RSS
Home
2009 Jaguar XF, the cat is back
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Jaguar is taking its vehicles in a new engineering direction that should definitely make all of its competitors step up their game. Jaa-guu-arr (as per the television commercials) has always been a benchmark for luxury, sophistication, distinctive styling, when you are behind the wheel of this machine, you are guaranteed looks, nods and thumbs up. So when I first laid eyes on the new 2009 Jaguar XF, I actually let out a totally unexpected, ‘oh!’ There, before me, was a provocatively beautiful vehicle with coupe-like styling and oh so clean aerodynamic lines. This sleek cat was ready to pounce and I mean, ME!
The sexier, sleeker Jaguar XF replaces the S-Type. Although Jaguar has undergone some changes over the last few years—previously Ford-owned but now India’s Tata has held the company’s reigns for a while now—the future of this manufacturer is definitely looking up. Once criticized for designing vehicles with styling that was rather evolutionary, it is pretty evident that the XF is a prime example of revolutionary thinking.
As I sank into the sumptuous cockpit, I reveled in this ultimate shrine of auto lux life. All that was before me, everywhere I .jpg)
looked had a fit and finish that was très magnifique (my, my, it has me speaking in a foreign language). Leather seats that comforted my every curve, just the right touches of burled wood, aluminum trim that kicks it up a notch to add a sportier feel, hmmm…nice, nice indeed. I lie to you NOT, there was even mood lighting around the dials on the dash and a start button that pulses red when you get into the vehicle. It was so plain to see, that someone was clearly thinking on their feet!
I pushed the start button and voilà! Instead of the big traditional shifter, the designer opted for a sleek dial that rises up from the center console which you can turn to select a gear—I am now spoiled for life! Before I jet off, I turn on the Bowers & Wilkins stereo system which impressed me to the hilt, 440 watts, 13 speaker plus sub-woofer, I’m in heaven!
She is quick off the line! You can definitely feel the vehicle’s weight which gives it the luxury ride effect. And yet, there is undoubtedly an agile, sporty feel to the vehicle. Turns and tight corners, no body roll—love it! The XF has Understeer Control Logic which can decelerate the car to regain tire grip, when the front wheels lose traction while making a turn—brilliant! Bumps, annoying city potholes, she never veered from my comf factor. Steering is compliant but not overly so. Here another cool extra—a Blind Spot Monitoring System (optional) that displays a little red icon whenever there’s a car in your blind spot—NECESSARY!
The 2009 Jaguar XF also comes equipped with all of the standard safety features--dual-stage front, seat-mounted side and side-impact curtain airbags, active head restraints, and tire pressure monitoring system. There are three trim levels: luxury ($49,975)—300hp, 4.2L, V8 engine, naturally aspirated; premium luxury ($55,975) —300hp, 4.2L, V8 engine, naturally aspirated; and supercharged ($64,475)—420 hp, 4.2L, V8 engine, supercharged and intercooled.
.jpg)
Ian Callum, the Jaguar XF’s chief designer, hats off to you! I commend you on designing a vehicle that is road-ready, yet so very artistically refined, a combo that is so hard to beat.
Related Articles:
Comments
