The new XF, equipped with a 2.2-litre four-cylinder engine, promises to be the most efficient Jaguar yet produced.

And to prove it, an example has just completed an epic journey from the factory in which it was created at Castle Bromwich in Birmingham, to Munich – a distance of 816-miles – on a single tank of diesel.

Driven by David Madgwick, an independent tester, accompanied by navigator Alexander Madgwick, the scrupulously standard XF passed through four countries taking in a mix of winding country roads, motorways and dense urban traffic.

The XF, with just over 3,000-miles on the clock at the point of departure, consumed just 64-litres of fuel to average a remarkable 57 mpg.

On-hand to meet the car on its arrival in Munich was Andy Whyman, Chief Programme Engineer for the XF, who commented: “The entire development team is very proud of what the new XF 2.2 has achieved – this not only proves the efficiency of the new model but underlines that performance and economy can be combined.”

Despite its keen focus on economy the XF 2.2 produces 190 PS and 332 lbs ft of torque, to allow the XF to accelerate from rest to 62mph in just 8.5-seconds before reaching a top speed of 140mph.

The XF 2.2 emits just 149 g/km of CO2.

Further improving efficiency, the new 2.2-litre engine is linked to a new eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox and an innovative Stop-Start system – marking the first time such a device has been fitted to a Jaguar.

Set to be launched this September, the new XF 2.2 forms part of the new 2012 model range.

Benefitting from a fresh new look, upgraded interiors and equipment as well as improvements in efficiency and refinement, the latest generation XF looks set to build on the achievements of the model it replaces.