Driven: Jaguar XF 2.2 Portfolio It's a curious one, this. How do you make a luxury brand sit easily in the minds of the car-buying public (and EU emissions regulators) when the zeitgeist is in favour of eco badges, small engines and lightweight models? You pinch Ford's 2.2-litre diesel engine and put it in your big saloon, which, until now, has been running with a choice of 3.0-litre V6 diesel or 5.0-litre supercharged petrol engines, and hope that shuts up your critics and wins you more fuel-conscious customers. The problem is, Jaguar has built its reputation on big, fast, powerful cars, so does this 2.2-litre diesel version make the XF a more, or less, attractive proposition? I love the XF, having run a 3.0-litre V6 version for six months a couple of years ago. It belies its size and weight with beautifully delicate steering and handling that enable the driver to place the car precisely where he/she wants it. Nothing has changed with this latest version, and the car looks a lot better for its facelift, which has given it meaner headlights and a sharper rear. I got envious glances from the poor souls who bought MkI models, which suddenly look dated. But when you start the engine (we had the higher-powered 187bhp version of the 2.2), you get the nasty diesel rattle of a car several rungs down the class ladder. "Oh dear," I thought, "they've ruined it." Sure enough, the engine grumbles initially in first gear, and seems unwilling to go anywhere, so off we rumbled down the road, me thinking Jaguar had sold itself down the river with a clangy, rattly old banger. But build up speed, say to 40mph, and everything reverts to wondrous type: it becomes a quiet workhorse with enough power for quick overtakes, and smooth, creamy delivery. In the space of one junction on the M3, I went from hating this car to chastising myself for not trusting Jaguar to get it right. Of course it has got it right: it's got practically everything right since Indian firm Tata took over in 2008. So I still love the XF, and yes, it would appear this is the one to buy (I can't help feeling the 161bhp version would be just too feeble). With 149g/km of CO2 and a quoted 52.3mpg on the Combined cycle, versus 169g/km and 45mpg for the 3.0-litre job, plus a cheaper price by three or four grand, it's the one to have. Jaguar XF 2.2 Portfolio Price: £42,200