Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2012 – 2015) Review

Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2012 – 2015) At A Glance

4/5

+Good looking estate version of the XF. Gets self-levelling rear suspension as standard. As good to drive as the saloon. Usefully wide and square boot area.

-2.2-litre diesel has to be worked hard and doesn't have the performance you'd expect.

Insurance Groups are between 33–50
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

You can forgive Jaguar for the rather elaborate name. What we used to call an estate is now rather more grand thanks to the Sportbrake label. But then this is more than simply an estate version of the XF. The Sportbrake is a key model for Jaguar as it looks to widen its appeal - it's a car that has plenty of impressive alternatives out there, the BMW 5 Series Touring to name just one.

It's certainly a good looking car with a low and aerodynamic shape while the rear itself is one of the neatest estates around. It has a great stance and is more than simply an XF saloon with an extra bit grafted on the back. In fact you could argue that it's better looking than the saloon. The new XF look, introduced when the model was facelifted early last year, means the Sportbrake has plenty of road presence too.

Inside the it shares the same high quality and boutique-inspired interior with plenty of intriguing touches like the metal gear selector dial that rises out of the dash and the air vents that rotate open when you start the car. Even that has a touch of class with a start button that pulses red like a heartbeat.

Practical features include remote fold levers mounted in the boot to lower the rear seats, so you don't need to stretch from the side doors, tailgate-mounted LEDs that illuminate the ground plus a panel set into the boot floor that splits into three sections to allow smaller things to be neatly wedged. There are no petrols in the XF Sportbrake range, instead it gets the 2.2-litre diesel with either 163PS or 200PS plus the impressive 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

Launching an estate version of the XF is an obvious move for Jaguar given the popularity of cars like the Audi A6 Avant and Mercedes E-Class Estate. The brand has managed to create a sleek and stylish estate that's still practical and good to drive. The only let down is the 2.2-litre diesel engine which doesn't quite deliver what it promises on paper. 

Real MPG average for a Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2012 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

30–56 mpg

MPGs submitted

186

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

What's the cheapest way to source a spare wheel?

"My Jaguar XF doesn't have a spare wheel. I would like to buy a 'get you home spare wheel' and jack to go with it. I'm having problems finding one at the right price. Any suggestions, please?"
It's quite expensive - as you have found - to get a space saver from Jaguar. But you could try an online auction site and find a used one. The other option, which will probably cost the least, is to speak to some breakers and get the space saver from a scrapped XF. Speak to a few and you'll be able to negotiate a discount without too much trouble.
Answered by John Slavin

Jaguar XF Sportbrake - which all weather tyres are best?

"Can you advise the best tyres for a Jaguar XF Sportbrake? Its original Pirellis 235/55r17 are almost worn out. I normally do 15-20k miles and change to winter wheels tyres when the temperature drops below 5 C."
Michelin doesn't do 235/55 R17 Cross Climates and they aren't on the 2016 list. Nokian does do Weatherproofs in 235/55 R17 103 V XL. Should be good, but I haven't driven them.
Answered by Honest John

How can I improve my XF Sportbrake's bumpy ride?

"I have never been happy with the bumpy ride in my Jaguar XF Sportbrake and now I need to replace all four tyres. Please could you recommend the best tyres to give a softer ride? "
The answer might be to change the wheels as well as the tyres. If the car is on 19 or 20-inch wheels, the tyres will be very low profile and that leaves little cushioning effect between the wheel rims and the road. Switching to 17 or 18=inch wheels with deeper profile tyres will help.
Answered by Honest John

Should I keep or ditch my Skoda Superb Estate?

"I currently drive a Skoda Superb Estate.The lease runs out in April and I am looking to replace it. I need the large estate for my business and fancied the Jaguar XF Sportbrake but note that there is some criticism about the 2.2 engine and suspect the 3.0 might blow my budget. Should I stick with the Skoda or could you recommend an alternative?"
New Superb on the way, so don't go for the old model unless it comes very cheap. The 2.2 Jag engine is a Ford engine used in lots of things, including Evoques and Freelanders. Belt cam, but not your problem if leasing. The Superb is also belt cam. Maybe better to check out a new Mondeo. Or, better still, a Mazda 6.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Jaguar XF Sportbrake (2012 – 2015) cost?