Jaguar XF 3.0D

We’ve already been impressed by the more powerful 271bhp XF Diesel S, but now there’s a detuned
version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre for £3,000 less.

Just because this car plays second fiddle to the Diesel S doesn’t mean it’s lacking in grunt, though. With 237bhp and 500Nm, it’s 16 per cent more powerful and has 15 per cent more torque than the old 2.7-litre unit… and it shows.

The engine punches hard from low revs while remaining hushed and smooth even when pressing on. As with the XF Diesel S, it returns 42mpg and emits 179g/km of CO2.

The car is as polished as ever to drive: the steering is light yet accurate, while the suspension is supple but offers good body control. The six-speed semi-auto shifts seamlessly, too, with paddles for manual changes.

We still prefer the Diesel S, especially when there’s no fuel economy penalty. However, this 237bhp variant should be more than adequate for most buyers.

Rival: BMW 530d
it’s still a benchmark for performance, economy and refinement, but the 5-Series is getting on. We’ll see what the XF is made of when the all-new BMW arrives next year.