Jeremy Clarkson
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From
February 10, 2008
Jaguar XF SV8
The rubbish, brilliant saviour of Jaguar
There are so many questions about the new Jaguar XF. How much is it? Who will own the company tomorrow? And how did Tony Blair manage to get one before it goes on sale? But the biggest question of the lot is this: how in the name of all that’s holy is Jaguar still with us?
The problems began in the mid1970s, when Jaguar was part of the Communist party. Back then, everyone at British Leyland was so enamoured of the Soviets, they came within an ace of renaming it the Large Car Division. I’m surprised they didn’t settle on Zil.
Eventually Jaguar was sold off to Ford, which never really understood what Jaguar was all about. The people at Ford managed Aston Martin well, and Land Rover too, but Jaguar stumped them. They couldn’t even say it properly.
And so, in the past few years, we got the new XJ, which looks like a fatter version of the old XJ. We got the X-type, which was an expensive way of buying a Mondeo, and we got the S-type. Which was a Lincoln dressed in Mallory’s tweed suit. And fitted with Danniella Westbrook’s idiotic nose.
Of course we also got the new XK, which is a brilliant car. However, buying one is the same as standing on top of a very tall building with a megaphone, telling everyone that you can’t afford an Aston Martin.
Then of course Ford lost all its money. And then it lost all of everyone else’s money, and so, while the boffins and the stylists were beavering away on the new XF, Jaguar was put up for sale. “Wanted: someone to buy a car company that no one understands. Has made little or no profit for 20 years or more. Offers in excess of £1 billion. Willing to p/ex Land Rover as well.”
Weirdly, it seems an Indian company called Tata, which makes horrid cars for people who are fed up with falling off their motor scooters, is said to be interested. God, I bet Gandhi is laughing his socks off. And I bet you’re very sad that this once great British manufacturer has been allowed to sink to such depths. The thing is, though: should you be sad? Was Jaguar ever really that great?
Oh I’m sure people in chunky jumpers will be choking on their pipes at this outrageous proposition. They’ll point out that in 1948 the XK120 was the fastest production car in the world and that the D-type married monocoque thinking with aeronautical design. And that with Lofty England at the helm it won Le Mans in 1876.
This is all true. But claiming that Jaguar is great today because of something it did in the 1950s is like claiming Egypt is a world power because of the pharaohs. The fact is that in my lifetime Jaguar’s forages into the realm of brilliance have been few and far between.
Oh sure, people go all dewy-eyed about the Mk 2, but as we know from the historical document that is The Sweeney, if it were ever chased by a Granada Ghia, it would immediately crash into a pile of cardboard boxes.
Then along came Arthur Daley, whose comic genius overshadowed anything achieved at Le Mans by Lofty England. As a result, Jaguars became vodka-and-tonic cars for the sheepskin classes. A car you drove when your taxi was at the menders.
There was an attempt to get back on track with the XJ220 but that all went horribly wrong. Customers put down a deposit on what they’d been told was a four-wheel-drive V12 supercar and were understandably miffed when they found the actual car was two-wheel drive and had the engine from a Metro. Some resorted to the law to try to get their money back.
Then there was the XJR-15, which crashed a lot, and the much publicised foray into Formula One, which blew up, didn’t start or cruised around quite slowly at the back.
We like to think, then, that Jaguar’s history is as rich and as lustrous as a maharajah’s bathrobe, but the truth is, it’s a mishmash of strikes, unreliability, sheepskin, failure, vodka, tonic and public humiliation. In fact I would venture to suggest that the company’s reputation among the vast majority these days hangs solely on one car: the E-type – Jaguar’s 1966.
That’s why we care where Jags are made. That’s why we care about who owns them. That’s why we care about the new XF. So here goes . . .
First, there’s the styling. Jaguar says it looks like the stunning concept car we saw a couple of years ago but I’m not so sure. Some of the exquisite detailing on the concept – the guardsman-sharp creases on the bonnet and razor-thin headlamps – have not made it onto the production car.
