Jaguar's 2012 model line-up, currently making its world debut at the New York motor show, includes an extensively revised XF, upgraded inside and out to bring it in line with the new XJ flagship sedan.
A reshaped grille, bonnet and front fenders with new triangular side vents give the car a more muscular appearance; the XF Supercharged now has a louvres featuring the “supercharged” script to distinguish it from the naturally aspirated models and the XFR also gets its own style to underline its performance potential.
All three variants, however, now have slimmer, more compact bi-function HID xenon headlights incorporating LED daytime running lights in a distinctive “J-Blade” layout. The tail lights are now fully LED-powered and extend into the boot lid, separated by a revised trim with a glossy black lower edge.
The XF cabin retains the special features that make it distinctive even in the ultra-competitive premium sedan segment, such as drive selector that rises from the centre console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the start button is pressed - but it's also had a style makeover worthy of a reality TV show.
Front and rear seats now have a “hoop” design element on the seat and backrest that looks good and improves their support. The buttons and switchgear on the centre console, dashboard and steering wheel have a more luxurious soft-touch black finish, and the “Tungsten” trim has been replaced by a more contemporary “Aurora” colour.
Extra buttons have been added below the 180mm touch-screen to switch instantly between different functions, the screen has a new polarising filter for improved contrast and the graphics have been revised to look like the stunning display of the XJ.
Three new audio systems are offered on the XF, including a 1200W, 17-speaker surround sound setup from British audio experts Bowers & Wilkins, and all XF models now have a hard-drive based satnav that incorporates a “virtual” CD changer - you can transfer 10 CDs at a time into the car's memory and play them as if they were physically there. The system also has two input ports - one for iPods and the other for a USB or other MP3 digital music player - and Bluetooth connectivity so you can stream music from your smartphone.
All of which can be controlled, hands-free, by interactive voice commands.
The revised Jaguar XF will be released in South Africa during the fourth quarter of 2011.