these changes to the looks seem to have made it even better. Well done Jaguar. I'm delighted to see that they did not graft on the ugly bonnet/grille arrangement with the gaping shut-line across the top of the grille area.
Powered by a petrol/electric hybrid !
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
The Seat is just an A4 with a different nose. Audis are well made dull cars.
The Jaguar on the other hand is something much more classy. Glad they went back to the concept car's headlights. Very nice, very nice indeed.
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
The front end finally looks the part and overall it looks less Lexus GS than it did thankfully.Im still not sold on the interior,too much wood for my liking.
Re: Jaguar XFR 2012
I'd always say buy British...got to support your own industry,but i think it will still be second fiddle to an M5 purely on legend status.
Peter Cavellini.
