Jaguar has facelifted the venerable XJ saloon with a new look designed to reinforce the car’s well-regarded road manners, in an attempt to boost sales. The biggest change is at the front end, where a new grille features an enlarged version of the Jaguar “growler” badge – the roaring Jaguar face. The grille extends into the lower half of the bumper. This is not the grille that will be used on the XF, the S-type replacement, however. That car will get a brand new grille that will feature on all new Jaguar saloons.Other exterior changes include the wing-mounted vents, similar to the XK’s, lower sill covers and a reworked rear end incorporating new bumper designs and a subtle lip spoiler on the boot lid. New door mirrors now carry an integrated indicator. Inside, the XJ’s rear legroom has been increased by redesigning the seat backs and cushions, and heated front seats are now standard across the range. The front seats themselves have been reworked as well. Jaguar has also added new trim options for the dashboard, with a choice of more contemporary wood finishes or an all-alloy dash fascia. Prices go up for the 2008 model year – the range starts at £43,540 for the 3.0-litre petrol Executive, an increase of £500. The range-topping XJR goes up by £600 to £60,150.The XJ has been criticised for looking too old fashioned – the car’s essential shape and style has hardly changed since its launch in 1967 – and an all-new XJ is due in 2009 (see related articles). Last year Jaguar sold 2293 XJs in the UK, up on 2005’s 1833. The increase is largely due to the introduction of the diesel model, but it’s a far cry from the XJ’s heyday when it sold 10,000 cars a year.
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