Jaguar revealed its new flagship XJ model just last month and although we are yet to find out how it drives, thechauffeur.com thinks the latest XF model holds the answers.

Paul Gibson drives two versions of Jaguars saviour…

We all know the story of the XF – Jaguar was in big trouble and it had to build a car that sold well to save the company. Fortunately that is exactly what happened.

A new customer was targeted by Jag, the younger, more fashion conscious buyer was needed to fall in love with its latest offerings – much like the angle taken when Jaguar launched the X-Type in 2000. The XF was born, giving the company a new breathe of life and bringing with it a style and technology that I think will be carried over into the recently announced big cat.

The 2010 models of the XF include two diesel engines offering 240bhp (500mn) and a 275 bhp (600mn), both using a 3.0 V6 which really puts these engines on the map when it comes to diesel performance.

The 600mn version must be the best diesel engine I’ve experienced – the ‘flappy-paddles’ on the steering wheel actually work! Even in an Aston Martin I tested last year, these were pretty much useless. But in the XF, the changes are quick and seamless.

The power differences between the two are not that noticeable, there is less than a second between them in a 0-60 dash. On paper they return the same mpg but there is a noticeable price difference, so although the 270 horses are fantastic fun – there is little point for a chauffeur. Our 600nm test car was priced at just over £44,000 whilst the 500nm model cost £41,500

Quite frankly, both of these engines are stunning, there is no doubt about that! The progressive power, smoothness, excellent economy and beautiful gear changes are outstanding and at the same time they both return on the best side of 35mpg.

The whole car is bolted together very well – the interior is luxurious with great attention to detail. Equipment list is good with an easy to use touch screen multimedia system with Bluetooth technology and TV facilities.

On the outside, the XF looks stunning. The muscular bonnet sets it self apart from ‘normal’ four-door saloons – it even has a hint of Aston Martin from the rear and side profiles which most of the new Jaguars are blessed with.

Although this is not a chauffeur car due to reasonably tight rear legroom, the XF does give the best insight as to what we can expect from the all-new XJ.

The XJ range has always been a good option for a chauffeur, the diesel engines offered great economy with an excellent spec list for a relatively little price. However, chauffeurs have always complained about the lack of boot space – and they were right, it was quite poor.

Designers of the new model have been listening to chauffeurs for the last 18 months to apparently develop a car which will be perfect for them. The early images shows that Jaguar certainly has the looks right and I am sure it has developed a chassis and engine range which matches its looks.

Let’s hope I’m right.

Paul Gibson

See the all-new Jaguar XJ at Drive ‘09 – The Professional Driver’s Event on 26th and 27th September 2009. FREE for the limousine, chauffeur and private hire trade. Register now at www.drive09.co.uk