THE success of Jaguar Land Rover over the last few years since Ford decided to flog it off at a relatively bargain basement price is nothing short of remarkable.

Jaguar's part in that story is even more remarkable, given that the brand was virtually written off only a few short years ago.

The debut of the excellent XK sports car set the standard and was followed by an even more important model - the XF - designed to take and beat the very best in its class.

It takes this task on with a combination of desirable styling, a choice of clean, efficient engines and a standard kit list that would cost thousands extra with some of the competition.

For 2013 the XF and XJ models offer improved efficiency through a newly expanded engine range.

Eight-speed transmissions are now mated to all engines, with V6 and V8 petrol and all diesel engines also being available with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop/Start system.

The XF has been a success, from the saloon to the estate called the Sportbrake, it has sold well and the three-litre firecracker that propels the tested luxury vehicle from 0-60mph in under six seconds delivers sports car-like performance.

Mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox the big Jag purrs like cat as it seamlessly zips through the gears.

It feels like a sports car and if the engine performance is excellent, ride handling and steering are more than a match.

It excels on the motorway where the powerful engine which offers bags of torque or pulling power, effortlessly overtakes at high speeds with occupants barely aware of road, wind or tyre noise.

On open country lanes it feels nimble and agile aided by weighted accurate steering.

For a V6 pumping out 270 odd bhp, aided by stop/start technology, economy is not bad, with around 40mpg indicated by the onboard computer against the claimed 47mpg.

Emissions of just under 160g/km put it in the 25 per cent band for benefit in kind taxation for business users.

The interior was revolutionary when it first appeared back in 2007 and hasn't really dated with phospher blue mood lighting, the rotary gear selector that rises when the ignition is turned on, the glowing starter button, air vents that swivel open, damped glove compartment lid and touch sensor operated interior lighting.

The dash is dominated by the uprated centrepiece touch screen where audio, climate, Bluetooth and navigation system are housed.

Despite being a big car, the coupe-type styling means headroom in the rear isn't that brilliant, but if offers a large boot and 500 litres is available, go for the option of split folding rear seats and space increase to a maximum of 963 litres which is almost in estate car league.

Unlike many of its competitors, buyers get a comprehensive list of kit even with the entry model, the 2.2-litre SE at just under £31,000, with such goodies as eight-speed automatic gearbox, satellite navigation and high-quality sound system.

The top-range trimmed V6 powered Portfolio adds another £18,000 to that base price and includes goodies such as full soft-grain leather seats, soft-grain stitched instrument panel, suede headlining,18-way electrically adjustable heated seats with position memory, leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and sound system controls, dual zone climate control.

The audio system features aux, USB and iPod connections and a digital radio.

For safety the car has all round airbags, traction and stability control and also protect pedestrians with pop up bonnet and sensor technology.

This is a luxury car that is practical comfortable and reasonably economical - and it drives a like a sports car. That's quite a combination.