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THE second-generation XF Sportbrake is without question a better car than the original. We discovered that during our first drive of the diesel (Issue 1,489) – but is the powerful petrol turbo even better?
It has 247bhp and 365Nm, and in R-Sport guise costs £42,435. But while decently refined, the 25t motor doesn’t feel as smooth or effortless as the diesel. The bare figures seem impressive enough, with a 6.6-second 0-62mph time, but because you have to work the petrol engine that much harder to access the torque, you must rev it higher – and that incites more noise from the harsh-sounding unit. As a result, you’ll struggle to match the XF’s claimed 41.5mpg. The eight-speed box is excellent, although throttle response is a little dull – even with…
