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The XF sedan is supposed to represent the beginning of a new era for Jaguar in so many ways - a bold, modern styling direction and the start of establishing the marque as a viable economic force in the industry.
But it's also the end of an era - it's the last model to be launched under Ford's ownership of the brand, after the American giant confirmed the sale of troubled Jaguar to Indian maker Tata last month, and it's also likely to be the last new Jaguar to be launched in New Zealand with a full range of engines, according to local importer Motorcorp Distributors Ltd (MDL).
MDL boss Wallis Dumper says the Government's impending scheme for imposing penalties, and/or "tradeable credits" for importers that fail to meet a 170g/km carbon-emissions limit across their model range, will probably mean his company will be more selective about engines to power new models.
That issue brings two XF models in particular to mind - the "hero" 4.2-litre supercharged SV8 and the 2.7-litre twin-turbo diesel.
The former is fast - 306kW/560Nm and 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds - but also thirsty. The official Combined figure is 12.6 litres per 100km (299g) but the reality of driving it in a spirited manner is 20l/100km.
Yet it's hard to see MDL doing without such a high-performance model as this. The saving grace might be the fine performance and sales volume of the diesel. Using the Ford-Peugeot 2.7-litre engine seen in everything from a Citroen C6 to the Land Rover Discovery, it delivers a relaxed driving experience - 435Nm of torque and economy of 7.5l/100km (199g).
Next to those two, the rest of the XF range seems a little "so what".
The entry 3.0-litre petrol V6 is the same price as the diesel but has much less torque (293Nm) and still pumps out 249g, while the naturally aspirated V8 petrol still has less torque than the diesel and produces 264Nm.
Whatever the engine, the XF feels like a special car. The styling is svelte, there's as much wood and leather as you'd expect, and the window stickers reflect a new "transparent pricing" strategy from MDL.
The six-pot petrol and diesel cars are just $114,990, the V8 is $139,990 and the flagship SV8 lists at $169,990 - a lot of money but great value for a premium vehicle.
The cabin is tasteful but gimmicky in places - get into the car and the gearlever glows like a heartbeat.
Start up and the rotary shifter rises up to meet you - Jaguar calls it a "handshake". The reading lights are motion-sensitive, the glovebox has a touch-release, and so on.
But underneath the cabin-tech, the XF is a fine executive sedan. Performance is strong, all versions get a six-speed automatic gearbox and the handling is precise and rewarding, if not as nimble as other Jaguars.
The XF has conventional steel construction (to save costs), compared with the all-aluminium underpinnings of the XJ and XK. As a result, the XF is heavier than the otherwise-larger XJ sedan.
While the retro S-Type was a turn-off for many, the XF looks like a welcome addition to the line-up, a niche competitor to the likes of the Audi A6 and BMW 5-series.
If you're sick of the usual fare, it has the potential to grab your attention.
