Jaguar's XF Sportbrake 07 | 03 | 2012
JAGUAR'S SCOTS DESIGN boss Ian Callum (pictured) unveiled the new XF Sportbrake (see more official photos of the new Jagaur XF Sportbrake) at the Geneva Motor Show. Predicted to go on sale in Scottish dealerships in November, there's also believed to be a four-wheel-drive, 542bhp version due to follow next year.
While the 4x4 version will be attractive for Scottish buyers, its main target market is the snowbelt States of America.
And while the performance versions will lock horns with he Audi RS6 Avant, BMW M5 Touring and Mercedes E63 AMG estate, it's the excellent 2.2 diesel which is expected to be the big seller in Scotland.
Entirely new from the B-pillars back, the XF estate includes the sometimes controversial black C-pillar detail has been carried over from the Jaguar XJ saloon.
Jaguar — under the ever-watchful eyes of Scots design boss Ian Callum — the estate has a new roof and modified rear door frames and windows: this combination release an extra 48mm of headroom for rear-seat passengers.
First sight of Jaguar XF Sportbrake
The design advances continue into the rear seats, which feature 60/40 split and an integral ski hatch. And cleverly, the rear seat backs can be dropped while accessing the luggage area through the tailgate opening by using levers installed in the load bay.
As in all estates, stowage figures are crucial. With the rear seats in the upright position, the boot volume is a roomy 550 litres — the Audi A6 Avant and 5-series Touring each offer 560 litres and the Mercedes E-class estate has a 696-litre hold.
Fold the rear seats down, and stowage increases to 1675 litres, slightly bigger than both the A6 and the 5-series, which both have a 1670-litre capacity.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the E-class still tops the class for all-out load-carrying ability, with 1765 litres.
And there's good news if you're a golfer: the loadbay is 1.06m wide. That, according to Jaguar, is big enough for bags of golf clubs to be stored sideways. Personally, I suspect you still might need to take the driver and 3-wood out of the bag!
Jaguar's new XF dips under £30k barrier
Jaguar's designers have also been clever in creating a central section of the boot floor which is hinged into three sections and can be used as a divider to stop smaller items of luggage from rolling around.
Additional storage space is also available under the floor and two full-length aluminium floor rails to which nets and retaining bars can be attached.
Initially there will be a choice of four diesel engines: the 2.2-litre, four-cylinder unit in 161bhp and 187bhp guises, and the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 in two versions: 237bhp and 271bhp.
And Jaguar will make two exterior packages available for the Sportbrake. While the Aero pack (which is standard on the S model) adds a deeper front bumper, side sills and rear valance, the Black pack replaces the exterior brightwork with gloss black trim and dark-coloured wheels.
As for prices, Jaguar is remaining tightlipped. Expect though the entry-model 2.2 diesel to cost mid-£32k, with the range-topping 3.0D S nudging just past the £44k mark.
Read our roadtest of the Jaguar XF 3.0V6
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill