Jaguar XF 2.0d

It's the second showing for Jaguar's 'Ingenium' 2.0-litre diesel in our top 10 - and it's every bit as good in the larger XF as it is in the XE. As in that car, it's smooth and refined, but with a choice of 161bhp or 178bhp, it's plenty powerful enough for most motorists. The most powerful version - with an automatic gearbox - will achieve 65.7mpg and emits just 114g/km of CO2. With such low emissions, it attracts a low company car tax bill too - so cost concious business users are set firmly in Jaguar's sights with this engine.

Masses of mid-range grunt make for effortless progress, especially combined with the eight-speed automatic gearbox. And the handling doesn't disappoint either, as the XF has strong grip and excellent composure, especially for such a big saloon car.

A spacious interior is trimmed in luxurious materials, so the XF is as good on the inside as its handsome exterior promises. An extensive kit list, and lovely touches like the rotary gear selector make this every bit as good a car to sit in as a Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series.