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The new model year brings a refresh for Jaguar’s XF and XFR sedans, which were both revealed in a world premiere today at the New York Auto Show. The British firm’s BMW 5-Series rival receives restyled front and rear bodywork, along with some subtle changes inside and for certain markets including Europe, the introduction of a new four-cylinder turbo diesel engine.

On the outside, Jaguar tried to bring the XF into line with the new XJ, though some may also see common themes with the original C-XF Concept, especially up front with the new and sleeker headlamp designs that incorporate LED daytime running lights arranged in a distinctive Jaguar ‘J-Blade’ signature.

The 2012 XF benefits from revisions to the grille, hood, and front fenders, which incorporate new triangular side vents, while Jaguar also added larger tail lamps with full-LEDs for stop, tail light and turn signal functions. In addition, the trunk lid trim has been redesigned. The XFR’s newly styled bumpers and alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.

Jaguar has admitted that it is currently working on a new sedan that will be the entry-level model of the range. Smaller than the XF, the new model is expected to have a starting price of around £28,000 (€31,850/$45,685). According to Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar's global brand director, the sub-£30,000 premium car market is four times larger than that of sedans priced above £30,000 (€34,120), so developing a cheaper, smaller Jaguar makes a solid business case.

Undeniably, the XF is one of the most important models in Jaguar’s recent history, as it turned a new design page for the British carmaker at a time the company changed ownership, from Ford to India’s Tata Motors. Now, three years after its market launch in 2008 following a debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Jaguar is preparing a facelift version of the XF that will receive its world premiere at next month’s New York Auto Show.

The facelift model will receive a makeover that includes a new front fascia with new lights, a redesigned front grille and reshaped bumper, which oddly enough, bring it closer to the original C-XF Concept that previewed the car. The XF will also benefit from tweaks to the interior and the overall quality, the introduction of new tech systems and an upgraded suspension for improved ride and handling.

Perhaps the biggest news for buyers across the pond is the introduction of a new 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. The oil-burner is a development of the Ford unit found in the Land Rover Freelander and the European-market Ford Mondeo, however, given that the XF is rear wheel drive, it sits in a north-south configuration so Jaguar had to make several changes to the engine.

We just got word that Jaguar has released a recall notice today that affects certain 2010MY XF saloons and XK sports cars over a potential issue with the power assist steering system. In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA], Jaguar said that the power assist steering (pas) pipes have been assembled with zinc-nickel plating that may not provide corrosion protection.

Jaguar UK has released a new styling kit for the XF saloon, called the Black Pack. Available on the XF Diesel S, 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 petrol and XFR models, the £950 factory package improves the premium saloon's visual appeal without going overboard.

Those that opt for the Black Pack will get 20-inch Draco alloys, painted in dark grey, gloss black grille and window surrounds, and a choice of several exterior colors, selected to maximize the car's visual impact.