Road Test – Jaguar XF

Many of you will not know me, but I’ve been a member of the Ride Drive team for some time now and work the the north London area. My full–time job is in diplomatic protection, and as such, I have spent a large part of my career driving for a living. This is where my love of Jaguars came about, and my passion for fast cars in general.

Over the last ten–years I have spent many hours of days in cars and they have become a place in which I feel comfortable. This has been especially so with the Jaguar, with its ‘clubby’ leather seats, polished walnut and super smooth ride.

I was trained to drive them fast and to their maximum potential, even though some weigh in at over 3.5–tonnes when fully armoured. The sad thing is, I have never owned one of my own.

Last year, and in my off duty time, I had the opportunity to do a vehicle repatriation job for Land Rover, which involved helping to bring back Supercharged Range Rovers from a press launch in Morocco, and then the G4 Challenge Range Rover Sports where they had been competing in the world challenge race, also from Morocco.

My First Job for This Crew Had Been
to Help Bring Back a Fleet of Range Rover’s from Morocco

Driving back through Morocco, Spain and France over a few days on each trip, this work was completed by driving in close convoy at relatively high speed and as a member of a well–trained team of drivers.

This was a bit like special escort work all over again, and having got to know the people, and gained their respect, I was asked if I would help deliver a fleet of the new Jaguar XF to Spain. The purpose of this was a dealer launch, so what do you think the reply to the question was?

Some of you may know I was involved in a nasty Road Traffic Collision (RTC) last summer, whilst riding a motorcycle. This resulted in a broken left hand and right leg, as well as all the other scrapes and bruises that come with the territory when coming off a bike. Yes, I was wearing protective clothing, and this obviously helped, but not enough to prevent broken bones.

As a result of the Road Traffic Collision my family and I missed a previously planned holiday to Italy, during which we had planned to drive around the lakes near Rome. This had been something I was really looking forward to, as I love driving abroad. After spending the summer trapped in the house, relatively immobile being looked after by my wife and kids, it was a real treat when I was able to drive again.

Of Course I Had Volunteered to do the Drive
to Spain in the Jaguar XF. Who Wouldn’t?

The plan had been for this to happen just after New Year, and would take 3 or 4 days to complete. As bad luck would have it I caught a nasty virus Just before Christmas, which threatened to put pay to my driving holiday. However, and thankfully, I got over it in time to stay on board.

I was picked up from my home at about 4.45am on the 2nd January 2008 by a colleague, and after collecting another member of the team, we made our way to Gaydon in Warwickshire, which is the HQ for Jaguar Land Rover, this being the Premier Automotive part of the Ford Group.

We arrived early, and after being given the keys to our assigned cars, I went out to check mine over, and to familiarise myself with the controls as well as to stow my luggage etc.

In time, we then had a full briefing from Roddy, our team leader, and the man who had overall responsibility for the whole trip. He outlined the route and provided details of where we would be stopping over each night. Radios were then handed out, peage telepasses and contact details of all concerned, and of course the tickets for the flights home.

Careful Planning
and Preparation for a Trip Like This all Important

There is a tremendous amount of work involved in setting this type of thing up, because if anything went wrong there would be serious repercussions. Roddy emphasised the importance of getting every car there with no damage, as these were really prototype vehicles with no dealer back up for spares.

It was important that every Jaguar arrived in pristine condition as they would be on show to all the dealer principals from around the world, as well as the world press for the next couple of months. A really good impression was therefore required.

The car I was driving was a left hand drive, Spanish registered, dark pearl grey 4–door Jaguar XF saloon. The interior was finished in light tan and brown leather. This was a basic model and with the 3–litre Turbo diesel engine, 6–speed automatic gearbox operated by a very neat twist control and paddles fitted to the steering wheel.

This is a Jaguar That Doesn’t Look Like a Jaguar

Design–wise, the car was a big move away from previous Jaguars, and represented a make or break edition for the company. I’m a big fan of the old Jag’s, having driven many of them over the years, and I wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, as at first it seemed a little too different.

