Luggage Capacity for 6,500 Tennis Balls

The Jaguar XF, Jaguar's mid-size saloon,XFhas been updated to the 2018 model year. To coincide with this, the wagon-type "XF Sportbrake" will also be introduced to Japan for the first time.

The design of the XF Sportbrake exudes a sporty impression with its sleek roofline and the sharp character line that runs from front to rear to emphasize it. The stylish wagon is finished with semi-circular taillights, a signature of Jaguar vehicles.

It also boasts high practicality, featuring a hands-free tailgate opening function, which has become mainstream in this segment in recent years. The luggage space offers 565 liters in normal configuration, expanding to a maximum of 1,700 liters when the rear seats are folded. For reference, it can hold 2,900 tennis balls normally, and up to 6,500.

A panoramic roof, measuring 1.6 square meters, is available as an option. For safety, it can be opened and closed by gesturing forward and backward along the roofline. The start button, which blinks 72 times per minute to represent the Jaguar's heartbeat, is also a subtle detail.

The engine lineup includes a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine producing 250ps and a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 180ps.

2018 Model Year Introduces Newly Developed Gasoline Engine

The 2018 model year XF saloon series will introduce the new Ingenium gasoline engine in addition to the existing Ingenium diesel engine. The 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, with 200ps/320Nm and 250ps/365Nm versions available for the "Pure" and "Prestige" trims. The "R-Sport" and "Portfolio" trims feature the same engine but produce a maximum output of 300ps and a peak torque of 400Nm. Additionally, the "S" model, equipped with the 3.0-liter V6 supercharged engine delivering 380ps/450Nm, will continue to be part of the lineup. Furthermore, the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine now offers the option of AWD in addition to the existing RWD.

The newly added Sportbrake will be available exclusively in the "Prestige" grade, offered with the 250ps/365Nm Ingenium gasoline engine and the 180ps/430Nm Ingenium diesel engine.

Furthermore, both body types enhance connectivity features. The "InControl Touch Pro" infotainment system now includes optional communication functions, allowing users to remotely lock/unlock doors, operate the climate control, check driving history and vehicle status via smartphone apps, and connect to Smart Roadside Assistance or SOS Emergency Call in case of emergencies.

The XF Sportbrake: Concept "READY TO PLAY"

Magnus Hansson, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Japan, commented, "With the Jaguar XF Sportbrake, Jaguar returns to this important premium segment. It offers refined style and dynamism, tranquility and performance, space and sportiness. In other words, the XF Sportbrake is a Jaguar that fulfills every desire. And Jaguar is always 'READY TO PLAY'."

Regarding the phrase "READY TO PLAY," Keiichi Wakabayashi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, explained, "It means being ready to compete." He elaborated, "The saloon debuted three years ago. Its front face, identical to the saloon's, evokes a business saloon, looking sharp even with a suit. However, the rear, as befits a 'brake,' presents a playful aspect. This 'play' signifies not only amusement but also approaching matters with seriousness, embodying the concept of being ready to compete – a perfect concept word for the XF Sportbrake."

Jaguar: My Best Partner by Kei Nishikori

Tennis player Kei Nishikori, who has also served as a Jaguar Ambassador since 2014, appeared at the launch of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake. Regarding Jaguar's appeal, he stated, "It's the speedy driving and sportiness that truly embody the Jaguar spirit. And its stylishness, which is what I love about Jaguar."

When asked about what Jaguar represents to him, Nishikori replied, "It's my best partner. I drive it every day; it truly feels like a partner."

Nishikori, who is currently recovering from an injury, declared his goal for next year to be a "strong comeback." He expressed his determination, saying, "Having been sidelined for six months, I naturally have concerns, and my ranking has dropped. However, the challenge of climbing back up fills me with excitement and anticipation. I will train diligently in December and January to become even stronger in both tennis and physically, and make a powerful return."

He added, "I felt down when I was away from tennis. Still, I must make this time meaningful, positive, and constructive. I will focus on looking ahead and try not to dwell too much on the past." He concluded, "Just like Jaguar's 'READY TO PLAY,' I want to be in a READY state and return next year. Please watch my powerful comeback."

Pricing for the 2018 XF saloon models starts at 6.05 million yen for the Pure 200ps, 6.68 million yen for the 250ps version, 6.72 million yen for the Prestige 200ps, and 7.32 million yen for the 250ps version. The R-Sport with 300ps is priced at 8.20 million yen, and the top-of-the-line Portfolio gasoline model with a 4-cylinder engine is 8.99 million yen. The top model, the XF S with a V6 supercharged engine, is 11.47 million yen. The diesel models, all featuring the 180ps/430Nm Ingenium inline-4 turbo engine, start at 6.15 million yen for the Pure and 6.98 million yen for the Prestige, with AWD versions costing an additional 250,000 yen. The Sportbrake is priced at 7.56 million yen for the gasoline model and 7.22 million yen for the diesel model.