AT least until the arrival of the X200 'compact' executive saloon at the end of 1998, all new Jaguars will have eight-cylinder power. But the new engines are just part of a package of major improvements which means the XJ V8 series models are far more than simply re-engined XJ6s. Wholesale re-engineering of the suspension, new interiors, new transmissions, a mild facelift and a radical rethink on refinement have been key to the agenda in the update.

Nearly a third of the bodyshell is new or redesigned for greater strength and rigidity, while the redesigned facia is now a one-piece design to eliminate the errant squeaks and rattles that characterised the old model. Jaguar is keen to point out that in real terms value for money is enhanced across the range thanks to increased specification: standard kit on all Jaguars now includes full leather trim, a five-speed automatic gearbox, alloy wheels and air conditioning.