I’M willing to go on record saying I’m a fan of Jaguar and I can even remember the moment it happened too, the second I saw a 1963 E-Type cruising around in Camden, North London.


I remember thinking it was the coolest car on earth and vowed to myself that one day I’d own one.
Well, if I’d decided on a career in investment banking instead of journalism I might have stood a chance. However, the perk of being a motoring correspondent is that although I don’t get to keep the cars I review, at least I get to drive them.
This brings me to my day in the XF. Admittedly it’s not my coveted E-Type, but it shares the same DNA and that’s good enough for me.
In terms of aesthetics, it’s a world (and several decades) away from 1963. However, the future does have its benefits.
Obviously, this four-seater is packed with all the creature comforts you’d expect from a modern luxury marque, standard equipment includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 7-inch touch-screen display and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB/iPod interface.
I had the optional convenience package that adds keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming side mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, voice controls and a rear sunshade.
Supple, memory-adjustable leather seats ensure you’re sitting pretty in this car. The layout and infotainment is user-friendly, with everything conveniently placed in easy reach of the driver.
But what about the drive? Well, in a word, wow!
The pleasure of driving a Jag starts from the second you turn on the engine and it begins to purr majestically as if it’s pining for the open road. I hate to disappoint anyone, so who was I not to give the car what it wanted?
The XF Premium Luxury model that I drove was simply a delight. Sleek, sophisticated and stylish are just a few throw-away adjectives that can describe this model which would not be out of place in the garage of a CEO.
Under the bonnet is a 3-litre V6 paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that delivers enough power to keep even the most discerning petrol-head happy.
As with most modern Jags, the traditional gear stick has been done away with and a dial shifter now sits in its place. However, if you’re feeling adventurous there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel that work wonderfully when you’re in the Dynamic mode.
I had great fun across town thanks to the responsive handling, quick shifts and silky-smooth steering.
I’m sure many readers have visited Adliya’s popular dining district and seen numerous boy racers crawling along in their fancy cars trying to garner everyone’s attention.
‘Yes, you have a flash car, we get it, now stop revving the engine and let people eat in peace’ … is what I used to say, until I was the one in the nice car.
Now you’ll never again have to wonder why people in sports cars rev their engines at traffic lights, just give them a friendly wave and acknowledge how awesome their car is and they’ll speed off happily ... as I did.
Safety is a big factor and you’re in safe hands with this model. The Jaguar XF comes standard with traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, front-side airbags and side curtain airbags. Available safety equipment includes a blind-spot warning system, a rearview camera and a forward-collision alert system (included with adaptive cruise control).
Once you’re going at a decent pace, it displays a terrific balance of control and suppleness.
If you’re looking for a mid-sized, sports saloon with class in abundance, this may be the ride for you.
l Euro Motors, the dealer for Jaguar Land Rover in Bahrain, has launched a special campaign that offers customers the chance to buy a Jaguar at a special price. During the campaign, which runs until the end of June, the XF is available from BD18,990, the XJ from BD32,000 and the F-TYPE from BD36,000.
For details, call 17460460.