And I’m sorry but arguing that the two have the same proportions and stance is like saying I have the same proportions and stance as Brad Pitt. I do. But I’m never asked for his autograph.
Had there been no concept car, I would never have known how good the XF could look. But there was, so I’m sorry but as a styling exercise the finished product just doesn’t float my boat.
In fact when I came home to find it sitting in my drive I thought it was a Mondeo and ignored it for two days. When I finally took it for a drive the disappointments kept on coming. The dipped headlamps are not bright enough, the light switch is on the indicator stalk – a hallmark of cost-cutting – the cruise control wasn’t working, the throttle felt slack, the sat nav screen was unreadable thanks to too many reflections, and the windows don’t work when the ignition is off.
Then there’s the starting procedure. To earn extra points from the Euro NCAP safety people, Jag, like everyone else, has replaced the traditional ignition key, which can damage your kneecap in a frontal crash, with a starter button. But unlike in everyone else’s cars sometimes the starter button doesn’t actually start the engine. I don’t know why.
But I do know that by the time I’d got out, remembered the window was down, got back in and spent God knows how long trying to coax some life back into the ignition system, I was purple with righteous indignation.
And then there’s the gearbox. It’s a normal auto but you can override it with paddles behind the wheel. Lovely. But if you change down into, say fourth, it won’t, after a while, go back into drive. Not unless you put the circular lever into “Sport” and then back into “D” again. This is wearisome and indicates that the whole car was built on a bit of a shoestring. There isn’t that much rear legroom either.
Strangely, however, despite all of this, I enjoyed my time with the XF enormously. I’d have one over an equivalent BMW, Audi or Lexus any day. First of all, the interior is such a joyous place to sit. The high centre console makes you feel hemmed in, cocooned, safe. The materials used are modern, such as you would find at Zurich airport. The leather is hand-stitched with contrasting cotton and the blue lighting is brilliant. It doesn’t feel remotely like a Jag in there. And is that a bad thing?
It doesn’t feel like a Jag to drive either. It’s quite noisy, for a kick-off, and it rides with a firmness that would shake the pile out of Arthur Daley’s car coat. The firmness is never uncomfortable, as it is in an Audi. It’s not a jiggliness that annoys. It’s a feeling that the suspension is sorted and that if you put your foot down, all will be well.
It is. It may have the same engine as Noah used in his ark but as a car for covering ground, on A-roads, my God. You can forget your BMWs. This is fanbleedingtastic. Balanced. Meaty. Pretty soon you’ll not give a damn that the light switch is on the indicator stalk and you won’t worry about the poor dipped-beam lighting either. The beam from your smile will illuminate the road ahead well enough.
This, then, is a car that’s flawed and fantastic, irritating and rewarding, mad and bad. But when all is said and done – and this is the nonsensical joy of cars – I liked it. I looked forward to driving it. I’m sad it’s not here any more.
Because of this I have a sneaking suspicion that Jag, after 40 years of misery, is about to have the most delightful Indian summer.
Vital statistics
Model Jaguar XF SV8
Engine 4196cc, eight cylinders
Power 416bhp @ 6250rpm
Torque 413 lb ft @ 3500rpm
Transmission Six-speed auto with paddle shift
Fuel 22.4mpg (combined cycle)
CO2 299g/km
Acceleration 0-60 in 5.1sec
Top speed 155mph (limited)
Road tax band G (£300 a year)
Price £54,900
On sale Now
Rating 
Verdict Superbad
i just got one (v8) less than 2 weeks ago, and omg. i love it love it love it!.. i feel so powerful in it. and i live in a country where every other car is a lexus, bmw, M-Benz or porsche! but i feel like a queen in this car and the driving is amazing! i think jaguar really hit the right string!!
Dalal, kuwait, Kuwait
XF is a good looking car even if it took or didn't take from GS but is better looking than it and nobody cant deny that the only flaw in the styling is the rounded part of the headlight. As for Tata ownership think the Jag is still function as Brit. The XF has more soul into it than it German rivals
Salem Al-Maskari, Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Jag XF is simply is a fantastic machine to drive. What disappointed me though was that the display was all too confusing and I'd rather drive than figure out my new TV set with a 12 font display! But the drive, exhilerating! Over to Tata now!
