If you are a Jaguar fan (isn’t that everyone?) and don’t want a high-riding F-Pace you will probably want this: the low-riding and sporty looking new XF Sportbrake. Sporty? Jag design chief Ian Callum reckons his creation looks sportier than the XF saloon.
We have had Sportbrakes before of course, the first launched in 2012 to add some lifestyle practicality to the Jag range before it bit the bullet and came up with the F-Pace. The success of the SUV can hardly mean a larger market for the Sportbrake, but that hasn’t stopped Jaguar pulling out all the stops for the 2017 version.
It’s based on the lighter, stronger, roomier XF which was launched in 2015. Designed from the start to be available in both four and five-door formats, the XF in Sportbrake form is a little shorter than before but benefits from the saloon’s longer wheelbase for more room inside. There’s lots of sexy detailing and features, like an optional full-length glass roof with gesture-control blind, and there’s also handy gesture-control tailgate opening. You can also get a key you wear when you go swimming – “active lifestyle” personified! And we are with Callum when it comes to appearance: it’s a good looker.
It should be more roomy and practical than the last one, too, with the tailgate opening up to reveal 565 litres of load space or 1,700 litres when the 40:20:40 rear seats are down. Load up with cases of wine (or tow something up to two tonnes) and you’ll be glad of the self-levelling air suspension. It is standard on every model.
Almost 5m long, it’s a big car but thanks to its aluminium-intensive construction not a huge heavyweight at 1,660kg. It is also very stiff, and the looks shouldn’t bear false witness to the drive. Jaguar says it builds on the sports car character of its predecessor with suspension set up for agile handling and with near 50:50 weight distribution.
Mirroring the saloon range, engines – so far – are all four-cylinder apart from one, in the UK at least. There are four diesels, up to a 300bhp V6 with 0-60mph in 6.1 seconds, and one petrol in the form of the 250bhp four-pot. Not for the UK or Europe is the 380bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol. That’s a bit odd since the supercharged engine is available in the XF saloon.
All-wheel drive, with Jaguar’s accomplished electronic grip control system, is available on a couple of diesel versions, while all are automatic apart from the entry model: this manual rear-drive diesel with 163bhp costs from £34,910. All the Sportbrakes are in the shops now.
It’s 10 years since Jaguar came up with the first XF, which was brilliant (if cramped) from day one, and was recognised as such around the world (200 awards and counting). It undoubtedly saved Jaguar from an ignominious end. To look at the Jag range now – XE, XF, this new Sportbrake, F-Pace, F-Type as well as the old-guard XJ – is to see just how much has changed in those 10 years.
You will be able to check out the range for yourself, including the new Sportbrake, in the Jaguar pavilion at the Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard on June 29th - July 2nd.
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