I have to say I liked the new look body shape of the Jaguar XF, with its long bonnet, complete with power bulge lines, and the recessed grille bearing the familiar Jaguar badge.

The rear end has a distinctive set of LED lights, similar to an Aston Martin, and these would prove useful later on in the journey. As a finishing touch there was a chrome strip that stretched across the back of the car with the ‘jumping jaguar’ emblem carefully placed in the centre.

The extensive use of wind tunnels and computers during design has made many cars look similar in shape, and this one is no exception. As you cast your eye along its lines you see how it morphs from a BMW type front end to a Lexus rear, but overall it is a little different to anything else on the market. The brown leather interior carried over onto the top of the dash, which damped its reflection onto the raked screen.

The security system was cool too. Like the proximity keys of the new Harley Davidson motorcycle, the car didn’t need the key inserted before any response could be gained from the starter button. Once the engine fires, all the air vents open, which then swivel round into position.

Automatic Lights and Automatic Windscreen Wipers

The lights on the Jaguar XF have an automatic setting, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to switch them on when it gets a little dark, and the wipers also work in the same way, but obviously coming on when they sense rain (not poor light).

The handling ability of the car was to prove a real asset during the drive through Spain, as indeed was the cruise control feature. The soft hue of the lights across the dash was a nice touch, and easy on the eyes, particularly after long periods of driving. However, the automatically dipping internal rear view and door mirrors took a bit of getting used to, as they change the colour of the image to a greenish hue that looks a little weird.

The top spec model of the Jaguar XF has these and more features, like electric blinds and television set up within the Sat Nav. All the interior lights were touch–sensitive and the conventional type handbrake has been replaced with a switch.

Bluetooth
Was not Compatible With my Phone

I was all set up with the touch screen Sat Nav showing the way, Ipod connected into the Hi–Fi (and what a Hi–Fi) and with the climate control set for comfort. However, I couldn’t Bluetooth my phone to the set up as it’s a Smartphone, but most of the others on the trip didn’t have this problem.

Had it worked for me, this would have proved a very useful system, as it makes the phone not just hands free, but part of the steering wheel buttons that allow you to set the system to accept or make calls using voice control.

Time to Hit the Road and With a Long Way to Go

After a quick comfort break it was time to get out and on the road, which turned out not to be a quick process. Each of us had to sign for everything in triplicate before the cars could be released. Fortunately, I had previously been sent a ‘You Tube’ link that allowed me to see footage of the car, which had been helpful to familiarise myself with the model before seeing it for real. It’s amazing what is on the web about vehicles these days.

The convoy of Jaguar XF’s set off before the predicted leaving time and headed out of Gaydon and on to the M40, only a couple of miles away. This early in the morning there was very little traffic, which gave me the opportunity to adjust to driving a left hand drive car on British roads.

There were 9–vehicles in the convoy altogether, the lead car being Roddy’s Land Rover Discovery, followed by 6 Jaguar XF’s, another Land Rover Discovery behind them and a large top–of–the–range Ford Transit, carrying all the extra bits on board and bringing up the rear.

As Night Turned to Day,
Other People Began to Realise What These Cars Were

We had a good trip southwards down the M40 motorway, and by the time we joined the M25 motorway it was now early daylight. As the light strengthened we realised we were having an effect on the people around us, as they realised what it was we were driving.

We arrived at Folkestone early, and upon checking in with the tunnel people, we managed to get on an earlier train than planned. What a result! Once on board the train we had our first chance to discuss what we each thought of the cars and their differences.

Some of the Jaguar’s in the group were of a higher spec than others, and generally we were all fairly impressed with our experience so far. Certainly we were all looking forward to the sensation of driving on roads upon which the steering wheel would be on the correct side.

