Jaguar PH launches updated XF and F-Pace

The updates to the Jaguar XF and F-Pace are subtle but well-thought-out. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

Coventry Motors Corporation, the exclusive distributor of Jaguar cars in the Philippines, invited select members of the motoring media for afternoon tea at its new Bonifacio Global City showroom to witness the unveiling of its latest refreshed models straight from the UK.

The automaker has been quiet over the past couple of years, and the pandemic has made it difficult for the company to develop, produce and deliver vehicles for its distant markets. However, the brand is back with the updated XF sedan and F-Pace crossover.

The new radiator grille enhances the sporty character of the XF. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

While there are no major dynamic changes to the XF’s powertrain and basic architecture, it does get new front and rear bumpers to further boost its road presence. Framing the redesigned main radiator grille are new quad-LED headlights that feature “double J” DRLs. Even the inlets for the engine heat exchangers get a little facelift. The sole engine option is the excellent Ingenium 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol unit with a healthy 247hp and 365Nm. A ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox drives the rear wheels.

The Pivi Pro infotainment system can finally interface with your smartphone. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

Inside, the XF gets more gadgets. There is a wireless charging pad and a new 11.4-inch curved-glass high-resolution display that comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. According to Coventry Motors head Chris Ward, the car’s groundbreaking noise-cancelation technology helps improve NVH insulation by 6-14%. Lastly, a 360° camera is now standard to make parking the XF a breeze.

We quite like the F-Pace crossover in blue. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The F-Pace luxury crossover also receives the same cabin enhancements as the XF. It also gets an updated grille, refreshed bumpers, and quad-LED headlamps with “double J” DRLs. Its Ingenium 2.0-liter turbodiesel, however, is now paired with a mild-hybrid system to produce a highly efficient 196hp. All four wheels are powered via a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The mild-hybrid powertrain uses a belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy usually lost during coasting and braking. This energy is then stored in a separate 48V lithium-ion battery before being intelligently redeployed to assist the engine when accelerating away.

The already efficient turbodiesel engine is paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. PHOTOS BY SAM SURLA

The new XF retails for P4,590,000, while the new F-Pace is priced at 5,590,000. Ward hints that these Jaguars are possibly the last internal-combustion-engine cars from the brand. The firm is currently preparing for a fully electrified future, which is slated to begin in 2025.