Jaguar XF Sportbrake

This luxurious, sweet-handling estate makes a fine alternative to the likes of the BMW 5 Series Touring - and it's more of a bargain on the used market In production 2016-present Price from £15,000 Our favourite version 2.0d 180 Prestige

- Mark Pearson

THE JAGUAR XF Sportbrake is an estate car that has always looked a million dollars, but the good news is that it costs far less than that particularly if you're buying used. Prices for second-hand examples of this luxurious load-lugger - which can ferry your dogs as easily as it can entertain its driver on a B-road - are now temptingly low.

Initially, you could choose from 247bhp and 298bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines. The diesel options were 161bhp and 178bhp 2.0-litre units, while a twin-turbo version produced 237bhp. Topping the range was a 296bhp 3.0-litre diesel V6. Later, the range was trimmed down, with just 2.0-litre engines being sold: 247bhp P250 and 296bhp P300 petrols and a 201bhp D200 diesel. Fourwheel drive was available on some versions.

All trim levels were generously equipped and came with self-levelling rear air suspension, which could automatically adjust itself to keep the body level even with a heavy load in the boot. At first, trims ranged from Prestige through Portfolio (which got 18in wheels instead of 17s, plus a rear-view camera and a Meridian sound system( to R-Sport with its sports suspension and black exterior detailing.

Post-2020 cars' trims morphed into R-Dynamic S (with an electric tailgate(, SE (19in wheels and keyless entry( and R-Dynamic HSE, with 20in wheels, a fantastic 400-watt Meridian sound system and adaptive cruise control with steering assistance.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

Of the earlier cars, the 2.0d 163 diesel feels a bit underpowered, but the 2.0d 180 is impressively punchy from low revs. The 2.0d 240 and 3.0d 300 are even more impressive performers, but that comes at the expense of fuel economy. Meanwhile, the petrol units never feel quite as impressive, because they need to be revved harder to summon up their best performance.