We Had Arrived in France

Upon arrival at the other side of the Channel we decided to top up with fuel early, but inadvertently caused a bit of a road block at the first service area. It hadn’t dawned upon us what a spectacle the cars would cause, as the local people all seemed to want to get photos and ask questions about the cars.

After prising ourselves away from the cameras we headed for Reims and our first overnight stop. The route was the A26⁄E17 motorway with a couple hundred miles to cover. Now, I have ridden this road on a bike quite a few times and always remember it as a windy and mostly rainy slog to get to Reims.

This time wasn’t so bad on the weather side, but we did notice a large increase in French police doing their speed traps, especially on the other side of the road, targeting vehicles heading back to Calais. We obviously took notice of this, and as Roddy had pointed out at the briefing, any speeding tickets would be our personal responsibility. We all kept a careful eye on our speedometers.

The Cars Were Attracting a Lot of Interest Everywhere we Went

Driving in convoy we seemed to be drawing plenty of interest, as loads of people were taking photos with their phones as they passed. We had the usual pushy drivers doing all they could to get ahead, but we just kept out of the way to let them go.

We did, however, encounter a particularly annoying Italian in a BMW X5, driving right up behind each of us, leaving hardly any gap at all. He was climbing all over us like a swarm of nats. However, each of us remained cool and the moment soon passed as he pulled ahead.

We pushed on and did pass a couple of fixed cameras, all signposted to be fair, without setting off any flashes. We were making good progress all the same.

Shortly up ahead I saw our Italian friend in his BMW X5, who had been stopped by the police. I later found out that a couple of the team had been coaxing him to push along the road a bit harder, and then had backed off to let him run over a hill into a speed trap on the other side. We did have a bit of a chuckle on the strength of that one I have to confess.

Reims – Our First Stopover

When we pulled into the Novotel on the outskirts of Reims, and parked in the special area set aside for us, it was just getting dark and very cold. We checked in, had dinner and after making sure the cars were secure for the night, and were being looked after by a local security firm, which again was part of the organisation Roddy had responsibility for, we were off to bed.

7.30 the next morning and wheels were a–rolling, and this was going to be a long day, with 1200–Kms to cover. When I went out to my car it was still dark and the car park was like a skating rink. We loaded up our gear and set off in convoy in the rain – and then it happened. This was our first problem.

We got split at the first roundabout as a miss–set Sat Nav sent a couple of vehicles on the road to Paris instead of Lyon. The rest of us pulled in to the next service area and filled up with fuel whilst waiting for the others to turn round and catch us up. Once reformed we headed off towards Troyes (A26⁄E17), Dijon (A5⁄E17) then A31⁄E17 and on towards Lyon (A6⁄E15) on the peage.

It was Extremely Icy and a Few of the Cars had a Skid or Two

I used the cruise control, and this helped a lot, as I could vary my speed by a couple of kilometres at a time with each touch of the switch. This provided me with the smoothest acceleration and braking, and by steering gently I had the car feeling well planted and with no dramas to deal with. We had some sleet, and then rain, which all made for steady driving and slow progress.

During this boring drive we got a call from Roddy over the radio system to say that a couple of the cars had been caught in a speed trap the previous day and that the Spanish office had been faxed the details. He then read out the registration numbers of the vehicles concerned.

Bugger! I thought. That was my number, and I listened in horror as he carried on to say that the speed recorded was 160kmph (100mph). In a solemn voice, Roddy said he didn’t know how much the fine would be. I was gutted and tried to think if I had really been that quick – and if so, where?

All Went Very Quiet on the Radio for a While

I was still raking through my brains when we stopped for a break. Being resigned to the fact I was done for I confessed to Roddy as being one of the offenders. The other was one of the ‘Italian Job’ crew.

I was very subdued, thinking of how much the fine could be and how I would explain the financial implications when I got home. Pushing the misery aside I thought I would worry about it more when the time came to pay up, and drove in formation with the others to Lyon.

