New Jaguar XF 2012 model

The new Jaguar XF is a world-class luxury mid-size European sedan featuring a host of standard inclusions that other manufacturers list as options. Jaguar has made the sleek sedan look even better as part of running changes for the 2012 model with the addition of a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel model at a starting price of $78,900 or $84,990 drive-away. As a bonus a Jaguar XF 2.2 can be fitted with the performance sports seats, 20-inch alloy wheels and a bodykit from the XFR from under $100,000.

Special 'Driveaway' prices at $84,990 for the 2.2 diesel Luxury and $89,990 for the V6 petrol Luxury will definitely lure new car buyers back into Jaguar showrooms. The emphasis is directed to the new 2.2 litre engine while other engines such as the twin-turbo, 3.0-litre V6 diesel, naturally-aspirated V6 petrol plus naturally aspirated and supercharged V8 petrol remain the same as the previous model.

2012 Jaguar XF Diesel range is: 2.2 Luxury $78,900, 2.2 Premium Luxury $86,100, 3.0 Luxury $103,500, 3.0 Premium Luxury $112,500, 3.0 S $125,100, 3.0 S Portfolio $142,100. The petrol range starts with the V6 Luxury $89,900, V6 Premium Luxury $97,100, V8 Luxury $129,600, V8 Portfolio $146,600 and the ultimate performance XFR at $210,900.

Although new in the Jaguar ,the 2.2 litre engine has been jointly developed with Peugeot with a third generation of that engine also used by Land Rover. Substantial re-engineering work was done on the unit to configure to the longitudinal installation in the Jaguar XF. Maximum power is 140kW at 3500rpm, peak torque of 240Nm at 2000rpm and acceleration from zero to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds boasting a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 5.4l/100kms and exhaust emissions of 149g/km.

The Jaguar's old 6-speed gearbox has been replaced by the new 8-speed automatic transmission with a brand new electronically controlled system called 'Hydraulic Impulse Storage' which keeps some transmission fluid in the gearbox lubricating the moving parts within 400 milliseconds so there are no lurches during re-start and acceleration, after the engine management system shuts and restarts the engine to keep emissions to a minimum. The new 2.2 litre delivers good acceleration and highway cruising in eighth gear at 1500 rpm.

The interior can be optioned with a 17-speaker, 1200W Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring a 30GB hard drive inclusive of satellite navigation displayed on a new centre-console, colour TFT screen. Partial leather seats with extra side support, and the addition of a new instrument panel with a second digital speedometer.

The entire Jaguar XF exterior has been revamped on the 2012 models. New front bumper / grille, front spoiler blades, a sleeker bonnet line and new tail-lights sporting small in-built Jaguar logos. The inclusion of HID Xenon head-lights with new LED DRLs which form a 'J' also come standard across all model variants.

Jaguar has tuned the suspension to match the new diesel power-plant improving the car's handling balance from already very good to excellent. The idle-stop-restart engine which does so with just one revolution works well and complements the 8-speed gear-box even in heavy traffic conditions around town.

On the highway, the Jaguar XF 2.2 diesel performs admirably with engine, tyre and wind noise very low inside the sleek British luxury cat.

More impressive is the 'sport' mode transmission paddle shift which one can 'stack' for quick down shifts. Be daring -- take one for a test drive!