the intimate square in front of the Xara Palace in Mdina was the venue of the launch of the all-new Jaguar XJ flagship last Friday week.

David Gasan was entrusted with the task of giving the rundown on the larger, stiffer, faster yet still recognisable Jaguar. "The introduction of any new XJ range opens a fresh chapter in the story of the Jaguar marque," he observed under the admiring eyes of his father Joe.

The XJ is the ultimate expression of Jaguar luxury saloon car engineering, using lightweight aluminium construction that provides new levels of strength, robustness and dynamic ability.

The bodyshell is some 40 per cent lighter than that of the equivalent steel body. Equally important, the new body is 60 per cent stiffer than its predecessor.

The famous XJ6 badge is making a return in the new XJ range, taking its place alongside the XJ8, XJR and new XJ Super V8 models.

Increased interior space translates into more headroom, legroom and shoulder room for all occupants. The driver environment - facia, seat and controls - is distinctively new, taking Jaguar's ergonomic standards to fresh heights.

Comfort and equipment, both standard and optional, are encyclopaedic. Self-levelling air suspension is fitted as standard across the range, a first for Jaguar. This ensures ride height remains constant regardless of load conditions.

There is a choice of four engines with six-speed automatic gearboxes: two 4.2-litre V8 engines, one naturally aspirated developing 300 bhp and one supercharged delivering 400 bhp for the XJR; a new 3.5-litre V8 with 262 bhp; and a 3.0-litre V6 with 240 bhp. When matched to the lightweight new XJ, these engines deliver exceptional performance.

The new XJ is available from the Gasan Automotive Centre in Mriehel.