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The new Jaguar XF uses the familiar 2.2-litre turbodiesel already seen in the Land Rover Freelander, that's been completely redesigned with 60% new parts. Shared with the Range Rover Evoque, it's now a premium-line engine that Jaguar has benchmarked with the class best. Mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox (with auto stop-start), it's available in all regular trim lines, including a new entry level SE, and costs from £30,950. The four cylinder engine is as refined as you'd hope from a Jaguar. Despite lacking the inherent richness of a V6, Jaguar has still managed to engineer in a high degree of smoothness, with a near-lack of vibration other than traces of it at idle and really low revs. On the move, it's seemingly as well-balanced as the six-cylinder cars: yes, it remains smooth even at 4000rpm-plus. It has a surprisingly sporting feel too, despite 'just' displacing 2.2 litres. The on-paper 190hp is, after all, still a decent output, and this translated into a torquey and responsive feel plus 0-60mph in 8 seconds and 140mph). A long-travel accelerator pedal does make it a bit slow to respond until you acclimatise - and can highlight a tendency for the 8-speed auto to hold ratios for a little too long (probably with economy in mind) - but either changing your style or switching the rich rotary gearshifter to 'Sport' rectifies this. Gear changes, incidentally, are exceptionally smooth. Overall, a nice surprise: performance is strong, it's not left lagging and, vitally, both noise levels and noise quality are in keeping with the dignity you'd expect of a Jaguar. The new stop-start also works with real sophistication. You don't notice it shutting down and barely notice the start-up – and Jaguar has an additional advance too. In situations where you stop but then immediately go, such as at roundabouts, the firm's designed a clever 'change of mind' system that allows restart far more quickly than in most other stop-start cars.

The facelifted Jaguar XF has not had a suspension overhaul because it didn't need one. However, drive the 2.2D and you will feel a subtle difference, thanks to the lighter weight of the diesel motor improving front-end response and turn-in. It's degrees of difference, but it still serves to enhance what is already a very sweet, very elegant car to drive. The handling has a decided sporting feel, with taut suspension and the most elegant firmness to the ride. It is purposeful yet comfortable and extremely well damped. A sporting, rear-led feel, it displays sharpness and immediacy despite the quality of ride. The Jaguar XF is light on its feet and demonstrates excellent finesse, particularly on twisting back roads. Steering is very smooth and creamy in feel, not overtly heavy and very accurate. Its relative lightness encourages the sensitive driving this XF thrives on. Light brakes complement this: they take a little acclimatisation. Overall, though, it is a rewarding car to drive, with lots of warm feel-good sensations backed up by impressive ability.

Again, the British Jaguar feels different to its direct rivals. The interior is much warmer and inviting, with lush colours and stylish detailing. It's contemporary British, so is free from over adornment, but still manages to be welcoming. Revisions for 2012 have enhanced it: new seats are more supportive and come in a broader range of colours, complementing an extended colour and trim choice for the rest of the interior. Crucially, even the base SE doesn't look like the 'base' car. The XF's central touchscreen still works OK and it is now complemented by a colour display between the dials. Customer feedback has led to a redesigned steering wheel, while the old silver buttons on the dash are now easier-to-use black. The glovebox also now has a 'real' button - owners didn't like the old touch-sensitive opener, it seems. Outside, the front wings are touched with Jaguar-stamped chrome vents, while the tail lights also have LED lighting strips. There's an addition light element feeding into the boot lid, whose chrome strip has been 'visually reduced in weight' by the addition of piano black trim relief. Move up the range and the trims become even more plush and bespoke, but all share the same very good build quality and feeling of crafted precision. This impression of solidity is borne out by some excellent J. D. Power statistics both in the US and UK. In the US, it even gets a five-year warranty; such is Jaguar’s faith in its reliability.

The former Jaguar XF scored a four-star Euro NCAP crash test result. This certainly was a surprise, in a sector that expects five. It isn't clear if Jaguar is going to retest the XF, but it's almost certain the facelift has served as an opportunity to fix the bits Euro NCAP criticised: sensitivity of the active bonnet, the operation of the driver-set speed limiter and the ability of the front seat to protect against whiplash injuries. Note: All three areas are ones that Jaguar has worked on during the facelift...

The Jaguar XF is a big car but it is not the most accommodating in the executive car sector. An Audi A6 offers rather greater levels of space, both inside and in the boot, while both a Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series are roomier too. That's not to say the XF is a cramped car: far from it, as adults will find themselves accommodated well in the rear. It's just that rivals have more space besides - and certainly have a more practical boot than the XF's 500-litre trunk. It sounds OK on paper, but the shape is a little too compromised by suspension intrusion, causing it to narrow towards the rear. It's very much a car that feels centred on the driver. It wraps around them and makes them feel special. Impractically could suffer because of this, but Jaguar has ensured the centre console packs in loads of storage slots, to make up for shallow door bins, while that easier glovebox is now more likely to be used too. Again, rivals are better here, but can the boast the same clean lines and special feel of the Jaguar?

This is the most important car Jaguar will sell in the UK, when it hits showrooms on 1 September. The four-cylinder diesel XF has been a long time coming, but its significance is huge: it will quickly take over 40 per cent of sales. When you consider Jaguar sold 12,600 XF in the UK last year, the potential to boost this to well over 17,000 a year is clear. The XF 2.2D is going to be an incremental sales star for the booming British brand. For motorists, the introduction of the 2.2-litre diesel means the XF is now a much more viable ownership proposition. Crucially, the 52.3mpg economy brings CO2 emissions down to 149g/km, making it the first XF to crack the 160g/km CO2 barrier. This alone will give Jaguar sales opportunities that simply weren't open to it before. Rivals are better, but Jaguar says its glance of standard equipment and list price means it stakes up well in the BIK tax stakes. The overall picture is better value than straight comparison stats reveal. Just one word of warning: the SE model lacks the all-important standard sat nav fitted to other Jaguar XF. Ensure it's optionally fitted or, better still, choose the 2.2D Luxury version, for an extra ?3000. Jaguar dealers are on the up, retained values are strong, and reliability is proving to be impressive. With the cost-of-running picture now enhanced by the 52mpg new 2.2-litre diesel, finally the Jaguar XF proposition is complete. It's not perfect, but strength of character helps overcome its few flaws. Your next British-designed, British-built executive car?

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