JAGUAR has announced 1997 model year changes for the saloon car range along with a price rise averaging 2%. But taking the extra specification into account the company says that in real terms it is offering a 0.4% price cut. For example while the XJ Sport 3.2 moves up from £31,300 to £32,950 it gains climate control worth £2,108.

All models now feature a three point, centre rear seatbelt and restyled bench seat. Automatic climate control is standard on the XJ 3.2 Sport while the Sovereign 4.0 now comes as standard with the long wheelbase which provides an additional five inches of rear legroom. The Sovereign also gains new 20-spoke alloy wheels. Its new on the road price of £45,500 represents a saving of £1,650 over the previous model.

Inside, the new Sovereigns and the Daimler Six receive a polished, solid walnut gearknob. The Daimler Six and Double Six flagships now have electrochromic interior and exterior mirrors - with the door mirrors adding a fold-back feature useful in tight spaces. The mirrors are offered as an option on all Jaguar models.

New Jaguar/Daimler on the road prices are: XJ6 3.2 standard wheelbase, £30,950; lwb, £33,750; XJ Executive 3.2, £34,650; Sovereign 3.2, £40,450; lwb, £43,250; Sovereign 4.0, £45,000; lwb, £45,500; XJ Sport 3.2, £32,950; XJ Sport 4.0, £37,150; XJR, £48,900; Daimler Six lwb, £54,750; Daimler Double Six lwb, £66,450.