The aluminium Jaguar XJ has been with us since 2003, and although 2006 sales were up on 2005, sales have declined dramatically compared to 2003 with customers blaming the "old-fashioned" looks and not seeing the up-to-date technology. To counter this, Jaguar has facelifted the XJ for the 2008 model year.

The major changes are at the front of the car, and make the XJ look altogether more purposeful. There is a new bumper with revised upper and lower mesh grilles, and the grille now shows off the Jaguar "Growler" badge. At the rear of the front wings there are new side power vents, similar to those on the new Jaguar XK, set to become a Jaguar design signature. New lower body sill panels and a small rear spoiler complete the body changes, while the door mirrors now carry integrated side repeater lights.

Large 19-inch alloys wheels are now standard across the XJ range, the 'Carella' design featuring on the Executive models while the Sovereign features the 'Polaris' design. To help show off the 2008 model, there are six new colours across the range: Emerald Fire, Pearl Grey, Crystal Blue, Botanical Green, Vapour Grey and Azure Blue.

The interior has not been forgotten either. New heated front seats are standard across the 2008 XJ model range and have been redesigned to provide even more comfort and support; those in the XJR also feature air-cooling (available as an option on the other models). The redesign to the seats has also provided a welcome increase in seat leg and foot space for the rear seat passengers. A heated front windscreen is now standard on the Executive models, and all 2008 model cars now have an upgraded Bluetooth system that allows up to five mobile telephones to connect directly to the car's own telephone system.

There are four engines available in the 2008 model XJ - the 2.7-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 diesel, 3-litre and 4.2-litre petrol engines and the 4.2-litre supercharged V8. An automatic transmission is standard fitment across the board. For 2008, the long wheelbase XJ is also now available with the 2.7-litre diesel engine, providing a valuable addition in the chauffeur-driven market.

Prices for the 2008 XJ model range from £43,540 for the entry level 3-litre petrol engined Executive model with the 2.7-litre diesel at £45,520, through the Sovereign (choice of 3-litre petrol V6, 2.7-litre diesel V6 and 4.2-litre petrol V8) and Sport Premium (2.7-litre diesel only) models up to the supercharged XJR priced from £60,150. The 2008 model year XJ range will be in the dealers soon.

Trevor Nicosia - 2 Mar 2007