JAGUAR built its reputation by producing performance saloons and sports cars powered by petrol engines.
For years the company resisted any move to diesel power even though its German rivals were cashing-in on the Big Cat's lack of choice.
That started to change recently however, with the introduction of diesel power to the X-Type range and Jaguar will have a new 2.7 V6 twin-turbo diesel for the S Type come summer.
Couple that with Jag's recent launch of its first ever estate car and you can see that the Coventry manufacturer, backed by its Ford owners, is now determined to compete with the big boys.
I got my first taste of a Jaguar oil burner last week with a spell in an X-Type diesel SE. The two litre engine is in fact a version of the much acclaimed Ford TDCi unit found in the Mondeo.
But before you scoff, I have to point out that this is one of the finest diesel engines around and Jaguar seems to have made it even better.
And to be fair it has to be good since the Jag is competing against prestige rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.
The diesel shares the same front wheel drive transmisssion as used in the two-litre petrol models and is therefore extremely responsive with plenty of feel.
The steering is sharp and accurate and the car rides well over all kinds of surfaces providing an atmosphere of class for driver and passengers.
The engine is a delight and offers instant start-up as well as an excellent band of power. It is extremely smooth and very quiet and has plenty of zest where you need it the most. The diesel is no slouch either and tackles the 0-60mph sprint in just 9.5 seconds.
It also offers a superb blend of performance and economy, with a top speed of 125mph and a combined fuel economy of just over 50mpg.
The cabin of the X-Type is an excellent place to be, especially in SE form.
The all-round vision is good and there is plenty of head and shoulder room, though rear legroom may be tight for taller passengers.
The finishes in leather and wood are traditional Jaguar and very fine and the instruments and switchgear are just what you would expect. Everything has a feel of quality about it and there is also a good deal of stowage space.
The car I drove was also fitted with sat-nav and the display included a television which, with safety in mind, works in sound-only form when the car is on the move. The sound system is also first class and easy to use, with the six CD changer located in the fairly small boot which offers only 450 litres of space.
There is no doubt that the X-Type is a quality product and I really enjoyed having it.
You start off by thinking 'it's not really a proper Jag' but by the end of my test I had taken a real shine to it, especially the car's reluctance to use much fuel - not something you might normally expect in a Jag!
It may have been slow to get into the diesel market, but I am sure this car will do well for the Big Cat, especially in the rest of Europe.
I now look forward to driving the 2.7 diesel in the S Type next month.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar X-Type 2.0D SE
Price: £22,995
Mechanical: 128bhp,1998cc, 4-cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5 speed manual transmission
Max Speed: 125mph
0-60mph: 9.5 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.3mpg
Insurance Group: 14
CO2 emissions: 149 g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3 yr/ 60,000; 2 yrs paint; 6 yrs anti-rust