Vinesh, Dubai, UAE
I saw one just now and that's the reason i decided to visit his site. That is an indication of how majestic the car is.
Puledi, Polokwane, South Africa
I have had my XF for 3 months and am totally in love with it. Having had 8 BMW;'s and still own one, I can hand on heart say it is miles better than any BM I have owned. Yes you can be picky with any car but on all major counts it wins for me. It is simply a wonderfully designed car( by a Scot).
Erick, Edinburgh, Scotland
Well I saw a Jaguar XF in a car park yesterday and immediately fell in love with the styling. I hadn't seen one before nor been influenced in anyway but what I might have read. So I had to take a peek at the rear end to see what it was ...!! Forget all the prejudice and open your mind to this car
Martin, London,
Tata. are a major engineering firm,capable of any level of expertise.During the 1920s the Raj employed them to build railway tunnels through mountains..As for the the new Jag,well we shall see,but I would like to hear from someone who knows cars as apposed to image makers
GN Longley, Walsall, UK
I have had nice cars. When I was younger it was Porsche. I owned two. I then went to BMW, Alfa Romeo and Mercedes. If I liked the car enough I would by another, thus the two Porsches. It was 1987 when I first really noticed the Jags. I have owned five and still have three including the 07 XK. Lovely
Don, Morgan Hill, California, USA
Plato Said - 'When it comes to taste, there is no dispute’.True Jaguar has new owners and most of the comments on the XF have been made by people trying to reaffirm their own decision-making skills. Stylistically all lines will look familiar, if he/she has been staring at their Hyundai for too long.
Sylvester, Melbourne, Australia
this is the baddest looking "luxury" car ever built!
it looks like a ridicolous lexus or hyunday,what a shame!
more these stupid "designers" try to modernize car design more they help destroyin the car industry!
MARCO, MILANO,
If anyone questions the quality of this car (I own one, unlike most people commenting here), talk to somebody who's driven one. They are simply superb, and beat anything the Germans (or Lexus) are putting out. An extremely fine car that turns heads and is pleasure to drive.
Scott, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Brillliant. Different and the future of Jag. Front is fine. Jeremy is from Bavaria and a BMW clone with a funny nose.
Derek Robbins, Newton Abbot, UK
Beuatiful car except, and its a big ecept, for the front end. The lights.What have they done..... Its looks like a cheap east european car. But from the rea and side its looks great.
I think I'll wait for the facelift in a few years time when hopefully they will listen to the feedback and make the front look much more like the concept versio. Then it will be a world beater..... right ?
Byron, London, London
Hi Jeremy
You may be very good at cars. But I hate when you make comments like "horrid cars" on other car manufacturers. Try to think twice before making such comments on others.
TT, Bracknell, UK
I was really interested in purchasing this car until i saw the front. They have really messed it up. I will now consider the Lexus GS which they copied ( the shape that is ).
From the review I also guess nothing has changed with Jag engineering and fit and finish.
Sam, stoke on Trent, UK
When Ford purchased Jaguar, it was the world sports car champion for most of the 1980's, had a string of Le Mans wins with the silk cuts & in Australia, the XJ-S raced and won against the agricultural best efforts of Ford and GM at the Bathurst 1000 km race... It was like watching a V12 Spitfire shoot up a box kite
People forget that in 1986 the square headlighted XJ-40 was groundbreaking and sold like hot cakes. With it's fresh styling and Tokyo at night dash, It was not stuffy and old. Think back to what a 1986 Vauxhall looked like and in retrospect, the XJ-40 was a space ship. thats why Ford wanted in
Ford's first move was to remove the space age dash (fit retro dials) and replace the square headlights (with retro round lights), remove the aggressive bonnet creases & make it look old. Give me a Jaguar Jag (or new XF) over a Ford retro Jag any day
Everyone loves Aston Martins... It's because they are Jags, right down to the beating V12 hearts. but the New XF SV8... where do I sign
Peter Buckley, Fennell Bay, New South Wales
Craig McAlpine - those headlights are not the sebring one upsidedown they are Passat headlights upsidedown
Guy, Plymouth, Devon
I'm in two minds over the XF. I see it as a BMW customer chaser; it seems a bit 'German'. It's a way of getting people who would normally buy an A6 or 5 series. It truly is stunning inside, and not too shabby from outside. OK, the engine is a bit dated now, but it's a bleeding good one.
