(continued from above)
The XF Sportbrake builds on the extensive refresh received by the XF saloon
for the 2012 model year which saw it adopt a more assertive appearance in line
with the flagship XJ model - including striking new lightblade headlamp
technology.
The XF Sportbrake is entirely new from the B-pillar backwards, endowing it with
a very different aesthetic, exemplified by the tautly-drawn elegance of the
side-window line and highlighted by its polished finish. The conjunction of
flowing rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roofline lends the XF
Sportbrake a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance.
The design-led approach that created the XF Sportbrake's exterior has been
achieved in tandem with the goal of maximizing practicality. The extended
roofline affords rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the
seats offer both a 60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch. Remote-fold
levers inside the load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly
and easily, creating a cargo volume of up to 1675 liters.
Befitting the XF Sportbrake's perfect balance between usability and beauty, it
is powered exclusively by Jaguar's range of powerful, refined and efficient
diesel engines, driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2.2-liter engine is fitted with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system,
making it the company's most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-liter
twin-turbo V6 is available in two states of tune, with 275 hp in the
range-topping Diesel S.
Exterior Design
Launched in 2008, the XF introduced a coupe-like profile to the sporting saloon
template and received plaudits worldwide for its seductive combination of
dynamics, performance, quality, design and luxury.
Substantially redesigned both inside and out for the 2012 model year, the saloon
is now joined by the XF Sportbrake which builds on the model's undoubted
performance credentials and provides an additional level of practicality.
The Jaguar design philosophy is based on the smooth, uninterrupted flow of lines
that lead the eye along and around the vehicle and this is readily apparent in
the XF Sportbrake which, despite sharing an identical wheelbase with the saloon,
is imbued with even greater presence.
The first of these elegantly simple feature lines begins in the
propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side air intakes, leading the eye into
the lower wing crease and then along the sills of the car and around the rear
bumper. The second feature line runs up from the outer edge of the same intakes,
defining the edges of the front wings before wrapping the entire way around the
car, creating the XF Sportbrake's muscular shoulder line.
Sharing the same new lightblade headlamp technology as the saloon, the XF
Sportbrake also adopts the new, more upright grille and purposeful bonnet,
giving it an enhanced 'rear-view mirror' recognition factor. The lights
themselves feature bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running
lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' pattern.
The XF Sportbrake is also available with two optional exterior design packages
that serve to further strengthen the assertiveness of its appearance. The Aero
Pack (standard on the 'S' model) adds a deeper front bumper, side sills and rear
valance plus a rear spoiler enhancement - a tailgate spoiler being standard on
all models. The Black Pack replaces the exterior bright finishes with gloss
black and pairs them with similarly finished alloy wheels to create new color
combinations that are subtly distinctive and eye-catching.
Jaguar XF Sportbrake: Review (2/2)
