THE thought of getting the best part of 60mpg from a sporty Jaguar was once the stuff of dreams, but in these days of astonishing technical solutions it is reality with the XF R-Sport.

This is one of the main head-turners in the current big cat range because of its remarkable 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine which gives the car a combined economy figure of 57.7mpg with a low emissions readout of 129g/km.

And it is certainly no sluggard with 130mph on tap from its 163ps power unit plus a 0-60mph sprint of 9.8 seconds.

Costing £33,995 this one is intended to give management motoring a razor sharp edge and German competitors a lot of food for thought.

The XF R-Sport is one of the main contributors to the recent sales successes of Jaguar, a brand which has had mixed fortunes in the past and is now regarded as one of the top premium brands to have on your driveway.

The XF, which took over from the old S-Type was an instant success with a its beautiful body penned by a team under design director Ian Callum.

The 2015 XF model range has an incredibly wide breadth of capability. From a blistering 0-60mph time of only 4.4 seconds for the XFR-S Saloon to the economy attainments of the test car there is a model to suit all tastes.

UK customers are now able to select from eight different trim line including SE, SE Business, Luxury, R-Sport, Premium Luxury, Portfolio, R and R-S specifications.

Powertrains offered in the new Jaguar XF model range include the 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre turbodiesel units - in a mixture of 163, 200, 240 and 275ps tuning guises - as well as powerful petrol engines ranging from 340ps to 550ps in output.

The first Jaguar to wear the new R-Sport badge, the XF R-Sport Saloon represents an important combination of elegance and real-world efficiency, helping to reduce the tax burdens on drivers and fleet managers alike while still retaining the luxury and refinement already associated with the XF range.

The 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine is offered in combination with Jaguar's Intelligent Stop-Start system and an eight-speed gearbox, enabling the XF R-Sport to deliver the performance and driver appeal expected of a Jaguar along with reduced emissions and greatly improved fuel consumption.

A range of exterior and interior enhancements lend the car an assertive appearance on the road and a sporty, cosseting feel within the cabin.

The 2014 XF R-Sport model features a Sport front bumper, ‘R' style side sills and a unique rear spoiler which combine to give the car an assertive, purposeful appearance on the road. 17" alloy wheels, fitted withlow rolling resistance tyres to help further reduce emissions, add to the XF R-Sport's sporting profile.

One of the most impressive features is the Jaguar Drive Selector that rises from the centre console and air vents that rotate to their open position when the starter button is pressed.

Revised front and rear seats incorporate a ‘hoop' feature on both squab and backrest that improves not only their appearance but also the support it offers by increasing the seat's profile.

The XF incorporates a formidable amount of technology but in true Jaguar fashion it is integrated seamlessly into the function of the car and controlled through a central seven-inch Touch-screen with a new polarising filter for better contrast viewing.