Jaguar XF

The Jaguar XF is a superb sedan which incorporates all the grace and warmth that Jaguar talks about but hasn’t always delivered. Not as fast as a BMW, but better in many ways.

• Comfort

  The XF is hard to beat if you've got miles to do - especially the wonderful large diesel, which really is space, pace and grace. The six-speed auto (with paddle override) is exceptional when in combination with the diesel engine.

  

• Performance

  Forget the 3.0 V6 petrol - it doesn't suit the car. There's a normally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 that's got 219kW, gets the XF to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds and on to 250km/h and that's lovely. The supercharged version,offering 306kW and 100km/h in 5.1 seconds is probably overkill. The best engine is the diesel: 0-100km/h in 7.7 seconds, 230km/h top end and 152kW.

  

• Cool

  At the moment, very cool. Still a bit grown up for the kids to really hanker after, but people complain it looks like an Aston from the back. And that's a complaint how exactly?

  

• Quality

  Exceptional quality from Jaguar, especially on the interior. Some gadgets, some inventive lighting solutions and some attention to detail have made this car feel every ounce the premium barge.

  

• Handling

  Beautifully damped and suspended in most variants (although the SV8 is a bit firm), the XF is composed and keen to hang on round a bend. It may not have the outright sportiness of BMW's 5-series, but the ride/handling compromise is better judged.

  

• Practicality

  The boot's huge at 540litres, the rear seats are ultra-comfortable and up front it feels like a cruise liner. Parking is a bit of a challenge, but that's the deal with a car this size.

  

• Running costs

  As you might expect, the big V8s aren't frugal- you're talking low 20s - and they hit hard for insurance. The diesel is much better - you'll get 7.5L/100km and won't feel short-changed. Too soon to talk residuals.