Brand new Jaguar Sportbrake extends XF’s business appeal

IF you always wanted a bit more practicality than the desirable Jaguar XF saloon could muster, then you need wait no more.

Or at least until Quarter 4.

That’s when you’ll find the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake estate in Jaguar dealers – and it’s a car we’re sure all small business owners will be sidestepping the Audi, BMW and Mercedes showrooms to get to.

The Jaguar XF has been a huge hit with small businesses and SME directors since its launch in 2008.

But this new XF Sportbrake estate, powered by the choice of 190PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel with fuel-saving intelligent stop-start and 3.0-litre V6 diesel in two states of tune (240PS or 275PS in topline ‘S’ specification), is big business car news and will provide more choice for business users who want a premium executive car. But with a bit of practicality thrown in.

And the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake has that: there’s a flat load floor with a load length of 1970mm and a load height to the roof of 700mm. Total storage area is 1675 litres. Meanwhile air suspension on the rear axle ensures self-levelling when you carry loads.

Just because this is an estate, doesn’t mean the Sportbrake has lost any of its upmarket appeal. The load bay is trimmed in a charcoal premium carpet, but you can upgrade to lighter carpets if you wish. And the grab handle that lifts up the boot floor to reveal an underboot storage area is made of leather, too. Twin 360 degree grab handles on the rear door – made from lightweight plastics – mean the boot can be closed from either side.

Lighting on the tailgate – electric operation is an option – floods the boot and surrounding area to maintain the Jaguar XF’s sense of theatricality.

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It also doesn’t mean the XF is missing any of its sporting appeal either.

According to Damian Lawton, Jaguar’s product marketing director, the new XF Sportbrake is “a blend of sporting dynamic performance with quietness and comfort.”

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And Damian also acknowledges that it’s important for the XF Sportbrake to have the right business car and small fleet appeal. “70% of the cars in this sector are bought by businesses with corporate money, while the majority of those buyers have families – hence the need for something to provide additional practicality, which is also why we’ve ensured there are five seats. But what we are also seeing is a downsizing to the four-cylinder engine as pressures on benefit in kind company car taxation grows.”

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We have no word on final pricing yet – although expect a premium of £1500-£2000 on the saloon price, in line with other car makers in this sector – or, indeed, of final CO2 emissions. So we don’t know final benefit in kind business car tax bands yet.

While all Jaguar XF Sportbrake models will be fitted with self-levelling air suspension at the rear, additional technology available includes Jaguar Adaptive Dynamics system, Adaptive Front Lighting (throws lights into the corners, automatically switches between low and high beam) and Adaptive Cruise Control.

In addition you can enhance the road presence with Jaguar’s Aero and Black styling packs, both of which will available from launch.

“The Jaguar XF Sportback matches the saloon in both aerodynamics and torsional stiffness,” added Mike Cross, Jaguar’s chief engineer. “The use of air suspension has allowed us to create a car that captures the unique combination of refinement and outstanding dynamics abilities, regardless of its load.”

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Also read this

Go to the Editor’s Blog and read Secret reveal of new Jaguar XF Sportbrake.

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