Jaguar XF Minor Change

2012 Jaguar XF

When it was released in 2008 as a 2009 model and it replaced the redundant S-Type, the Jaguar XF throw a curve in the executive premium midsize sedan category and it chooses the BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Hyundai Genesis, Chrysler 300, Toyota Crown, and the Lexus GS as its suitable rivals. As years pass by, it seems that Jaguar XF has grown out of style because its rivals are growing up to be more stylish, more functional, more powerful, and more luxurious than the Jaguar XF, and then, Jaguar Land Rover finally went back to the drawing board to give the 3-year-old premium midsize sedan a second chance by offering the Jaguar XF its mid-life minor change. With such minor change, the new Jaguar XF achieves a new front view similar to the new Jaguar XJ while it garnered a new side profile and a revised rear view to complete its overall wish list to become as gorgeous as its rivals from distant places.

2012 Jaguar XF interior

Aside from the exterior changes, the interior of the Jaguar XF's mildly revised to meet the style standards. A new Super Vision Cluster and a new steering wheel really adds a nice touch to the driver's side. Consider it a "Driver's High" to the new Jaguar XF because the improved elegance, inside and out, is just something you can savor at it. What's even more interesting is the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System with 17-speakers, which provides high-definition audio quality to the passengers who are music lovers. Also, there is a special navigation system loaded with the cool virtual CD multichanger that brings the driver an ability to rip up to 10 audio CDs into the HDD (Hard Disk Drive). You could say that, for example, you can rip 10 of your favorite anime CDs while cruising around with the Jaguar XF. This is all about taking chances...

New to the Jaguar XF is an all new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" engine. The new diesel engine provides 190PS of power output, 450Nm of torque, compression ratio of 15.8:1, 0-100kph in 8 seconds, top speed of 225kph, and combined fuel economy of 52.3MPG (18.5km/L). It achieves the lowest Carbon Dioxide emissions of 149.0g/km. This new engine is focused to be more "eco" than other luxury sedans in the market and the new XF will keep its eco-promise because of its Euro V compliance. Also available were the 3.0 V6 Diesel engine that produces 240 PS of power, 3.0 V6 Diesel S engine that provides 275 PS of power, and the flagship 5.0 V8 gasoline engine that provides 385 PS of power. Diesel engine variants are equipped with the all new 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox for the first time in Jaguar history. The new gearbox provides the fastest gear change in 200 milliseconds, which is faster than the average human resting heartbeat, and thanks to its lightweight technology, the new transmission weighs the same as the previous six-speed transmission (retains in the 5.0 V8 variant). There is one fact that the all new "2.2 LITRE i4 DIESEL" gets the first-of-its-kind idling stop system that allows the engine to be shut off in 300 milliseconds when the car's stopped.

XFR

2012 Jaguar XFR

The high-performance British premium saloon, the Jaguar XFR, gets a minor change also thanks to its new grille, new bumpers, new rims, revised rear, and the revised interior. It is powered with the 5.0 V8 engine plus supercharger that provides 510 PS of power, 625 Nm of torque, 250 km/h of top speed, 4.9 seconds in a 0-100km/h run, and combined fuel economy of 8km/L (22.5MPG). It is mated with a six-speed semi-automatic transmission with Manual Mode.

Depending on the variant, you can choose one of the following color variations such as Polaris White, Italian Racing Red Metallic, Kyanite Blue Metallic, Lunar Grey Metallic, Rhodium Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Ebony, Caviar Metallic, Claret Metallic, Cashmere Metallic, Tiaga Green Metallic, Azurite Blue Metallic, and Crystal Blue Metallic.

My comment:
The Jaguar XF's minor change really achieved a much elegant face as seen from its Jaguar XJ big brother and it also gained an all new 2.2L diesel engine suitable to be a full-fledged eco-car. The all new 8-speed gearbox mated on diesel versions of the XF minor change really works like a charm unlike the previous 6-speed gearbox. All that's left is one question...Can the Jaguar XF minor change hit the Philippines soon?

Expect we can't get the new 8-speed gearbox anytime soon because most of these are Euro V compliant and it will be impossible to place it on a Euro II compliant country like the Philippines.

Photo: Jaguar Land Rover