JAGUAR never seems to put a wheel wrong these days.
Since becoming part of the Ford empire's Premier Automotive Group, Jaguar has seen its range evolve at a remarkable rate, its technology is at the cutting edge and sales are soaring.
The company which built its name on performance petrol saloons has now diversified into diesel power and will shortly be adding its first ever factory-built estate to the line-up.
Truly, it is emerging as the sleeping giant of the British car industry.
One of the most significant stages in the awakening is the introduction of the first-ever Jaguar X-Type diesel, announced last year, and tested here in top SE trim.
There are three models from £20,000 to £23,000, Classic, Sport and SE respectively.
A reworking of the acclaimed Ford TDCi two litre engine as used in the Mondeo, it has been tuned to Jaguar requirements for responsiveness and the smoothest possible running.
Up to now, rivals Volvo, Mercedes, BMW and Audi have had it much to themselves in the prestige diesel category, but Jaguar is going to upset the establishment with the X-Type Diesel.
As the top version in the series, the SE gets standard cruise control and full leather upholstery in addition to the alloys, sophisticated braking and traction control, powered windows, mirrors, alarm and immobiliser as well as multiple airbags. For the money it is a truly excellent package.
But what is more, it's a Jaguar and that means a remarkable combination of supple springs and sporting suspension so it not only rides very well over all surfaces, but its roadholding is very surefooted.
With the front wheel drive transmission as used in the petrol two litre stablemates, it feels slightly nose-heavy through tight corners at speed, but remains very responsive and safe.
The engine is one of the smoothest two litre diesels I've experienced with instant start-up, strong pulling power and very quiet motorway performance. Drive normally and it delivers unhesitating performance, but push hard and you have to stir it along on the gears to keep the engine at its peak.
The question is, would you want to drive the Jaguar X-Type Diesel SE as if it was a sports car? I think not. It oozes refinement and sophistication not racetrack edge speed.
The steering is flowing and easy while the brakes impart remarkable feel and a lot of power.
The secondary controls and switches all work with a satisfying feel and the instruments are very clear. I liked the big wipers and very bright lights, and the thin pillars to the roof meant there were no blindspots.
Room in the back can be tight for tall people but in the front there is a lot of space in which to stretch. Oddments provision is reasonable, and although the boot may be small at around 450 litres, it has a low height for loading or emptying.
All noise levels are very low to reinforce the impression of refinement.
But the lasting impression of the X-Type SE is its cabin detailing and design with attractive use of soft and hard materials, flowing curves and tight fit lines. The panel fit is similarly knife-edged and flawless.
I really enjoyed the 2.0 DSE but Jaguar may be missing some buyers who would love to move over to the marque as, for now anyway, there is no automatic option on the list and high mileage all-weather motorists would be disappointed not to have the security of four-wheel-drive.
I cannot help feeling Jaguar is doing itself down and handing sales to rivals. Only time will tell.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar X-Type 2.0 D SE
Price: £22,995
Mechanical: 128bhp, 1,998cc 4 cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 125mph
0-60mph: 9.5 secs
Combined mpg: 50.3
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 149g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint