2010 Jaguar XF – Auto Fastrack

2010 Jaguar XFJaguar is ready to Bounce!

By Charles Donaldson

Many of us are required to drive a “family car” to carry the kids from activity to activity, but let’s play with the idea that we can fit an ADULT RATED sports car in our garage too – say the 2010 Jaguar XF sports sedan! The Jaguar XF, introduced in 2009, replaced the aging S-Type and competes with the likes of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. One of the main differences between the Jaguar and driving a BMW or Mercedes-Benz, is that the XF really stands out in the crowd and will impress your fellow golfers for sure.

Where the S-Type’s design found its roots in Jaguar’s history, the XF is crafted from the new culture percolating out of its British headquarters. The XF offers the mid-size

luxury-sedan buyers a fresh choice of engaging styling and performance. The quality of Jaguars has improved to the point where Jaguar has won top honors from J.D. Power and Associates in its annual Satisfaction Index for the fifth time in the six years since it took the top spot. The enhanced quality is demonstrated in this well engineered sedan which delivers a smooth and quiet ride; backed by the performance of powerful V8 engines.

The swooping lines of the XF represent the new aggressive and racy image of Jaguar. The roofline’s curvature resembles more of a coupe feel than a sedan and along with chrome vertical side bars on the front fenders adds to the sportiness of the XF. Much of the underpinnings of the XF are borrowed from the Jaguar XK sports coupe, which is a great foundation to build from. The fresh new body style is embedded with touches of Jaguar legacies. The hood has hints of the old E-Type, while the chrome trim around the windows resembles the Mark II sedan.

New for 2010, the Jaguar XF now offers two all-new direct-injection 5.0-liter V8 engines, the new ZFR flagship model and upgraded overall features and specifications. The 2010 XF is available in four trim styles each with its own choice of V8 engine: XF (4.2L 300 HP – $51,150), XF Premium (5.0L 385 HP – $56,150), the XF Supercharged (5.0L 470 HP Supercharged – 67,150) and the all-new XFR (5.0L 510 HP Supercharged – $79,150). All models come with a dynamic six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles to cruise in manual mode.

The Jaguar XF is loaded with safety features including dual-stage front airbags, front-seat side-impact airbags, head protection curtain airbags, tire pressure monitor system, Dynamic Stability Control, and next generation antilock brakes (ABS). Optional safety features are: blind-spot alert system, rearview camera, and front-park assist (all standard on the SC trim).

The cabin area of the XF is nicely packaged with the elegant touches we have grown to expect from Jaguar as well as a few high-tech elements not found in other sport sedans. Controls and buttons are easy to maneuver and are well placed. The overhead lights are an example of the blending of technology with class – they turn on with a simple touch not push. Same goes for the glove box, slide your finger over the sensor and the glove box door opens. VERY COOL!

The interior materials are what you would and wouldn’t expect in a Jaguar. The wonderful leather and lacquered woods decorate the interior with elegance. But then there is also generous the use of aluminum trim highlighting the sportiness of the XF. The overall effect is an ambience of a world class luxury sports sedan. You can even get a heated steering wheel!

From the interior where we transport ourselves to the “boot” or trunk, is where we carry our golf equipment. The cargo area is wide enough to meet Jaguar’s trademark requirement of 2 golf bags with clubs and for additional space you can lower the rear folding seats. So pack up the clubs and let the navigation system guide you to the nearest golf course!

Room for improvement:

· Limited Rear Headroom for folks over 6-feet tall

Cool Features:

· 7-inch Touch Screen with Bluetooth

· Smart Key Keyless Entry with Push Button Start

· Soft Blue LED Ambient Interior Lighting

In Summary – The 2010 Jaguar XF is a perfect revolutionary evolvement for the S-Type; continuing the Jaguar legacy but with modern tones and touches. It offers elegance, power, style, and an exhilarating adventure. The XF is a perfect vehicle to maneuver through curvy mountain roads or carry you and your clubs to your favorite golf course or nearby country club.

Specifications

2009 Jaguar XF Premium

Base price: $56,150 as driven: $62,875 (with destination charges)

Golf Bag Count: Holds 2 Standard Golf Bags!

Engine: 5.0-Liter V8

Horsepower: 385 @ 6500 rpm

Torque: 380 pound-feet @ 3500 rpm

Transmission: Six-speed Automatic with Overdrive

Drive: Rear-Wheel-Drive

Seating: 5-passenger

Turning circle: 37.7 feet

Cargo space: 17.7 cubic feet