Since its introduction in 2008, the XF has been a quite success story for Jaguar in the fiercely competitive executive saloon sector.

Now it is better than ever with exterior styling which is every inch a Big Cat, with its dramatic cats eye headlamps with LEDs and crouching, predatory look, high end interior which still features innovations introduced with the original model which still look fresh and a range of engines to cover just about every base.

Jaguar top dogs make the point: "The XF has rightly been recognised as a quintessential Jaguar saloon. It is purposeful yet elegant, with inherent sporting intent in its design. For the latest version we have been able to evolve and enhance that performance character to make the XF the most visually dynamic car in its class."

That is a bold claim from Ian Callum, director of design at Jaguar and no slouch when it comes to designing cars.

To paraphrase Mandy Rice Davies, "Well, he would say that, wouldn't he."? But you can understand his enthusiasm, the 2015 model is better than ever.

Customers can select eight different trim lines including SE, SE Business, Luxury, R-Sport, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R and R-S specifications, while the powertrains offered include versions of the the efficient 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel units - in a mixture of 163, 200, 240 and 275ps tuning guises - as well as powerful petrol engines ranging from 340 PS to the mighty 550ps XFR-S.

Best of all for a luxury, well-equipped car, the base model is still under £30,000.

If it looks great on the outside, sat on 19-inch alloys in the case of this model, while the interior still looks a innovative for the most part, with its comfortably shaped leather seats, the interior trimmed in oak veneer alloys surrounds  and  luxury deep carpet mats. 

The signature pulsing starter button, rotary gear selector that rises from the console when the engines starts and air vents that swivel open at the same time have been around since the start, but still are clever pieces of engineering, as is the ambient blue lighting throughout the cabin.

If there is a downside, it is the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is starting to look middle-aged. However, it still is clear, precise and easy to operate, especially the sensational Meridian sound system.

The car oozes luxury, but is still practical. Coupe styling inevitably means loss of headroom at the rear, but legroom is still good and the boot is large at 500 litres and is longer rather than deep.

The 2.2 diesel is an important engine for Jaguar, where high economy and low emissions are key to making a it a success in the business and fleet sector.

There are two power levels, 163ps and 200ps in the model I drove, both with stop/start technology and both provide seamless and smooth power with the more powerful model capable  of hitting 60mph in under eight seconds.

Claimed economy is around 56mpg, a figure which the onboard computer put nearer to 42mpg, but in real time seemed nearer the top figure, with a full tank lasting more than two weeks with a combination of urban and motorway driving.

The eight-speed automatic gearbox is a big improvement on the six-speed and transfers the power seamlessly. In common with cars of this type has the option of steering wheel paddles shifts for a more engaging drive.

Handling matches engine performance and the Jag feels and handles like a smaller sports car with brilliant road holding, bags of grip and precise, weighted steering.

The tweaked suspension  soaks up the worst potholes effortlessly, but the ride is still firm, but comfortable.

The list of standard kit on the entry level model is comprehensive.

On the Portfolio creature comforts cosset the occupants and include automatic xenon headlamps, heated front screen with timer, rear parking aid with aid with touchscreen visual indicator, navigation system with HDD mapping and route guidance, heated and cooled front seats with memory function.