The weather got a bit better, and as we skirted around Lyon (A6⁄E15) on the ring road I had cheered up a little. We were about to go through a bit of France that is a favourite for me – the Rhone Valley.

This really is a superb part of the world, and some of you may have gone this way down to Italy. We used the motorway (A7⁄E15), but if you have chance to do this run, drive down the RN7 as it’s a cracking ride or drive with plenty of places to stop for fuel, eat and drink. We were on a mission though, and were due to stay in a nice hotel, with dinner booked for 8.00pm. We cracked on with the motorway route, using the telepasses at the peage without problems.

The Radio Squawked Again and it was More Bad News

After a couple of hours of driving, Roddy again came over the radio, saying there had been further word about the speeding offences. To my horror I learned the fines were to be 325–euros!!! My heart sank again, but then he gave details of another offence, which had come through, this time for 175Kph.

The registration number was given, and I immediately realised it was the other Jaguar that had been involved in the ‘Italian Job’ incident. All went quiet again and with me feeling really quite miserable.

Then the Truth Emerged

When we stopped a couple of hours later for fuel, and all were gathered for a coffee, my face must have been a picture when Roddy told me that the whole speeding offence thing was a wind up. I didn’t know whether to thump him or laugh with him, but luckily I do have a lively sense of humour and saw the funny side of it all.

Apparently, the reason for such a cruel joke was in retaliation for us converting his Supercharged Range Rover into a Moroccan Taxi on the trip the previous year. We had decorated it with a load of dangly bits and pieces. Nice one Roddy, you fatherless person.

We had now got down to Montpelier (A7⁄E15 to A9⁄E15) and were rising into the mountains. Little Dave, who was driving the Transit van, was starting to struggle to keep up, because of cross winds coming up the mountains from the coast. This was the start of what was to become a period of really bad weather that we were to endure for three and a half hours.

And Then it Rained Like Water Jets in a Giant Car Wash

The rain started with a vengeance just before dusk, and we were soon on double–speed wipers and with much reduced visibility. This only got worse as we got higher, and I can honestly say I have never driven in conditions like it. Even the spray from the lorries on the other side of the dual carriageway was blowing over and down on us like water jets in a car wash.

The standing water and spray from the lorries on our side was treacherous too, but I have to say the Jaguar XF never put a foot wrong. As steady as a rock it climbed the mountain, overtaking where visibility allowed, and where I could see far enough ahead for the distinctive rear lights of the Jaguar XF in front.

Crossing the Border into Spain

After dark the rain kicked in again and upon reaching the Spanish border checkpoint we found everything had been battened down and with not a soul was in sight. We slowed to go past the cameras, driving through 2–3 inches of water, which was incredible.

Whilst descending on the other side the weather began to get better as we approached the turn off at Girona. It was a 30km drive from here to the Sa Punta Hotel, which is on the coast at Pals.

After 12–Hours on the Road, Mistakes Were
Starting to be Made

It was a fairly uneventful time on this leg, that is until Bob decided to carry straight on as the rest of us turned left at a junction. Luckily we managed to get him to turn round and come back to us, and so the group was re–formed.

We had been on the road for over 12–hours by now and were all getting pretty fatigued.

Dinner had been put back by an hour already, as due to the weather we couldn't make the time on the road we were expecting.

When we got to our hotel it was fantastic. After checking in, and a quick drink in the bar, we sat down to a superb dinner, cooked with local produce and certainly just what we needed after the long day on the road.

My room was beautiful, but there wasn’t really time to enjoy it, as I was too tired. It was going to be another early start the next day and therefore some serious sleep was needed so as to prepare.

After an early breakfast we set off back towards the Pyrenees (they were all covered in snow) and rejoined the AP7⁄E15 towards Barcelona. I had ridden this road on my Harley, to Lloret de Mar, and Barcelona.

