The cat’s

Jaguar’s limousine has received some overdue attention but does the XJ have what it takes to compete? finds out

Jaguar’s XJ has been given a bit of a makeover. The big cat has new LED headlights, larger grille, revised rear bumper new tail lights, improved luxury and extra tech have .

It’s a big car but there’s not an ounce of fat on its body. It’s taut and muscular.

To add to its sporting credentials the R-sport also gets a gloss black lower grille, front splitter, rear lip spoiler, gloss black rear valance and R-style side sills.

Inside Jet soft grain leather sports seats with red contrast stitching, Jet upper fascia, ivory suedecloth headling, piano black veneer and Jet carpets help set the R-sport apart.

The infotainment system offers Bluetooth connectivity – including handsfree calling and audio streaming – plus DAB radio and digital TV. It’s all plugged in to the excellent Meridian sound system.

The Incontrol Touch Pro system gives you access to compatible mobile apps via the 8in touchscreen when you connect your phone via the USB port.

Although there are roomier limousines on the market, there is still ample leg and headroom in the back, though there is a long wheelbase version.

Rear seat passengers get their own climate controls and there’s a secondary glass panel in the roof – in addition to the one above front seat passengers – to let more natural light into the rear.

The ride is on the firm side but it’s a fair trade-off for the excellent handling.

The steering is consistent and beautifully weighted and the car turns in well despite its mass. The steering is nice and linear and the XJ feels small and nimble.

The on-the-firm-side ride doesn’t diminish the Jag’s long-range cruising capabilities either. Refinement is excellent. Passengers will feel properly insulated from the outside world whatever’s happening beneath the wheels.

The 3.0-litre V6 diesel is inaudible at cruising speeds and during hard acceleration returns a pleasantly encouraging muted rumble that sounds like anything but an oil burner. It’s a wonderfully flexible unit that doesn’t grumble whatever the request. It pulls hard from any speed.

Mated to the wonderfully slick eight-speed gearbox the whole package provides subtly searing pace, if you want it. Alternatively you can just sit back, relax, and watch as the world silently passes by.

The boot will swallow 520 litres of your luggage.

The XJ R-sport is also

available with a 344bhp petrol engine of the same size and configuration but the diesel offers excellent refinement, blistering pace and impressive fuel economy with ‘just’ 304bhp so unless you’re set on drive being sent to all four wheels, choosing it over the petrol version should be a no-brainer.

It’s a tougher call when it’s facing rivals from other manufacturers who have moved the game on significantly in recent times. However, while the XJ might have fallen behind in some areas, it remains a cracking drive, is beautifully put together and is still the bestlooking car in its class.

It really is the cat’s whiskers.