Jaguar XF: Definitive statement

It’s been quite a while — more than a fortnight actually — since I took out the XF for a test drive and then reluctantly returned it three days later.

The car’s gone and I am back to driving my Corolla. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the feeling of being ensconced in a big easy chair cosseted by fine hand-stitched leather and surrounded by a slew of innovative features just refuses to leave me. Like the aftertaste of a good meal, it lingers on.

I will tell you why. The Jaguar XF is not just a very special car, it’s every inch a modern machine – challenging convention and setting its own rules.

Even starting the car is a treat. Put your finger on the power button and the car’s cylindrical gearshift will rise majestically from the central console and the air vents will slide open as if by magic.

But it’s not until you hit the road that you realise why the Cat’s got Audi 6 and BMW 5 series manufacturers so worried.

With the supercharged V8 delivering incredible pace (it storms to 100km/h in just a little under 6 seconds), the car handles brilliantly, combining the comfort and refinement of a luxury saloon with the grip, balance and stability of a sports coupé. But the most exciting feature of the XF’s transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM – an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.

Other interesting features inside include proximity-sensitive lights – a wave of a hand is all that’s needed to illuminate them – and a touchscreen for the sat-nav and stereo system.

The Lowdown

THUMBS UP: Driver-friendly touch screen controls.

More space than you’d imagine given its sports saloon design.

PRICE: Dh1,89,900-Dh2,29900 for 240bhp model, Dh254,900 for 300bhp model and Dh289,900 for 400bhp model