JAGUAR, like a lot of car manufacturers, might be facing tough times at the moment but the XF could prove its lifeline as it navigates a course through choppy economic waters.
The company's current troubles are hardly new, it had been the struggling arm of Ford's Premier Automotive Group for quite some time.
Ironically before the current global economic crisis the company was embarking on a pretty remarkable recovery - thanks in large part to the XF.
The XF offered the answer to the people who said it was high time Jaguar started making cars that looked like they had been designed in the 21st century rather than the middle of the 20th century.
Some said this Jaguar fit for the modern age was long overdue, but whatever the case it has been almost universally hailed as a masterstroke.
So does it live up to the billing?
The answer has to be a resounding yes. From its sleek purposeful looks - which display just a hint of the XK's dramatic styling - to how well it drives, this is indeed a triumph and a worthy wearer of a historic and prestigious badge.
Gone is the old-man image so often associated with a Jag, this is much more of a sharp and rather stylish sporting saloon.
As well as looking impressive from a distance, the XF looks pretty good close up and on the inside too, though some of those familiar Jaguar trademark features - such as enough wood fascia to make a sideboard - have been dispensed with.
Rather than looking like a stately old saloon, it has a distinctly contemporary look and feel, particularly when it comes to trim and switchgear.
Much has been made about the automatic gear selector that pops up when you push the start button and the air vents that move almost miraculously into place.
Arguably such details are superfluous but they do help create a favourable impression when you sit in the XF and start it up for the first time. I couldn't help but feel they helped engender a fondness for the car and are a fine example of the kind of attention to detail that discerning buyers appreciate.
The XF has the sort of well put together feel one would expect in a premium segment vehicle but despite this sturdy and solid character and the fact it is quite a big car it never feels cumbersome.
On the move it feels nimble and agile with a suspension system that manages to perfectly combine sublime ride quality and excellent driving dynamics. In fact ride quality is easily on a par with those Jags of old, something the marque has always been noted for.
Performance from the sweet sounding and smooth 4.2-litre V8 is as blistering as you might expect - more sedate in standard mode but gutsy and aggressive with the sport mode engaged.
Despite all the universally praised newness of the XF there will no doubt be some mourning the passing of those traditional Jaguar design lines.
Interestingly one passenger who travelled with me enquired as to the make of the vehicle and when told it was a Jaguar seemed somewhat surprised.
"Well it doesn't look like one," was the reply and I expect there might be some potential buyers who will be put off for that very reason.
But if ever the expression 'out with the old - in with the new' was apt, it certainly is as far as the XF is concerned and I expect that once the world economy has settled down it will continue to drive Jaguar's progress towards a successful future.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XF 4.2 V8 Premium Luxury
Price: £44,553
Mechanical: 298bhp, 4,196cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.5 secs
Insurance group: 19
Combined mpg: 25.3
C02 emissions: 264g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage, 3yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust