Jaguar XF 5.0 V8: PH Carpool
Even a 14mpg average can't put this PHer off his V8 Jaguar
Car: Jaguar XF 5.0 V8 S Premium Luxury
Owned since: January 2014
Previously owned: 1987 Mini Mayfair, 1997 Peugeot 306 XS, 1996 Lotus Elise S1, 2003 Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero HOT
There's a hunk of glorious V8 under there
"Having had an early exposure to motorsport, with my parents being part of the Silverstone Members' Club, it's fair to say that fast cars have always been in my blood. Now I have a young family, it was obvious the S1 Elise might not be up to the job - despite suggesting to my wife that we might be able to get away with a boot rack on the rear clam for the baby seat! I'm a fan of having slightly unusual cars, so wanted something different to the usual mainstream BMW/Audi/Merc options. The Saab fitted the bill, and due to the rarity of the spec that I wanted at the time we had to travel to Chigwell to source that car from the main dealer. Fast forward several years and after lots of fun the Saab was due for replacement. Initially I started looking for 3.0 V6 petrol XFs, but a trip to my local Jaguar dealer for research purposes presented this lovely 5.0 V8 in my ideal colour combination of black paintwork with a black leather interior and black piano wood. It was perfect in every way.
"I did however spend the next two months trying to seek alternatives, almost trying to justify the fact that I didn't really 'need' such a big engine. I considered various A5s, A6s, Passat CCs and even more mundane stuff. In the end though, my heart had already clearly won the battle and I went back to view the V8 Jaguar again. I knew it was still there, as I'd been checking online several times a week!
"After a great test drive on some country roads, the deal was done. My logic all along had been: they won't be allowed to make cars with engines like this eventually when everything goes electric, so I'd better own one now while the opportunity is there. Somehow, I also managed to convince my wife along the way!"
Interior a big part of the appeal for Steve
"Nothing has surprised me really. I'd had plenty of time to do my research (whilst half-heartedly looking at other cars!). I knew the car was going to come with a very comprehensive warranty, so wasn't particularly concerned about much. That approach has been justified so far. Apart from a new Bluetooth telephone module that was covered under warranty the car has been faultless."
Things I love:
"I love the exclusivity. From what I've read, there were only 140 of these made for the UK market, and my car is one of only 25 made in this year of production. Every journey has an element of drama. Press the pulsing starter button and watch the air vents rotate and the gear selector raise out of the centre console. It all adds to the sense of being in something special. The effortlessness at which this car cruises and cossets is sublime.
"It also has a split personality. Switch to Dynamic mode, turn the gear selector to Sport, use the paddle shifters and it's like a different car. The normal V8 rumble becomes a deep howl. It's addictive, even as low as 2,000rpm. The speed at which this thing goes from nought to naughty is unbelievable and puts a silly smile on your face as things in the rear view mirror become very small, very quickly. The seats are some of the best I've ever sat in - 16-way fully electric seat, both heated and cooled, means it's easy to get the perfect driving position. I love the understated looks. Bags of performance from the 385hp 5.0 V8, yet discreet looks that don't attract any unwanted attention. Little details on my specific car, like the red wheel centre caps on the 20-inch 'Selena' wheels, make the world of difference to my eyes too."
Definitely not a diesel
"Hate is too strong a word for anything to do with this car. Perhaps traction in the wet is my biggest gripe. It'll go sideways at the merest touch of the accelerator in the wet. Perhaps I'll try a different brand of tyre next time from the Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres fitted at the moment."
Where I've been:
"Predominantly various family trips across the country and holidays to the south coast, as well as a week on the Isle of Wight. A memorable trip to Oulton Park too to see the Lotus Elise Trophy races was great, and one we hope to repeat again this year."
Costs:
"I guess fuel is the answer most people are expecting to see in this section. With an average of about 14.5mpg (dipping to about 7mpg occasionally when Dynamic Sports mode is engaged!) it is a consideration, but one that is offset a commute of only three miles each way at the moment. Besides, the Saab only did about 18mpg, so the difference is hardly noticeable really. Just fill it up when it's empty, and let the fun continue!
"It's fair to say that my cars get pampered somewhat under my ownership. Perhaps my most rewarding cost has been having Richard at Reflections Detailing work his magic. He has fully detailed the bodywork to make to it pristine, and protected it all using only the best products from the Gyeon range. His work is fantastic, and my weekly clean always leaves the car looking fantastic given the groundwork Richard put in."
What's next:
"It's time to test the old Jaguar motto of Grace, Pace and Space soon when we take it on it's first Euro jaunt to Bruges. Might even see if the boot is big enough for my wife to fit in some Belgian chocolates amongst my Belgian beer..."
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