JAGUAR'S latest model, the XF, continued its winning streak as What Diesel magazine named it the 2008 'Car of the Year'.

The luxury sport saloon claimed the top prize after clinching the award for top performing diesel in the 'Best Executive Car' category.

This is the tenth international award the model has received since its Frankfurt debut and 2,000 cars were sold during March in the UK alone.

Ian Robertson, editor of What Diesel, said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Jaguar XF has won the coveted title of What Diesel Car of the Year 2008.

"It is well deserved and is testament to all the fine people that are proud to say that they work for Jaguar. The car drives exceptionally, and looks absolutely stunning and catapults Jaguar right up the road to success." The 2.7-litre diesel, which is priced from £33,900 on the road, was selected from more than 100 new models by a panel of ten motor industry experts.

Praised for its 'masterful blend of beautiful styling, quality, practicality, luxury and excellent ride and handling' the XF saloon took victory ahead of other category winners including the Fiat 500, Ford Mondeo, Audi A5 and Volkswagen Eos.

Geoff Cousins, UK managing director of Jaguar Cars, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the XF has been named 'Car of the Year' by the jurors of What Diesel magazine.

"The diesel market is incredibly important for the XF - it accounts for 80 per cent of sales in the UK and with competition getting tougher each year, this award is all the more satisfying."