The desire to be like the Germans though I think is going to be its downfall. People buy Jaguars because they're different: they've got a character that you just don't get out of BMW or mercs.
They're refusal to modernise makes them what they are.
More people visit museums than modern art galleries.
Take the S-Type: It's been described by some as a pathetic attempt to sell a picture postcard of 1950's England to Johnny Foreigner. Fair enough, But why then isn't the BMW mini and the Fiat 500 in the same category? Why are they "retro" and "cool".
Jaguar are old fashioned. But it's their fashion. Isn't the height of coolness not complying with the norm
Dave Sanders, bristol, UK
Those Front lights are taken from a chrysler sebring and turned upside down
Craig McAlpine, Coventry,
I have an X-Type in pillar box red and love the vehicle and the looks I get from driving down the High Street; it's a real head turner. I have had a New Mondeo as well but the Jaguar is far more refined and luxurious vehicle that I look forward to driving, not just getting from A to B. The vehicle ownership is all about the pleasure that the vehicle gives you and you only get that feeling from a premium vehicle. Take a Jaguar for a test drive for a weekend and then look at the people looking at you in the vehicle and say that Jaguar is not a refined premium vehicle that will give you driving pleasure.
Russ Belcher, Oxford, UK
I don't understand the jag bashing that the cars have to undergo all the time. Jags have been as good or better than the German competition since the last 10-15 years. Ask anyone who has owned one. My 1997 XJR has 178k miles on the clock, goes like stink, is stylishly handsome in a classic way, is comfortable, still looks great, and smells like a shoe factory inside, with relatively minimal maintenance. If the new XF is any bit as good Jaguar have a winner on their hands.
Dolle Dolf, NJ, USA
jaguar is still owned by ford and not tata
laxi, essex, england
On the look front I would agree that the Production version of teh XF is a major let down from the concept. The circular head lamp spoils the look.
Interiors look much better than the current Jag's. Hopefully reliability improves with this model. The same is the issue with its new owner TATA!
jaseem aliyar, des plaines, US
But the question remains.... why on earth would anybody who isn't English buy a Jaguar?
There are so many better things for the money.
I would not want to bet my warranty that Jaguar will still exist in ten years time.
As Jeremy says, there is also the image problem. Jaguars simply don't look like $60,000 cars, and outside of the UK the badge means nothing.
Simon, Melbourne, Australia
Just to say, I say a transporter loaded with them a few days ago on the M42 and I wanted one badly!!! A feeling I have never had about a Jaguar before. Apart from the naff grill which they can fix on the first facelift - in the metal the car looked fantastic, more big Aston Martin Coupe than big booted exec saloon. It makes a 5 series look like a frumpy old geometry exercise.
R Chance, Redditch,
The interior is wonderful, but it's a shame it looks like the new Mondeo on the outside - only with eyebrows.
Mark Daniels, Chippenham, Cambs, UK
What a pity Ford couldn't afford a modern engine so that the diesel with miserable performance is less fuel efficient and more road tax costly than a proper BMW 3 litre petrol engine. It's just too expensive on fuel at today's fuel prices!
jeff, wolverhampton,
It does indeed look like a Sonata, or Hyundai Grandeur/Kia Magentis/Kia Opirus. Jaguar cars was once quite recognisable...
Krister Wendin, Lund, Sweden
anyone else think the front end looks like a huyundai sonata?
a_m, london,
"...the guardsman-sharp creases on the bonnet and razor-thin headlamps – have not made it onto the production car."
A shame, really. The C-XF looked promising and purposeful. The actual XF, though, does look surprisingly ordinary and plain.
