THERE are few cars, after many years of road testing, that blow me away on the first encounter.
But the Jaguar XF is one of them. No German product comes close to its bespoke interior style - something which British designers have always done by far the best.
It's a wonderful looking car - especially from the rear - the view most people are going to see on the road.
And with twin turbo diesel V6 power, no German opponent can match its combination of performance and comfort either.
This is a staggering, marvellous, superb motor car that can truly be all things to all men. Drive it gently and it will return more than 50 miles per gallon, but drive it hard and it scorches to 62mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Power goes to the rear wheels through a six speed automatic gearbox with an excellent manual mode which few owners will ever use because the auto is so good.
Smooth performance is effortless from any speed with tremendous urge when required and overtaking ability is monumental.
Huge alloys and massive ultra low profile tyres give astonishing roadholding and only affect slow speed ride very slightly.
Interior
There are many interior touches that make it special - the excellent gear selector, the comfort of the leather seats, the way the fresh air vents swivel closed when the ignition is turned off and the way the doors close. I want one - it is truly superb.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XF 3.0D S Luxury
Price: £36,900.
Mechanical: 271bhp, 2993cc, 6 cyl turbo diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed auto gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds.
Combined mpg: 42
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 179g/km
BIK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3 yrs/ unlimited miles, 3 yrs paint, 6 yrs anti-rust, 3 yrs breakdown.
Marks: 10/10.
Main Rival: BMW 535d.