Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/278185
VII maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 MARCH 2014 Luxury cars become more accessible in Jaguar's new range Power to the people - the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake FROM real-world efficiency to storming performance, Jaguar's XF range caters to every mindset without compromising on the luxury, refinement and versatility expected of a Jaguar. The XFR-S Sportbrake is the first high-performance R-S branded sports estate car to be produced by Jaguar, with 550PS on tap and 1,675 litres of rear load space. A 5.0-litre supercharged V8 delivers 550PS and 680Nm of torque, while the XF R-Sport is available with Jaguar's new four-cylinder, 2.2-litre diesel 163PS engine, making the R-Sport capable of achieving 57.7mpg with a CO2 figure of just 129g/km. The new Jaguar XF R-Sport is the first Jaguar to adopt the company's new R-Sport branding and is available in Saloon and Sportbrake variants. The XFR-S Sportbrake incorporates engineering features from both the XKR-S and the all-new F-TYPE two- seater sports car to create the most driver-focused, agile and responsive iteration of Jaguar's award winning XF model range. "The 2015 Jaguar XF model range has an incredible breadth of capability. From a blistering top speed of 300Km/h for the XF R Sportbrake, to an emission figure of just 129g/km for the XF R-Sport 2.2 diesel, there's an XF to suit every taste", Jaguar's Vehicle Line Director, Ian Hoban said. The XFR-S Sportbrake is the first high-performance sports estate car to be produced by Jaguar. Building on the acclaimed XFR-S saloon, it boasts the same power figures and levels of agility, but with increased versatility and practicality. The XFR-S Sportbrake will sprint from zero to 60mph in 4.6 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds) and on to an electronically limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h) An eight-speed transmission with 'Quickshift' functionality enables optimal acceleration throughout the speed and rev ranges, while the XFR-S Saloon's chassis has been specifically retuned for the XFR-S Sportbrake. In order to manage the extra rear mass of the XFR-S Sportbrake while retaining the sharp turn-in and response of the XFR-S Saloon, the Sportbrake's rear suspension has been modified with revisions to both rear spring rates and the adaptive damper tune. These revisions work together to increase the feeling of connectivity with the road surface, allowing for confidence-inspiring handling and a supple, controlled ride. Recalibrated active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control settings have been tuned to work with the XFR-S Sportbrake's modified rear suspension to allow the enthusiastic driver to make the most of the car's huge potential. Active electronic differential and Dynamic Stability Control systems brought over from the XFR-S Saloon enhance the XFR-S Sportbrake's handling characteristics as aerodynamic changes reduce lift compared to the standard Sportbrake and give the XFR-S Sportbrake an assertive appearance. Reflecting the changes under the skin, the appearance of the XFR-S Sportbrake has been subtly modified in order to allow the car to achieve its full potential. As with the standard Jaguar Sportbrake, the combination of a flowing rear window graphic, rising waist and estate roof line lends the XFR-S Sportbrake a dynamic, broad-shouldered stance, while the extended roof line affords rear-seat passengers an additional 48mm of headroom and the seats offer both a 60:40 split fold function and integral ski hatch. Remote-fold levers inside the load-space opening allow the seats to be stowed flat quickly and easily, creating a cargo volume of up to 1,675 litres. Rear lift has been reduced through a spoiler mounted on the top of the rear hatch to manage the airflow off the top rear surface of the car. The new, deeper front bumper incorporates larger lower central and side air intakes – the former framed in carbon fibre – in order to provide adequate airflow into the engine bay. A front splitter at the lower edge of the bumper provides the first of a number of aerodynamic changes designed to smooth the passage of the car through the air at very high speeds. The extended side sills and aeroblade mouldings behind the front wheels serve to create a sharp break- off point between the lower bodywork and the road surface in order to keep the airflow attached to the car's sides for as long as possible. The new 'Jag' comes with 20-inch lightweight Varuna forged alloy wheels. A ceramic polish is applied to their outer surfaces, lending them an eye-catching appearance that contrasts with their inner gloss black areas. As an option, the wheels can be supplied in either full gloss black or technical grey finishes. Singing the SFR-s graces, Jaguar's Vehicle Programme Director Dean Murden said, "Combining real world versatility with electrifying performance, the XFR-S Sportsbrake brings Jaguar's sporting character to life in a truly engaging car that will satisfy most demanding drivers while fitting into the most active lifestyles". From the din of the Geneva Motor Show I passed to the comfortable silence of Jaguar's conference room, where Ian Callum, Jaguar's Design Director sat tweeting away and sipping on green tea. "Jaguar stands for performance and style. Aesthetically, we produce exciting designs that people see as beautiful, while at the same time creating an agile, aerodynamically excellent performance car" he said with a twinkle in his eye, before getting up and joining me to tour the Jaguar models on show. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTIAN MANGION