JAGUAR has certainly laid down the gauntlet to rival manufacturers with the introduction of the XF Sportbrake.

With stunning design and outstanding performance it's even got a price-tag that will keep you on speaking terms with your bank manager.

The car is guaranteed to stop onlookers in their tracks as it sweeps past.

It has beautiful streamlining, LED daytime running lights, a heated windscreen with timer, a powered tailgate, heated and electrically folding side mirrors, body-coloured door mirrors and door handles, tinted windows with chrome trim and smart alloy wheels.

The Sportbrake simply oozes class and sophistication and the vast range of top notch on-board techno treats cannot fail to impress.

Jaguar has incorporated the very finest leathers and materials to create a warm, welcoming and exceptionally luxurious cabin area.

The soft grain leather seats offer armchair-style comfort and can be heated or cooled depending on your preference.

Elsewhere, creature comforts include a brilliant infotainment system with CD/DVD player, Aux, USB and iPod connectivity, DAB radio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, rear parking aid, cruise control and plenty more besides.

All dials, readouts and switches are ideally positioned for driver usability and the multi-function steering wheel can be used to control many tasks which means the driver can concentrate on the job in hand - driving. And that is quite an experience too.

The 2.2-litre diesel engine delivers 200PS and that easily powers this longer-than-life model from 0-60mph in just 8.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 134mph. Emissions are 135g/km.

But it's not just the power or the acceleration through the eight-speed automatic transmission that really impressed me, it was the manner in which it was achieved.

For this estate model is as smooth as they come and, for its size, is deceptively nimble, although you will need a large space when parking.

The cabin noise is virtually non-existent and road-holding brilliant even on very tight bends.

The boot is massive - a maximum of 1,675 litres and the capacity can be increased even further thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats. And this model also featured a ski hatch as an optional extra.

Even the fuel economy impresses with combined figures of 54.3mpg.

The car was priced at £48,872 which included just over £4,000 of optional extras.

Jaguar has packed a most comprehensive range of safety features into the Sportbrake, including dynamic stability control, pedestrian contact sensing, emergency brake assist, cornering brake control and plenty more besides.

Jaguar claims its XF Sportbrake represents a compelling combination of elegance and capability - both practical and dynamic - and having sampled its qualities I have to agree.