Jag applies spit and polish to XJ

A much-needed shot in the arm, or a case of too little, too late? The is out on whether the latest facelift to Jaguar's flagship XJ sedan will be enough to keep it afloat until the all-new model arrives in 2009.

The nip/tucked XJ is due to debut at the imminent Geneva motor show, sporting chunky bumpers and a more prominent 'growler' on the revised grille.

Note the new, chromed side gills tucked behind the wheelarches (seemingly inspired by those on the latest XK coupe) as well as the sportier side skirts, reprofiled air intake and Jag's signature chrome blade across the back.

Executive models ride on meatier 19-inch wheels as standard and the colour palette has been supplemented by six additional paint schemes. Jag aficionados may also notice the indicators built into the door mirrors -- a la Mercedes-Benz.

Mechanically, there's nothing to report, as the engine line-up remains unchanged -- ranging from a 179kW 3.0-litre V6, a 196kW 3.5-litre V8, a 224kW 4.2-litre V8 and a supercharged 98kW 4.2-litre V8. Of course, there's also the new 152kW TDV6 diesel.

Interior updates include revised seats and new wood trim. In addition, the Bluetooth hands-free phone system has been upgraded and is now standard on all models. Jaguar also claims that there is more legroom in the rear thanks to lower cushions in the front seats.

Although the current-generation XJ features high-tech aluminium construction and is quite capable dynamically, critics point to the car's conservative styling as being a key shortcoming.

Buyers obviously agree, as the XJ notched up just 59 Australian sales last year, compared with 578 sales for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and 293 for the BMW 7 Series.

However, expect no such conservatism when the next-gen XJ debuts in 2009. The all-new sedan is expected to draw on many of the design cues pioneered by the C-XF concept (more here) shown at January's Detroit motor show.

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