The consumption of Coca-Cola at Jaguar Cars’ Engineering Centre rose suddenly during a crucial development phase of the rakish new XF. It was the traditional stuff – not zero calories, zero fat, conscience-easing Diet Coke – but it did not gurgle down the throats of the legion of labouring specialists sweating to create what promises to be a bestseller. Instead, it was poured, litre after litre and with assiduous accuracy, over the transmission selector.

This apparent act of fizzy vandalism was condoned by Mick Mohan, the chief programme engineer of the XF. Jaguar is hugely proud that its rapid new sports saloon has an “industry first”, shift-by-wire rotary transmission selector, instead of a boring old lever and it wanted to be sure that if it was accidentally saturated by a deluge of spilt Coke from one of the car’s five drinks holders, it and the car would not become immovable objects.

“We tested the selector through 64,000 cycles, subjected it to the Coke test, simulated a child standing on it and generally gave it a tough time. It survived it all,” Mohan said.

The vicious onslaught was a part of a remorseless test regime for the XF, which must be as fault-free as it is possible to be. There can be no excuses; after an often-traumatic past, the future of Jaguar – which is about to be sold by Ford – and the XF are inextricably linked.

On the basis of a long first drive in Arizona (admittedly not exactly reflecting your traditional trip to Tesco or a crawl round the M25 on a wet Monday morning), it looks as if the XF – mechanically closely related to the latest successful XK sports models – can carry it off. And it is looks, above quality, performance, handling and comfort, that represent the most crucial aspect of the XF.

There are mild hints of past Jaguars in the car’s lines, but essentially this is a thoroughly 21st-century car. It wears a distinctive “nose” that may divide opinion but is a significant element in giving the car an identity that Jaguar hopes will attract a new generation of buyers wanting anything from 2.7litre diesel version (£33,900 and probably the best all-round XF) to a supercharged petrol V8. And there is an ultra high performance version in the making, too.

After two days and hundreds of miles in the XF, which replaces the S-Type, I found it a convincing class act. And in that class are the highly competent wares of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Lexus.

Jaguar used the supercharged 410bhp V8 and naturally aspirated 294bhp V8 for the XF’s launch. It has great engines, lusty performance, smooth, automatic plus very fast paddle-shift transmissions, XK-derived suspension to give the sort of handling/ride balance that many other marques can only dream about, fine steering, plenty of quiet, cossetting room for four or even five adults (at last a Jaguar with lots of back seat space) and a 17.6 cubic foot boot. All XF variants have a high specification, including leather seats.

The supercharged V8 has firm, computer-assisted CATS (Computer Active Technology Suspension) and even better steering. Both cars have XK-like snap and crackle exhaust notes; a little more of this sound in the cabin would perhaps have been better.

Some details grate: the integration of a broad expanse of aluminium on the dashboard butted up to a strip of wood acting like a back-up for good taste but failing; and a ghastly, pulsing red starter button. I am not sure about that rotary transmission selector, either. But overall, the interior ambience is a fine example of melding modern (blue cabin mood lighting) and woody Jaguar traditional. In-car entertainment choice includes an impressive Bowers and Wilkins 440-watt system.

Driving position is near ideal, with excellent seat comfort and very good forward visibility over a low (unusual for a Jaguar saloon) dashboard top with double-stitching detail.

So, an adroitly created Jaguar set for success. Heard it all before? You probably have over the years, but the XF really does package the potential to drive its distinctive snout into the upper echelons of the premium car sales charts – and stay there.

Specification

Car Jaguar XF SV8
Engine 410bhp supercharged 4.2litre V8, with 560Nm of torque at 3,500rpm
Transmission Six-speed auto with paddle shift
Performance 0-62mph 5.4sec, top speed (limited) 155mph
Fuel consumption 22.4mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions 299g/km
Price £54,900
On sale March 1, 2008

Alternatives

BMW 5-Series 550i Great performance, great quality, grating looks

Mercedes-Benz E-class E500 Dated design now due for updating but hugely competent

Audi S6 V10 Enormously powerful, sounds wonderful, exemplary build quality