About the only reason I would tell somebody to consider this car is if they really want to strive to be different. Otherwise, the XF probably isn't as tuned as a 5 Series, probably isn't as reliable as an Audi, and probably doesn't command the respect of an E-Class.
Jaguar should go back to the drawing board, and instead of wanting to look more modern...it should revert back to creating original-looking autos, not derivatives.
Aleks, Beograd, SRB
If Tony Blair's got one I wouldn't be seen dead in it.
leigh vernier, riyadh, ksa
Its a Jaguar, a very pretty Jaguar, it makes all the right noises, its comfortable, its stylish, it handles well, it draws admiring glances, but being a Jaguar there is something if cannot possibly be!....................RELIABLE.
Mark Robbins, London, United Kingdom
Jeremy,
I'm a big fan and want to have you in our Autos site:
http://autos.alltop.com/
But I can only find your opinion column feed. Is there a feed for your auto stuff? Note the pole position we're holding for you.
Guy Kawasaki
Guy Kawasaki, Palo Alto, USA/Silicon Valley
I fear that this Jaguar is going to be actually not very good. I wish it were very good, but I think Mr. Clarkson, you are actually afraid to really express what you think about the XF because you think if you really were to say what you think about it, you would be giving a knockout uppercut to a British institution and be unpatriotic. The XF should be better than it currently is. They messed up the front after having gotten it right in that beautiful concept model. Your enthusiasm for the car somehow strikes me as being false. You rip the car for 3/4 of the column then say you would take it over a similar BMW, Audi, or Lexus? Naww...why? Does it really stir that much in you over BMW and Audi( Lexus is for funeral directors and the sort...) You know that your comments are very influential and even on the Top Gear episode, you didn't seem very impressed. Would you take the XF or a similarly Mondeo? My thoughts...I hope Jaguar stays in Britain and can conjure up something soul stirring
Raul, Miami, FL, USA
It doesn't matter how good the new Jag is. The way I was treated at a Jag showroom in Amersham a few years back will not entice me back. Ever.
Tony, Chalfont St Peter, Bucks
I wanted to buy a new 4.2 S type last year, as my BMW 530 was getting a little too expensive for maintenance. The local Jaguar dealer was less than helpful, in fact when I rang them re a beautiful black model sitting on his lot, he said "We sold that last night". He made no offer to help me get the car I wanted, in fact he didn't even ask for my phone number, I had to offer it to him. He never called.
I ended up buying an MB E320, not the worlds most exciting car but looks good, runs well and even my wife likes it. I would still love a 4.2 S type, having owned a 3.8 S in the early 70's. That car was beautiful to drive, but was totally unreliable, used huge amounts of fuel and had no resale value.
I guess not much has changed over the years. By the way I think the front of the XF is starting to look like a madern Volvo, that can't help it much.
Malcolm Cottrell, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I think Tata will give the people a chance at Jaguar to flourish. If The XF is as good as Jeremy says it is then you ain't seen nothing yet. It is nice to see somebody believing in and investing in BRITISH engineering. The team at Jaguar and Land Rover have got owners that will think long term and give them a platform to expand their business in Asia. So to all the skeptics who live in the past, please look to the future and think out of the box.
Amit , London, UK
Well, having just bought one, I really like it. I've owned jags since 1991 and had every model in the range. I've always found them to be fantastic cars. I test drove BMWs and Audis this time and prefer the XF. I didn't test drive a Merc 'cus the last brand new one I owned caught fire in the first week - Merc gave me my money back. The bottom line is that you buy what you like. I don't compare it with other car shapes (they all tend to copy each other anyway), features (the XF has all the gadets I find useful) and such things as resale values (all cars are a hugely depreciating asset - even my wife's so-called 'low depreciation' Mini). I like the shape, love the new interior and like how easy it is to drive and use.
I'm not sure that Ford didn't understand Jaguar, having had many passionate Jaguar people involved in the development of the company. Ford were very good for Jaguar and resolved a lot of the problems from the BLMC days. I'm sure Tata will be good too.
