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Road Test: Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.0D 240hp AWD R-Sport

The XF Sportbrake is the perfect blend of prestige, performance and space, discovers Jonathan Musk.

Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2.0D 240hp AWD R-Sport

Adding a useful hatch atop Jaguar’s executive saloon should make a lot of sense, combining a refined drive with acres of storage. However, with stiff competition in the sector, the Jaguar needs to prove itself worthy first.

Although our 240hp R-Sport AWD impressively bullies its way to 62mph from the off in just 6.4 seconds, thanks to 500Nm torque, it isn’t the obvious fleet option. However, it’s driven by Jaguar’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder  diesel that’s alternatively available with either 163hp or 180hp options that each provide improved economy with either all or rear-wheel drive. The RWD units are RDE2 compliant.

Prestige and Portfolio round out the regular trim range, while special Chequered Flag and S models offer maximum performance with petrol V6 powerplants. The point is the Sportbrake is adaptable to any job required of it.

Handling is Jaguar’s usual forté of sport-meets-comfort and it somehow belies its 2.4-tonne heft. However, this is no hot hatch hunter despite what the previously mentioned performance specs may indicate, with power being delivered low-down in the rev range, resulting in brisk but frugal performance.

Motorway cruising allows the diesel to settle to just a few decibels and delivers maximum economy and it’s easy to best the WLTP figures. Leave the trunk roads behind and well-chosen springs on our R-Sport model offer a rewarding drive.

A 51mm longer wheelbase than the saloon also ensures road bumps are better pacified while also adding to the car’s ‘raison d’être’: transporting cargo. The boot sits mid-range amongst rivals, yet practical touches, including a lifting cargo cover and foot switch, indicate this is no rush job.

Overall, the XF Sportbrake is a capable machine that keeps up with the competition and provides fleets with a sensible alternative to the usual German defaults.

FW Rating: 3.5/5

*WLTP, ** NEDC Correlated

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Jonathan Musk

Jonathan turned to motoring journalism in 2013 having founded, edited and produced Autovolt - one of the UK's leading electric car publications. He has also written and produced books on both Ferrari and Hispano-Suiza, while working as an international graphic designer for the past 15 years. As the automotive industry moves towards electrification, Jonathan brings a near-unrivalled knowledge of EVs and hybrids to Fleet World Group.