With its long, sleek and elegant profile, this is Jaguar’s defining model.

The XF first arrived in dealerships in 2008 and has since become the company’s most awarded car ever.

Eight years later, the British manufacturer decided its luxury sedan was ready for an update - and the results are rather pleasing.

The new design improves on its predecessor thanks to more aggressive features, but the car still retains the classic Jaguar subtlety and refinement.

The revised XF, now featuring aluminium architecture, has been improved in a number of key areas.

Better styling, more efficient engines, new technology, extra space and an enhancement in the driving characteristics rank among the most notable changes.

The designers have also performed a clever trick by shaving 8mm off the length while at the same time managing to improve the headroom by 27mm and adding 15mm of legroom.

In addition, the XF now weighs in at 190kg less than its predecessor and engines are 19 per cent more efficient.

Buyers can choose from a range of different engines. The unit in the version tested here was a 2.0-litre diesel, rated at 180PS with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Under acceleration, the four cylinder engine is smoothness personified.

It eases without any great fuss from 0-60mph in 7.7 seconds - not blistering or thrilling, but brisk enough to be satisfying in most everyday situations.

With its light, stiff body, combined with weight distribution that is close to 50/50, the vehicle provides an excellent balance between ride and handling.

In the tighter turns, the XF felt stable and sure-footed, giving you confidence when cornering briskly.

In terms of looks, the front end boasts a large grille between wide and aggressive-looking headlights. Clearly defined lines flow backwards through the long, meaty bonnet towards the windscreen, often catching the light and giving the car a deeply-sculpted appearance.

From the rear, the XF has a more curvaceous appearance, with the boot sweeping upwards to a raised central point and feeding smoothly into the rear window.

The interior of the XF is stylish, well laid-out and complete with plenty of equipment.

Standard specification on the Prestige version includes 8 inch Capacitive touch-screen, USB socket and Audio Aux output, iPOD integration, Bluetooth telephone connectivity and streaming, and DAB radio.

You also get rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a heated rear windscreen, partial LED rear lights, hill launch assist, Jaguar drive control, and an electric parking brake.

All in all, it adds up to a package that seemlessly combines great comfort with decent driver engagement.

In terms of practicality, we had no problem fitting five people into the car on longer journeys.

Excellent boot and rear-seat space make the new XF one of the most practical executive saloons you can get your hands on.

It’s true that executive saloons may not be bought for their passenger and luggage-carrying capability, but it’s certainly a major bonus when the car has to double up as a family car on evenings or at the weekend.

Indeed, Jaguar says the XF now has class-leading rear-seat space thanks to the addition of 15mm more legroom. Room for front-seat occupants is also pretty generous, with plenty of seat adjustment possible for the driver.

Meanwhile, the steering wheel can also be adjusted both in and out and up and down.

At 540 litres, the Jaguar XF boot capacity beats its close rivals.

Those looking for a blend of sophistication, practicality and driver enjoyment would do well to give serious thought to the XF.