Keith Price, Stevenage, UK
The US publications that got a chance to test drive it in Arizona have also been very positive. Sounds by all the technical problems, he didn't have a full production version. It seems most people don't like the front. I bet you have all the stupid pedestrian safety requirement in the EU and UK to thank for that. The price is in line with the 5 series and E class. The interior and performance seem to be as good as its competitors from the reviews. If you check JD powers or consumer reports you will see that reliability is nearly good as BMW.and better than Mercedes. The only major negative is fuel consumption and using an older engine which has good performance but isn't as effiicent.
Jerry, Los Angeles, ca
Just got back from Seoul and undoubtedly the front looks like a Hyundai Sonata. Staggeringly bad coincidence.
Nick, Bangkok,
"How many other car manufacturers have such endurance with the same model which is still selling after 4 decades and looks definitely identifiable with the original?"
Um, let's see. Porsche?
Bristols are as pig ugly now as they were 30 years ago. They weren't too bad when they were knocked off post war Beemers, I suppose.
John, Auckland,
Is it just me or does the front end look like that of a Subaru Legacy/Liberty?
Craig Stampfli, Ocean Reef, Australia / WA
I'm not sure but I think Jaguar at some point decided to be a big company like Mercedes and BMW. It wasnt. There's too much soul in Jaguar. It looks beautiful and should be made with limited orders. But more realistically I hope Tata make an XJ0.5 with a tiny engine and all the delicious engineering and beauty that goes into such a unique car.
BY the way I like Clarkson's pieces -- they are over the top and great fun!
BK, toronto, canada
Does it not occur to Mr Clarkson that the fact that the XJ, for example, is still available in several models, which, in external appearance at least, are still instantly recognisable as the XJ elegance of 40 years ago, indicates that a Jaguar has the style and staying power which signifies a panache uniquely British? How many other car manufacturers have such endurance with the same model which is still selling after 4 decades and looks definitely identifiable with the original? As the proud owner of a 2008 XJ Vanden Plas contemplating an XF Super V8 as a second car then I say "Good old 'Arfer, get my sheepskin out of mothballs."
David, Eustis, Florida/USA
I have always laboured under the misapprehension that the "L" in le Mans wasn't capitalised, unless it was at the beginning of a new sentance.
Thank you Mr Clarkson, for educating me in the niceties of competent journalism, I stand corrected.
Fellay Timi, Manchester, England
I dread reading Clarkson's reviews because of his over-the-top style, but this one had a good ending. I think. Go Jag-wire.
Gene, Denver, USA
Jeremy .. if its passion you are looking for in cars ... then please realise that there are few companies in the world with more passion than Tata. Yes, the Nano is built on a budget ... but to actually build something that cheap AND ensure it works requires some pretty bright engineering. Sure, their cars are crap on European roads ... but I would like to see a Jaguar XF on India's dreadful highways in 46 degree temperatures or wading through floods or in conditions that are so humid, it actually feels like 55 degrees. Or, for that matter, at the Khardungla pass, at an altitude of more than 18,500 feet. Your gorgeous Jag would be lying by the side of the road ... while that soul-less, built to a price Nano putters happily along.
Now Sir, that is passion.
Vishnu Som, New Delhi, India
Clarkson is like an alchemist and an alchemist in reverse (whatever that might be called?). He creates gold from nowhere merely using letters from the alphabet, and then he’s there to pour acid onto anything tangible or intangible that is – well – not very golden. This then dissolves under his tongue. Does this make sense to anyone? To you J.C?
Christopher Oldham, Newark, Notts.
Interetsing read a bunch of comments from people that have never owned a Jaguar.
I'm on my second Jag now, both bought new in the last five years. Before that I had a Merc and a BMW. Are either as good as the Jags to drive and live with - no.
Perhaps these people that have never owned one know something I don't?
Steve, Leicestershire,
If Tat, and that's not a misspelling, do end up buying Jaguar, I can't see sales of this or Land Rover improving. Both are supposed to be prestige marques, who on earth is going to buy a car owned by a crap Indian conglomerate?
