USED CAR ROAD TEST: JAGUAR XFR

When Jaguar launched the XFR super saloon in 2009, it was lauded for its performance and handling. Come the XF’s facelift in 2011, a much-needed aesthetic overhaul was revealed, but under the sharper, more aggressive new look, it was a case of ‘more of the same, please’.

With this variant, not only do you get the smoothness of a petrol engine and the burbling exhaust note of a V8, but you also get a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

There are slightly enlarged air intakes at the front, bonnet louvres, red brake calliper and a rear spoiler.

Other standard kit includes the Meridian 825W sound system, front and rear parking sensors and a new infotainment system.

That supercharged V8 up front gives the XFR some serious firepower and, like every XF, there’s some tail-out action to be had if you go looking for it. Because it’s rear-wheel drive however, don’t expect those fat tyres to find much purchase in the snow, although in the dry they should stick like glue.

If you’re very lucky, the XFR will return 22.5mpg, so be prepared to spend a lot of time standing beside the car filling it up, rather than actually driving it.

There’s no doubt that this XFR could make a very shrewd used buy for those in the market for a superior premium executive-sized sports saloon. It’ll hold its value reasonably well, it’ll be a hoot on an empty road or a racetrack and it’ll probably be reliable.