Causing a Traffic Jam With the Local People

We all experienced a problem at some stage going through the barriers at the peage, as they wouldn’t always read the passes. We couldn’t stick them to the screens and this caused a few headaches as queues of impatient locals quickly built up behind us. At least here the points were manned, unlike in France where you’re on your own if you get stuck.

We stayed on the A7⁄E15 all the way down through Valencia, Elche, Almeria and Alicante, which took several hours, but the scenery was magnificent. We had the sea to our left and mountains to the right, with many fascinating local castles perched on the hills looking down at the coast below. Some of the towns here are really sprawling outwards to the hills from the coast, presumably to cater for the growth in the tourist trade.

We took a route along the A91⁄A92 towards Granada and after passing through Murcia. This again is a wonderful section of road with some amazing sights. We continued to climb into the mountains, and as it became quite atmospheric as darkness began to fall. We drove along the top, watching the sun setting in the west behind the peaks ahead.

The Scenery was Like a Set From The Lord of the Rings

Picture, if you can, a scene from Lord of the Rings where Sam says to Frodo, “That way lies Mordor, Mr Frodo.” All that was missing here was the giant fiery eye. Luckily, there weren’t the crashes of thunder and lightning that would have accompanied the dialogue.

This was perfect, as it doesn’t get much better. This is what a trip like that is all about. Those little moments of magic that you can never recreate.

We started to descend quickly as we approached Granada. This was an opportunity to test the semi–automatic gearbox to the max. You can hold the vehicle in gear on most standard automatic boxes, so as to assist with braking, and to gain more control on twisty bits, usually selecting 2nd or 3rd.

The difference with this car was a six speed semi–automatic gearbox and needed to be put into sport mode to get the required response. Otherwise it returns to the normal drive gear after a couple of seconds, unless you are accelerating. Once sport is selected the car again handles unbelievably well, providing excellent control potential.

Skirting Around Granada With Not Far to Go

We successfully negotiated Granada and I again began to recognise the road, as I had ridden it back from Fuengirola last summer on my Harley Davidson. I knew we weren’t far from the hotel now, and where the dealer launch of the Jaguar XF was going to take place.

We got to Loja, turned off the A92 and then took local roads that led to the fabulous 3km driveway of the La Bobadilla Hotel. As it was pitch dark at the time we really didn’t get the opportunity then to experience the dramatic visual presence of the place.

We had to park the cars inside a purpose built and very imposing marquee. This just demonstrated the large scale of the operation, as everything seemed to have been done that could be done to impress. After everything was sorted we checked in to what is the grandest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. It was incredible, with no expense spared and luxury on a scale that is fit for top celebrities.

The Last Leg of Our Journey
Had Been 12–Hours Plus in the Car and Covered 1,200Km

Whilst I leave you to do the maths, I will say that by the time I got to the La Bobadilla Hotel it seemed a wholly appropriate time to go to the bar for a drink before dinner. Certainly, I slept well that night.

Overall the trip was a brilliant experience, and with nearly 3,000kms covered overall, I really got a feel for the Jaguar XF. I have to say the car was great, and I would love to try out one of the V8 petrol models, just to draw comparison.

As far as the 3.0–litre diesel is concerned, it is a very capable vehicle and I have really enjoyed driving it.

I found that compared to previous editions it had a firmer ride, fantastic handling ability, and I loved the low down grunt provided by the turbo–diesel engine. The power is all usable, right across the range, so you don’t have to rev the guts out of it to get the performance you need.

I have to say I don’t think the Jaguar brand has anything to worry about with the XF, as this is a great new model that will easily rival any other in its market sector. It has the technology, the style, panache and the pedigree to hold its own, and it needs to. This is an extremely competitive area of the market and Jaguar have invested a lot on this car.

If anyone reading this page is planning to drive through France to Italy or Spain, my advice is to try and use the roads parallel to the motorways, as they are much nicer to drive, have better scenery and more places to stop for food and drink.

First Published February 2008

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Road Test – Jaguar XF