Female motorists and motoring journalists in South Africa reckon that the Jaguar XF is tops. This has been confirmed by the announcement that this beautiful, fast car has won its category in the third annual WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards.
The Jaguar XF came up trumps in the “Top Gears” category (for cars with a retail price of R250 000 and above). It beat nine other vehicles: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, Audi A4, Lexus IS250, Honda Accord, MINI Convertible, Alfa GT, Audi A3 and BMW Z4.
The WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards are convened by Associated Magazines, publisher of Women on Wheels (WOW) magazine. These are the only car awards in South Africa designed and run by women, for women. The finalists were featured in WOW, an annual motoring guide bagged with Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure and O, The Oprah Magazine.
A panel of esteemed women judges – including Charleen Clarke, Heléne Griffiths, Fenley Foxen and Peta Lee – were assembled to judge the cars in various categories and WOW readers were also given an opportunity to vote (WOW reaches a 1.6 million strong group of high powered, high income women). The 2009 edition of WOW described the XF as “the finest executive car on our roads”.
Justine Joseph, editor of WOW, says the Jaguar XF’s triumph is “a testament to the fact that this brand is successfully evolving from a classic – and a classically male car – to a cutting-edge choice for South African women”. “That’s why more women than ever before can’t wait to get their hands on this hot set of wheels. And that’s why we love it!” she notes.
“Hats off to Jaguar for their well-deserved win in the 2009 WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards,” she adds.
Andrew Daniel, managing director of Jaguar South Africa, was elated at the news. “The XF epitomises the ultimate luxury car for any buyer. The XF has been critically acclaimed for its looks and superb driving experience. When combining this with strong residual values, competitive pricing and a wide range of standard specification, the Jaguar XF is an exceptionally good choice for both men and women.”
The victory is in keeping with the XF’s global success. The car is a firm favourite with motorists the world over, including members of the fairer sex. Last year, Britain’s best motoring website for women – evecars.com – named the Jaguar XF “Best Executive Car” in its 2008 honours list.
“For a car that will take you seamlessly from school gates to boardroom, look no further. The Jaguar XF combines cutting-edge technology with a classic British feel. Driving it is a real pleasure, whether you’re on the school run or cruising to the south of France. The stereo system is easy to use, while the seats are so comfortable you won’t want to get out,” Alex Jenner-Fust, editor of evecars.com, said at the time.
However, it’s not only the ladies who love the XF. It recently won the award for Best Executive Car at the 2009 Fleet World Honours, proving the growing popularity of Jaguar’s new sports saloon amongst the business community. The Jaguar XF has also just picked up the “Money No Object” Award at the 2009 British Towcar Awards. Chosen by experts from Practical Caravan, What Car? and The Camping and Caravanning Club, the XF was hailed the most desirable towing vehicle among 39 competitors.
The XF has won more than 20 international awards since its launch, most recently “Britain’s Best Car” in the Auto Express Driver Power Survey for 2009 and “Best Executive Car” at the What Diesel Awards 2009. Earlier this year, the Jaguar XF also reaffirmed its position as one of the finest cars – not only in South Africa but in the world – by clinching finalist status in the South African Car of the Year and World Car of the Year competitions.
