Jaguar unveils 'refreshed' XF 21 | 04 | 2011

JAGUAR'S HIGHLY successful XF (pictured) has been given a revamp. Four years after it was initially launched, the upgrades are aimed at helping it compete successfully with competition from the latest BMW 5-series and Audi A6.

The new-look XF, which goes into production in July, boasts extra safety features, tweaks to the rear plus a new front-end look, and changes to the interior, including a new audio system.

And in addition to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, there's a new four-cylinder diesel 2.2-litre engine which is expected to account for around 60% of XF sales.; this crucial development also gets a new stop-start system.

Unveiled at the New York Motor Show, the XF — as well as the XFR — gets a new bonnet, wings, headlamps, grille and bumper, and modified rear lights.

Delivering 188bhp, the new powerplant will cover the 0-60mph sprint in 8.0sec and deliver a combined economy of 52.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The Jaguar XF's new stop-start is triggered by the amount of pressure the driver uses on the brake pedal and is designed to restart the engine much more quickly than existing systems.

The interior of the XF has been given an update too. There's more shapely seats, plus an upgraded audio system with a 30Gb hard drive. In fact such is the attention of detail which has been paid to the audio systems that there's a choice of four levels of kit, including a range-topping Bowers & Wilkins Dolby surround system.

And just for good measure, the refreshed XF also gets automatic high beam assist, adaptive lighting, automatic hazard lights under hard braking and adaptive cruise control with intelligent braking.

CLICK HERE to see more images of the new Jaguars XF, XFR and XK

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Jim McGill