2013 Jaguar XF 3.0L AWD



Written by: Calvin Chan

Photography by: Calvin Chan


Meow, says the Jag. The fierce naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 bellow we have all come to love and adore is now replaced by a new supercharged 3.0L V6 in the entry line-up of Jaguars (luckily the V8 avoids extinction and is lodged inside the XFR and XFR-S). Though this new shrunken feline does not astonish us with a ferocious roar, it can still achieve breakneck acceleration.

 

The base model of the new XF line-up starts with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that churns out 240 ponies and 251 pound-feet of torque (which is not sold in Canada), while the one we tested was the all new supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that releases 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque (which is also found in the new Jaguar F-Type).

 

This new engine proves itself to be quite a fighter with its standard 8-speed automatic transmission. This heavy Jaguar accelerates so quickly that it can be quite a challenge to notice that 0-100km/h was swept by in 5.9 seconds  until you notice the trees outside becoming a complete blur. Downshifting with the integrated steering wheel paddle shifters is absent of any kicks and up-shifting is smooth as silk. The rack-and-pinion steering in the Jag is a bit loose for our liking, but surprisingly this big sedan can still maneuver with precision.

 

Along with the new 2013 Jaguar XJ 3.0L AWD, this is the first batch of Jaguars to send all of its power to its four paws through its new all-wheel drive system. It does quite an impressive job keeping the wheels glued onto terra firma to allow the XF to bullet. With its major competitors already having AWD options for years now, namely BMWs xDrive and Mercedes 4-Matic, the Jaguar AWD enters rather fashionably late. With the deep avalanches of snow found in most of Canada during the winter seasons, all-wheel drive is a must, that is..unless you fancy some fishtailing and over-steering excitement on your way to work.

 

The styling refresh of the 2012 XF has made its way over into the 2013 model, with beautiful LED rear lights and an aggressive front nose. The 19 wheels and improved suspension absorbs every bump and cranny on the road. The new Jaguar becomes rather synonymous to a cats graceful balance and gives a sense of comfort when cruising at any speed.

 

XF, well that must stand for extra fantastic because stepping inside this Jaguar is more like a symphonic movement than anything else; well structured and harmonious. The first movement will show you a continuous leather stitch that seams all around the interior. Sit down and change the tune that suits your fancy; the two-toned leather seats give unlimited seat adjustability options and makes it easy for anyone to find a good snug seating position. The symphony climaxes when you hold the Engine Start button; witness the fan covers magically open and the gear selector rise up like a phoenix out of its ashes.

 

Jaguar tries to keep true to its luxurious nature and embeds knurled aluminum with satin rosewood veneer into its center console. The steering wheel is not the most attractive we've seen and the instrument panel in front looks rather archaic, however both are functionally well designed. Visibility in the car is limited, as the rear windshield is minuscule and the rear passenger windows are narrow, making it difficult to view your blind spot (can be remedied with the optional Blind Spot Monitoring System).

 

To no surprise, this long sedan is very spacious with ample foot room in both front and rear seat compartments. Behind, you will find a long but compressed rear trunk that can still fit all your golf clubs and luggage for weekend trips.

 

Jaguars ECO mode automatically cuts out the engine when in traffic and fully stopped. While this option is now common-place in many luxury cars, it is still a welcome addition that helps save a few dollars at the gas station. Jaguar added another nifty function when fully braked; simply put the gear selector into PARK and take off your seatbelt. The Jag now assumes you are parked and ready to exit your vehicle and shuts down the car, similar to taking a key out of the ignition. Although this sounds convenient, there are many situations where it can be an annoyance (taking off your seatbelt for extra reach to a drive-through window or toll booth).

 

The new Jaguar XF comes generously equipped with Bluetooth connection, rear parking aid, electric glass sunroof, LED rear lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and the Jaguar Smart Key System with keyless start. It also comes with a 7 full colour touch-screen interface that feels a tad out-dated and slow, as pressing an option on the touch-screen takes what feels like an eternity for a response. Our press car came outfitted with the $4,300 Premium Package I that included a booming 12-speaker 380w Meridian sound system (makes the windows shake) , reverse park camera, front parking aid, and adaptive front headlights.

 

The more prestigious $5,950 Premium Package II contains all of the above but replaces the sound system with a supersonic 17-speaker and subwoofer 825w Meridian surround-sound system (makes the windows break). Though we tested this car in the midst of the humid pollen-infested spring, the $600 Cold Weather Pack (heated steering wheels and heated front windshield) gave us a warm fuzzy euphoric feeling when gripping the wheel.

 

Ever since Tata Motors acquired Jaguar and Land Rover in 2008, it has been dishing out new and successful cars such as the Range Rover Evoque and the Jaguar XJ. With orders for their vehicles over the roof and new plants being built, Tata Motors proves that they can handle the demanding pressure with the new $61,500 Jaguar XF as the key evidence. The $64,900 BMW 535i xDrive, $66,300 Mercedes-Benz E350 4-Matic, and $59,800 Audi A6 3.0T are all eager German competitors for the mid-size luxury sedan title. What sets this Jaguar apart from the rest is its ability to maintain elegant styling with just the right amount of posh. Though the new 3.0 V6 does not portray itself like the V8 possessed cat, it still retains Jaguars infamous signature of luxury in a speeding bullet.


Specifications:

型号 Model: 2013 Jaguar XF 3.0L AWD
廠方建議售價 Base Price: $61,500

軸距 Wheelbase(mm): 2909
長闊 Length/Width/Height (mm): 4960/1819/1461
引擎 Engine: 2995cc DOHC V6 supercharged
最大馬力 Horsepower-HP: 340/6500rpm
最高扭力 Torque-LB-FT: 332/3500-5000rpm
波箱 Transmission: 8-speed automatic
擺佈 Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
前懸 Suspension-Front: Double wishbone
後懸 Suspension-Rear: Multi-link
煞制-前 Brakes-Front: Vented disc
煞制-後 Brakes-Rear: Vented disc

循跡操控系统 ABS/Traction Control: Standard / DSC

油耗 Fuel Consumption (City/Highway/Combined)- L/100 km: 13.1 / 7.7
輪胎尺碼 Tires: Continental ContiProContact 245/40R 19

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