The Eighth Car
🇬🇧 Jaguar XF
Day 1 of posting whatever I want and I think I would like to make short personal reviews of the cars under my ownership starting from the most recent. If you’re reading this, please don’t judge hehe!
🔢 Stats
Engine Capacity: 1999cc (Cat B)
Max Power: 237bhp, 177 kW
Fuel C.: 9.5km/L (Mixed), 75L Tank
The Jaguar XF is a bit of an understated character. It does not shout for attention the way some German sedans do. Instead, it leans into decent speed, long-legged comfort, and a sense of occasion every time I get behind the wheel.
It isn’t a common choice picked by Singaporeans, afraid of the reliability and scarcity of its parts (which is not true) hence it is rarer to spot the XF over its competitors. I think that this makes people pause, turn their heads and appreciate the beauty of the (as Clarkson likes to say) Jaaaaaag.
🏎 ️ Speed and Power..!!??
Say less. Under the hood lies the 2.0 Ford EcoBoost turbocharged engine coupled with the highly responsive 8-speed ZF gearbox. This car is not just about overtaking but leaping past elegantly and purring while you’re at it (just to let people know it’s a Jaguar passing not a B*W), well you have to hear it for yourself to believe it. 5🌟!
🎮 The Drive..!!??
Absolutely amazing! Depends on how you feel like driving it, the handling is nimble yet sharp. Smooth on the brakes/throttle and steering, a luxury sedan. Playful driving style? The cheeky RWD may either make you laugh or .. change your pants. 😝 The car is pretty wide and long (4.95m x 1.88m) so squeezing into narrow lanes like the Tuas Checkpoint might get you peeking left and right until you’re used to it. With a steering wheel designed at a steep rake angle, I would say that they made this a driver’s car by paying attention to the finest detail nobody thought of to further enhance the driving experience. From Zero to Hero, it is always ready to deliver performance as long as you can handle it. 5🌟!
PS, to date, I have driven this car to as far as Genting Highlands and a rough estimate of at least 1000km on the famous North-South Highway. There has been no setbacks or a time I felt uncomfortable with the nature and demands on the highways (IYKYK 😏). There are plans for a longer road trip to Thailand some time soon, but that’s for another story.
🛠️ Reliability & Maintenance..!!??
Apart from the usual wears and tears (not much tbh), the XF was left crippled in Msia by an approximately 22mm stone flying into the intercooler damaging it and eventually forcing me to limp the car onto the road shoulder to wait for rescue. I had it towed it to my Msian mechanic and found that the brute force resulted in a damaged intercooler and a cracked intercooler hose. It took only a day for the (pretty expensive) part to arrive and replaced before the XF was back on the roads smoother than ever. If you ask me, it’s the stone fault! 😤 Therefore, in terms of its reliability and maintenance cost, 4.5🌟!
💯 The Verdict
All in all, I must say that this is my favourite car out of all the cars I have owned. The balance of sheer joyful driving experience with its subtle touch of luxury at a decent depreciation brings out the smiles on the miles.
I think that the Jaguar XF deserves an easy 9.5/10 🤩
Having owned several luxury sedans before, I can say the Jaguar XF offers a unique charm that sets it apart. The underappreciated character of this car lies in its subtle but confident performance. Unlike many flashy German models, the XF quietly impresses with its smooth ride and refined handling. The 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost turbocharged engine coupled with the 8-speed ZF gearbox delivers a wonderful combination of power and efficiency, making both city commutes and long highway journeys enjoyable. One memorable experience was driving the XF through different terrains like the North-South Highway and even up to Genting Highlands. The car's rear-wheel drive configuration gives a playful yet composed feel on winding roads, though newcomers should take their time to get used to the vehicle's size when navigating tight spaces. The steering wheel's rake angle feels very natural, enhancing control and the overall driving experience. Maintenance-wise, while the XF isn’t immune to occasional mishaps—like the intercooler damage from a flying stone that the author mentioned—it’s reassuring to know that repairs are straightforward if you have access to a reliable mechanic. Parts may be pricey, but the durability and smooth performance after repairs make it worthwhile. In my own experience, regular maintenance keeps this model running seamlessly without frequent issues. What truly stands out is how the Jaguar XF balances luxury with a lively driving spirit. It’s not about loud statements but rather about delivering a refined, joyous experience every time you take the wheel. For anyone considering a luxury sedan that's a bit different from the norm and offers superb performance with style, the Jaguar XF is a compelling choice. Its rarity on Singapore roads also means you’ll turn heads and enjoy a distinct presence wherever you go.
very cramped back passenger seats. 0 leg room. but for driver and front passenger it’s super comfortable