2014 Jaguar XF 2.2 review
* Revised Jaguar XF 2.2 saloon and Sportbrake driven * Improved economy and emissions * On sale now, priced from £29,945...
This is the new 2014 model year Jaguar XF 2.2.
Jaguar has improved the fuel economy and reduced the emissions of its entry-level 161bhp model.The revised XF saloon and Sportbrake models now have an official average of 57.7mpg (up from 55.4mpg), with CO2 emissions dropping from 135g/km to 129g/km.
The reductions in emissions drop the new models into the 20% BIK tax band, down from 22%, which Jaguar is hoping will tempt fleet managers and business users away from the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes Benz E-Class.
To complete the update, the 2014 XF models now feature an upgraded navigation system and new paint colours.
What's the 2014 Jaguar XF 2.2 like to drive?
Pretty much the same as before, which is no bad thing.
The base-model XF is competent, if not brisk, with good mid-range acceleration. There’s better sound insulation to counter the stop-start system, and on the move, the revised engine is noticeably quieter than the one it replaces.
The eight-speed gearbox changes ratios smoothly enough too, but there can be a momentary hesitation when asking for a lot of power quickly. It’s also over-eager to select the highest ratio possible, which can make for unrefined progress when more speed is asked for.
It’s the quality of the chassis that remains the XF’s trump card.
The steering is direct and well-weighted, and a delight to use. At low speeds the ride is initially rather firm, but once the pace is increased the car glides over bumps and broken surfaces. Corners are despatched with ease: the XF has bags of grip, and its handling balance is first class.
It’s a refined motorway cruiser too, with low wind and road noise.
What's the 2014 Jaguar XF 2.2 like inside?
The interior of the XF has always been a nice place to spend time, and it still is.
The driving position is excellent, with plenty of electrical adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. The dashboard is stylish, and all the controls are within easy reach; however the upgraded touch-screen infotainment system is still fiddly and slow in use.
There’s plenty of room for four, even five, if the central passenger doesn’t mind straddling the fairly large transmission tunnel. Legroom is good, and as before the Sportbrake version offers notably more rear headroom than the saloon.
The boot size is generous in both versions, with the Sportbrake offering, despite a comparatively shallow rear end, a healthy maximum of 1675 litres of space with the rear seats folded.
The revised 2.2-litre engine is available with all six recently revised trim options, ranging from SE to top-of-the-range Portfolio. All are well equipped, with climate control, leather seats and xenon headlights as standard.
Should I buy one?
The 2.2-litre XF still has all the qualities we’ve always admired: it’s refined, good to drive and well equipped. Now, one of our biggest gripes has been addressed: its relatively poor fuel efficiency.
However, although Jaguar has narrowed the gap, there are still more efficient rivals, most notably the BMW 520d, which emits just 119g/km of CO2. Properly specced, this car is better to drive than the Jag, too.
Overall though, the updates will certainly make the XF a better proposition for many car buyers, and anyone who ends up with one on the driveway will still be doing very well indeed.
What Car? says:
Rivals:
Jaguar XF 2.2d
Engine size: 2.2-litre diesel
Price from £29,945
Power 161bhp
Torque 295lb ft
0-60mph 9.8sec
Top speed 130mph
Fuel economy 57.7mpg
CO2 129g/km
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