Lets face facts here folks, India is hardly the cutting edge of automotive excellence and design. Should they succeed in the Jaguar and Land Rover bid, we're not about to see a wholesale transformation of Jaguar with a slew of exciting new cars on the horizon. Having said that, there are many who would agree that Jaguar has never been exciting anyway and was well served by the geriatrics and over 50's market so perhaps it's fitting that Clarkson rates them so highly.
Vic, Bradford,
The concept looked nice indeed, but THIS looks like a Hyundai (the Koreans are right to grin here). Aston Martin still beats it.
Cezary, Inowroclaw, Poland
What the hell is wrong with this writer of this story? He seems depressed that Jaguar is sold to an Indian company!, I own a Tata Safari and in no way this car is Horrod as he described! If he makes a good research about Tata he will learn that Tata made alot of aquisitions in the past that made Tata even bigger today! Tata have good management that can turn anything from coal to gold. I like to wish Tata the best of luck.
Dharry, york, Ireland
Jaguar was a highly regarded English marque. But that was a long time ago. Now it's a very dull car produced by the dullard bean counters at Ford. Only the English, masters of living in the past, could get excited about it.
And Jeremy Clarkson gets excited simply by looking in a mirror.
Peter, Brisbane, Australia
I see the V8 models in the U.S.A. are priced from 50,000 US$, while we are expected to pay about 50,000 pounds. The thought of paying double the amount asked of our American cousins if certainly enough to put me off. I'd like one at the American rate. If past Jaguar depreciation is any guide, I won't have long to wait.
Colin B, Ascot,
At last something Britain can be proud of.
Such a pity it'll coincide with the mother of all recessions and nobody will be able to afford one.
Bill, Madrid,
If it's made in Mumbai perhaps it will cost £20,000? Then it will definitely sell. £55,000 does seem rather a lot.
Colin, Shrewsbury,
So if Jags were so bad why did you drive an XjR for so long Jezza!!!??
P.S. Have owned an E type since 1973 and it still gives me enormous pleasure driving (and looking at) it.
Bruce, London, England
Any idea what the car will be worth in 3 years time ?
peter macgregor, bandar lampung, indonesia
C'mon Jeremy...enough of the Jag lust! The problem with the new Ford Jaguar is that it looks like a Subary Liberty (or Legacy, i'm Aussie and not sure what you call them in the UK) and it no doubt handles like the glammed up Mondeo it is! The problem for Jaguar is that they have not actually built a Jaguar for years. My dear 'ol dad has a fantastic 1986 Series III V12 Sovereign that is an absolute delight to drive, but it suffers from reliability issues. But that's exactly where Ford came in. It is a shame that Britain had to sell all of its car companies to the Germans and Americans to make their cars work!
AdamB, Sydney, Australia
If Blair's got one, I don't want one.
steve tea, manchester, cheshire
Nearly all British motoring publications have declared the new XF as the best in its class. But I'm a bit sceptical. Every time there is a half decent Jag or Land Rover the Blighty's motoring hacks go all wobbly at the knees and witter on about a "World beater". A bit of sub-conscious Union Jack waving at heart perhaps. I suspect you won't get this reaction in anywhere else outside the UK.
Nevertheless, despite the XF looking too much like the Lexus GS for comfort, the consensus is that the XF is a fine drive and decently put together. So, it's ironic just at the time Jag might have a sales hit on its hands Ford is getting shot of it.
So, Tata Jaguar (sorry, couldn't resist that one)
Rick, London,
first of all i have not driven one, however, I wont either.
When I was a joung boy some 30 years ago I was a HUGE Jaguar fan. The cars were special (and the cars from then still are). But this one....?????
It's dull and boring. Designed like an ugly Volvo. It puts me off for a start. The price is ridiculous and the performance and all the technical problems are just again typical. Jaguar is dead unless 'se' Germans buy it like they did with the Mini and other brands.
My verdict: it's a dead cat bouncing before its final standstill.
Konrad, Hucknall, Notts
My neighbor who works at the Jaguar dealer says sales are nearly nonexistent. The XF badly needs to be loved.
Dave, Vero Beach , Florida