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[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Yes, the dreaded derv has been banished but in some respects I actually quite liked it. Economy being one.

The good.

The new XF drives beautifully and handles like a good sports saloon should. The 8 speed ZF torque converter auto is excellent. Ride comfort on optional 20 inch wheels was impressive. Rear passenger legroom much better than my XF.

The car is at it's best between 1500 and 4000 RPM. 300 BHP is significant shove for an oil burner, but it's the 516 lb ft of 'stump pulling' torque that makes the car so effortlessly fast. Car is quiet and refined when cruising.

This particular example came with plenty of toys. Speed limit recognition was useful and accurate. I liked the adaptive dynamics where engine, gearbox, and suspension could be individually set. Probably wasted on a derv though.


The bad.

At start up, and just above idle, the agricultural 3 litre V6 lump made a noise similar to a school bus. It could be made to rev to a heady 4500 RPM but sounded strained. For most purposes it was 'dead in the water' by 4000 RPM giving a narrow workable power band.

The plastics and leather used for the interior are quite 'low rent' and inferior to the old XF.

Not a lot else really. An excellent car let down by a lorry engine and cost-cutting inside.

I' certainly buy one with the appropriate engine.

 



 

[Kevin Wood]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

Apparently, Kevin, most derv owners are obsessed with fuel economy. Just look at that Tunnie chappy.

[Varche]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

Here is the interesting steer.....if you are willing to accept a slightly older car (2-3 years old), you can get the jag for the same money as a 6 month old Mondeo 

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

The most economical drivers aim for 5.0 for braking or the lack of it. 5.0 for cruise and constant speed. And 5.0 for being gentle with the pedal on the right.

I managed 4.9 for the 'braking bit'

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

eight speed should be adequate for a diesel power band .

The driving score looked interesting. Please explain. Would kevin have got 25 or 75? Do you have to drive it for 40 hours before you get a darth vader?

Do you actually get to use the extra performance over say a V6 omega or even a decent Mondeo? I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well.

If memory serves the car was a Jaguar S-Type 2.7D driven by that half-crazed German bint.

[Varche]

"Driving score"? Is it a car or a playstation?

Apparently, Kevin, most derv owners are obsessed with fuel economy. Just look at that Tunnie chappy.

That comes from not being titled Lincolnshire gentry.

[tunnie]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone it’s now becoming that special car!

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone which it’s now becoming that special car!

It pains me to say it, Mr Tunnie, but even with a diesel lump under the bonnet you won't go far wrong with the new XF.

[2boxerdogs]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

[Kevin Wood]

The most economical drivers aim for 5.0 for braking or the lack of it. 5.0 for cruise and constant speed. And 5.0 for being gentle with the pedal on the right.

I managed 4.9 for the 'braking bit'

.. and just my luck I'll be stuck behind them.

I always remember the Transit van versus Clarkson in some decent car around Nurburgring. Admittedly he didn't know the track too well shit. 

FTFY

[tunnie]

Can not see any point in having a prestige car with a diesel engine .

Cheaper road tax, better fuel economy. The V6 and V8 diesels are very smooth.

Often torque is better than BHP, think the diesel suits Range Rover better for example

[Doctor Gollum]

That last sentence is a given... Even the 2.2 DTi has as much torque as the 3.2

Still slow as shit compared to the petrol ones...

[tunnie]

Good report. 

I think XF/XJ is only real choice post 3.2, although I’m looking at 2010 plate XF-S examples. If the fox deal goes through.

But for now 3.2 will do, really beginning to love the 3.2. Now the 2.2 has gone which it’s now becoming that special car!

It pains me to say it, Mr Tunnie, but even with a diesel lump under the bonnet you won't go far wrong with the new XF.

Yup, cracking engines. Can't afford new XF. First generation only!