"Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war" was an order given to the English military forces in the Middle Ages permitting the seizure of spoil after a victory. These tempestuous words by William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar were reminiscent of our experience behind the wheel of the new Jaguar XF 2.0 Prestige.
The first Jaguar XF made quite a statement with its modern styling and improved handling but it wasn't good enough to outgun what the Germans offered. The XF was a little cramped in the back and didn't drive as smooth compared to rivals like the Audi A6 and the BMW 5 Series.
This second generation XF wastes no time in getting down to business. Jaguar's Design Director Ian Callum has gone back to the drawing board and thoroughly reworked this new car as a class leader. And it now challenges the status quo set by the Germans and is bent on dominating its segment.
Exterior
Cats never strike a pose that isn't photogenic and like a graceful vase, this cat seems to flow even when motionless. Its dynamic design is formed around Jaguar's aluminium-intensive architecture and combines the elegant proportions and perfect lines, which define all of Jaguar cars today.
Its coupe-like profile begins at the front with a muscular bonnet that runs all the way through to the nose cone and short front overhangs - emphasising its rear-wheel drive stance.
Combine those perfectly sculpted lines with a massive grille and heavy-breathing air intakes - the result of which is a demeanour that is proper for a brand named after a predatory cat.
The rear of the car is also treated to Jaguar's decorous compositions. A signature chrome blade runs across the boot lid and in between the light clusters - packing an artistic punch that emphasises its taut surfaces and architectural balance.
Combine those perfectly sculpted lines with a massive grille and heavy-breathing air intakes - the result of which is a demeanour that is proper for a brand named after a predatory cat.
The rear of the car is also treated to Jaguar's decorous compositions. A signature chrome blade runs across the boot lid and in between the light clusters - packing an artistic punch that emphasises its taut surfaces and architectural balance.
Interior
You begin to appreciate the car even more the moment you open the door and lower yourself into the plush leather seat. The cabin is a harmonious fusion of premium materials and modern technology. Plus the highly adjustable seats mean you can easily find a comfortable driving position.
The XF fires to life with a decorative opening ceremony. Its rotary gear selector rises up from the centre console while the air vents rotate into position like miniature garage doors.
In the centre of the instrument panel is an 8.0-inch
You begin to appreciate the car even more the moment you open the door and lower yourself into the plush leather seat. The cabin is a harmonious fusion of premium materials and modern technology. Plus the highly adjustable seats mean you can easily find a comfortable driving position.
The XF fires to life with a decorative opening ceremony. Its rotary gear selector rises up from the centre console while the air vents rotate into position like miniature garage doors.
In the centre of the instrument panel is an 8.0-inch
capacitive touchscreen that controls the usual multimedia applications such as your entertainment and navigation systems.
Designed to be simple and intuitive to use, the contemporary graphics are crisp and clear but it sometimes takes a little longer than expected to respond.
More importantly, the second row passengers can now enjoy a class-leading rear seat space thanks to its longer wheelbase - 51mm longer than before. Those in the back now benefit from 15mm more legroom with 24mm more kneeroom and up to 27mm more headroom.
Space across the rear bench will accommodate three adults without fuss and even taller adults should be comfortable on longer journeys. The rear bench also features an optional 40:20:40 split, making it easier to through-load bulky items like IKEA hauls and luggage.
The Drive
At the heart of this cat is a turbocharged 2.0-litre powerplant that sends 237bhp and 340Nm torque to the rear wheels. Paired to a creamy eight-speed automative transmission with paddle shifters - with which you can invoke a strong overtaking punch - the XF's powertrain offers great balance between driver involvement and refined cruising ability.
Jaguar's pairing of an extremely capable suspension with a light yet exceptionally stiff body and near perfect weight distribution equates to a car that feels right at home through a series of bends.
Credit for this also goes to a steering feel that comes across as light but it imparts a sense of vigour and connectedness to the road in a way that many cars will find hard to match.
What's more beautiful is that there is still lots of comfort on offer despite its sporty dynamics. On these roads, the XF is taut but never harsh and it boasts that plush ride quality that's synonymous with the British marque. Conclusion
The Jaguar XF is competitively priced - ($239,999 as of 7th January 2016) and has the characteristics and capabilities to beat the Germans at their own game.
If our instincts serve us well, the XF should be heading down the same path of success that the XE did and it will be just a matter of time before Jaguar gets to seize the spoils of their victory.
They are indeed the British 'cats of war' considering how impressive they have been thus far.
The Jaguar XF is competitively priced - ($239,999 as of 7th January 2016) and has the characteristics and capabilities to beat the Germans at their own game.
If our instincts serve us well, the XF should be heading down the same path of success that the XE did and it will be just a matter of time before Jaguar gets to seize the spoils of their victory.
They are indeed the British 'cats of war' considering how impressive they have been thus far.
