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The new Jaguar XF has recently been launched and will soon be on sale. Bluesky Interactive are based close to Jaguar's HQ at Gaydon in Warwickshire, and I was lucky enough to have an exclusive ride in the new model before it is available to the public.

With a selection of versions lined up in the crisp winter sunshine at the Heritage Motor Centre, first impressions are of a car that is much better looking in the flesh than it might appear on the pages of a magazine. Some journalists have complained about some of the detailing, but overall it has a definite presence, and it's not in any way retro like its predecessor the S-TYPE.

The subtle references to previous models within the design, such as the bonnet bulge and the sweep of the side glass, make it recognisably a Jaguar, something that should help it stand out among the ranks of BMWs and Mercedes in the company car park.

I didn't get to drive the car, but as it was a diesel and not the range-topping supercharged V8 I wasn't terribly disappointed. Even so, the diesel is refined and handles like something much smaller and sportier.

Being a passenger did at least give me a chance to appreciate the fantastic interior, which is full of clever details like the rotary-dial gear change for the automatic gearbox. The car also has a keyless start and amazing 'hidden' vents for the climate control, and these all feel like useful features rather than new technology just for the sake of it. The optional 440W B&W surround system sounds incredible too, which is easy to appreciate when the car itself is so quiet.

Jaguar may have had its problems in recent years, but with new ownership on the horizon and products as competitive as the new XF, the future definitely looks bright.

Labels: Manufacturers, New Models