Jaguar XF Sportbrake revealed

Jaguar unveiled its latest sporting saloon the XF Sportbrake in Geneva 2012. The XF Sportbrake takes Jaguar's globally acclaimed sporting saloon and extends its versatility and practicality while retaining the model's core values of dramatic, muscular elegance, a dynamic driving experience and contemporary luxury.

At-a-glance

·         The XF Sportbrake is the most versatile derivative of the Jaguar XF

·         It represents a compelling combination of elegance and capability - both practical and dynamic

·         It extends Jaguar's design leadership in a new direction to create a desirable, premium estate

·         Remote-fold levers drop the 60:40 split rear seats (with integral ski-hatch) to create up to 1675 litres of load-space

·         A full five-seater with an additional 48mm of rear headroom

·         New rear air suspension allows for self-levelling while load carrying with no dynamic penalty

·         Jaguar's Adaptive Dynamics System - which continuously monitors the suspension and can adjust damping rates accordingly up to 500 times a second - is available on all XF Sportbrake derivatives

·         Tailgate features 'soft-close' as standard, and can be specified with fully powered open/close functionality

·         Acclaimed premium-quality interior materials used in the cabin are also a feature of the load-space

·         Available with both Aero and Black styling packs from launch for additional on-the-road presence

·         Driven by Jaguar's refined, powerful and efficient range of four- and six-cylinder turbo-diesel engines

·         Matches the XF saloon for both aerodynamics, torsional stiffness and dynamic handling ability

·         A range of accessories - both internally mounted by floor rails and externally by roof rails - extends the versatility of the XF Sportbrake still further

"The XF epitomises the Jaguar sporting dynamic with its combination of innovative, seductive design and performance. In the XF Sportbrake this is complemented by a no-compromise approach to practicality and versatility." Adrian Hallmark, Global Brand Director, Jaguar Cars

The XF Sportbrake is powered exclusively by Jaguar's range of powerful, refined and efficient 2.2-litre diesel engine, fitted with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system, making it the company's most efficient powertrain to date, while the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is available in two states of tune, with 275PS in the range-topping Diesel S.

Design

The Jaguar design philosophy is based on the smooth, uninterrupted flow of lines that lead the eye along and around the vehicle and this is readily apparent in the XF Sportbrake which, despite sharing an identical wheelbase with the saloon, is imbued with even greater presence.

The first of these elegantly simple feature lines begins in the propeller-inspired blades fitted to the side air intakes, leading the eye into the lower wing crease and then along the sills of the car and around the rear bumper. The second feature line runs up from the outer edge of the same intakes, defining the edges of the front wings before wrapping the entire way around the car, creating the XF Sportbrake's muscular shoulder line.

Sharing the same new lightblade headlamp technology as the saloon, the XF Sportbrake also adopts the new, more upright grille and purposeful bonnet, giving it an enhanced 'rear-view mirror' recognition factor. The lights themselves feature bi-function HID xenon technology and LED daytime-running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar 'J-Blade' pattern.

"Creating the Sportbrake was a great opportunity for us to extend the XF's design aesthetic. The flow and connection of lines that lead the eye around the car result in an entirely practical estate car consistent with Jaguar's reputation for drama and elegance." Wayne Burgess, Studio Director, Jaguar Design

Interior

A centrally-mounted touch-screen offers control of the navigation system and a range of other functions, while the switchgear features new soft-touch matt black paint and a soft phosphor blue illumination theme throughout. The metallicAurorafinish to the majority of the brightwork complements new aluminium and veneer accents. More sculpted, heavily bolstered front seats introduced for the 2012 model year hint at the dynamic potential of the car and feature a 'racetrack' design device that creates a sporting bucket seat aesthetic.

The load-space displays Jaguar's typical attention to detail as it is trimmed in materials identical in quality to the XF Sportbrake's cabin. The central portion of the load-space floor can be lifted to reveal an extra, hidden storage compartment and can also fold and lock into position to quickly and easily divide up the bay.

"Jaguar is rightly praised for its design-led products but in creating the XF Sportbrake we were careful to ensure that this was balanced with the engineering integrity required to create an estate car that is as usable as it is enjoyable."Andrew Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer, Jaguar XF

Dynamics

The XF Sportbrake firmly emphasises both the practical and sporting sides of its character through its powertrain choices. Exclusively fitted with Jaguar's range of four-cylinder 2.2-litre and V6 3.0-litre diesel engines, the XF Sportbrake offers an exemplary combination of refinement, fuel economy, low emissions, plentiful power and refinement.

"The XF Sportbrake matches the saloon in both aerodynamics and torsional stiffness. The use of air suspension has allowed us to create a car that captures the unique Jaguar combination of refinement and outstanding dynamic abilities regardless of its load."Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity