New Jaguar XF rolls off the production line

The new Jaguar XF has rolled off the production line for the first time at the company's last remaining UK plant in Castle Bromwich.

Replacing the S-Type, which performed in a disappointing fashion at the showrooms, the new mid-size luxury car will cost £33,900 to £54,900 when it goes on sale in April.

The XF made its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show earlier this year, and was generally well received by critics.

Some 1,400 pre-orders have already been received for the vehicle, many from buyers who will not have seen the car firsthand.

However, Jaguar faces competition from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Lexus in a highly competitive marker sector.

"Today is a significant milestone for Jaguar and a very proud moment for the Castle Bromwich team who have worked tirelessly to ensure this car delivers the highest levels of quality and refinement customers have come to expect from Jaguar," said Richard Else, operations director at Castle Bromwich.

Models announced so far include a 2.7-litre V6 diesel, a three-litre V6 petrol, a 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol and a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol.

Jaguar is presently up for sale, after being placed on the market by Ford, with Indian conglomerate Tata the frontrunner to takeover.