Jonathan Musk starts getting to grips with our latest long-termer.

Had our car been rear-wheel drive, it would have been qualified as RDE2-compliant, avoiding the 4% BiK surcharge and increased VED

Jaguar’s XF replaced the S-Type back in 2007 and has accrued an envious selection of awards from various publications. Having added the custard to a slice of German apple pie, the XF managed to steal many company car drivers away from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi’s finest mid-size executive saloons. However, in a difficult time for the industry, it’s anyone’s guess whether saloons will stand up to scrutiny in an SUV-obsessed world, not to mention anti-diesel sentiments aplenty.

Business customers should take note that had our car been rear-wheel drive, it would have benefited from Jaguar’s recent spate of RDE2 testing and therefore in 180hp diesel guise would have avoided the extra 4% BiK, as well as increased VED first-year charges. The updated engines along with new low-rolling resistance tyres have also seen CO2 drop considerably, for example an XF Saloon 180hp RWD Manual Portfo- lio, falls from 134g/km to 126g/km CO2. Nonetheless, our all-wheel drive variant is the right choice for those travelling regularly on loose surfaces or needing to lug a trailer behind.

Spec-wise, our car has been kitted out in R-Sport trim, which is the best-selling (and best-looking), and comes with a few optional goodies thrown in over the standard equipment list. Other than a variety of styling upgrades, this includes a multi-func- tion steering wheel, ever-useful front parking aid and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

In addition, we’ve opted for a variety of winter-friendly options including auto-dimming+heated side mirrors (£370), heated/cooled front seats (£540), heated steering wheel (£195) and a heated front windscreen with heated washer jets (£265). There are more options which I’ll mention in my next report, but primary amongst them is the electric deployable tow bar (£990).

Our XF looks the business sporting its Italian-inspired Firenze Red (£705) with Ebony/Pimento Red (no-cost option) interior too.