Jaguar XF — Worth its US$112 000 asking price

took this car for a test drive courtesy of Sly from Premier Auto I did the usual vehicle inspection.
We checked the outside with its sleeker curves, which aid more aerodynamics for that enable you to breeze through wind resistance when taking the long drive up to Nyanga, Kariba or Mutare.
The inside was as usual almost like that of the latest version in the Bombardier private jet range.
So precise and breathtaking with features and enclosures that are so neat and compact.
The moment I set my eyes on her, I was convinced that I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed.
The interior of the new XF gets a new seat design, revised interior controls, upgraded sound systems and a new touch screen electronics interface to go along with enhanced high-tech features.
We did the usual route, Lomagundi, then all the way down Borrowdale Road back into town.
The whole way I kept thinking if only we were driving to Bulawayo. With the bad state of our roads in Harare I could not explore the full capabilities of this car as much as I would have wanted to.
Jaguar XF represents a bold take on the luxury sedan segment and it has a rich character that is immediately evident.
The console-mounted start button pulsates red as if there is a real heart beating deep inside.
When I stepped on the accelerator the V8 engine roared to life and then, like the curtain rising on La Traviata, the circular gear selector on the driver’s palm and rotates the four air vents into place.
This is automotive theatre that makes similar efforts by various Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models seem like uninspired dinner club productions.
For three years, such theatre has helped rejuvenate a Jaguar brand that had pretty much used up the last of its nine lives.
But as this midsize luxury sedan hits the midpoint of its lifecycle, there is certainly room for improvement.
The X and the S type had a leaping Jaguar symbol on the hood, now it poses a different image, which is more conservative and subtle.
This XF and high-performance XFR get a mild styling refresh that smoothens out some of the car’s less elegant details.
The most prominent change can be seen on the headlights, which have been restyled to a sleeker new look that resemble those of the flagship XJ sedan.
The grille is a tad more upright, while the lower fascia has been made less fussy. At the back, the tail-lights are a big bigger and now utilise LED bulbs.
Inside the cabin, the base model’s seats are more supportive this year and there are new colours available for the leather upholstery.
More importantly, Jaguar has installed its latest navigation system complete with the same touch screen interface that is also used in the XJ.
It still has some ergonomic issues and responds slowly at times, but it represents a big improvement. Other interior controls have been reworked to look, feel and function better.
Otherwise, the Jaguar XF carries on with its sharp handling, resilient ride and superb V8 engine.
Of course, there are some downsides. Most of this car’s competitors are available with all-wheel-drive and a less powerful, more fuel-efficient engine choice.
Then again this vehicle is not for the faint-hearted or for those who constantly look at their fuel gauge, it is for the well to do with deep pockets.
This model comes with a 3-litre V6 diesel, 3-litre V6 petrol, 5-litre V8 petrol and 5-litre V8 Petrol supercharged.
In competition is the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and E-Class.
The 5.0-litre V8 produces 385 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. As has been the case with past XF models, rear-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic are standard.
The base V8 model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in a quick 5,7 seconds, I actually tried.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is average for the segment at 9,5 litres per 100km urban driving and 5,5 litres per 100km on the highway and 6,8 litres combined.
Every Jaguar XF comes standard with traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and parking sensors. Available safety equipment includes a blind spot warning system, a rearview camera and a forward impediment alert system (including adaptive cruise control).
The base XF comes standard with 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, automatic bi-xenon headlights with washers and auto levelling.
Other accessories include LED running lamps, a sunroof, automatic wipers, keyless ignition, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated six-way power front seats with driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, leather upholstery and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.
Also standard are Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a navigation system, voice controls, a touch screen electronics interface and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio and two USB audio jacks with an iPod interface.
The Jaguar XF’s interior is a uniquely bold step for both the traditional British brand and the entire luxury sedan segment.
This is a distinctly modern environment, far from the frumpy stereotype of English cars, although soft leather and tastefully used wood trim still set a Jaguar apart from its German competition.
Overall, this cabin is a standout in a segment typically known for luxurious presentations.
The Jaguar XF’s smooth, hushed demeanour allows for comfortable long-distance journeys, yet there is also a level of performance that is unexpected for a Jaguar sedan.
Around corners, the XF has considerable grip and surprisingly high limits. For fun driving at a cool price from US$112 000 go down to Premier Auto Services along Samora Machel Avenue.
Till next week, be safe.

l Fact D. Jeke is a motoring enthusiast who has attended auto shows and rallies, & written for various publications in the region for the last decade. She can be contacted via email on [email protected]