Jaguar XF review: least powerful XF tested

Forget the Jaguar F-Type - this lower-powered, four-cylinder diesel Jaguar XF is where the future of the company lies. Number-crunching, fleet-friendly cars like the 2.2-litre are where the sales are. If cars like this XF don't sell, no one gets an F-Type.

So Jag is now offering the small diesel XF with two power levels. We've already seen the 187bhp version, but this new one has been robbed of 26bhp, with torque reduced to 295lb ft (from 332lb ft). As a result, the 0-62mph time rises to 10.5secs, from 8.5secs, and the top speed drops by 10mph.

In other words, not hugely impressive figures. Yet on the road you don't notice because there's just about enough torque to make overtaking OK, and the refined diesel makes journeys relaxing.

But, and it's a big but, the CO2 and economy figures haven't benefitted. So the less powerful engine still emits 149g/km and 52.3mpg - that's OK for a 187bhp engine, less so for a 161bhp one. And then you consider the BMW 520ed - it's similar money and manages 119g/km and 62.8mpg.

So the news here isn't great - this Jag is slightly redundant. If you're a private buyer, get the pokier 2.2-litre. If you're a company car buyer, get the Beemer.