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Don Booker MBE tests a
value-for-money Jaguar...
Jaguar is one of the most glamorous makes of car in the world, and long may it continue to flow from the production lines.
Today, its car range is better than ever and it is hard to believe that the company’s origin started in a simple back-street workshop not far from Blackpool’s North Pier. Cocker Street, to be exact, where as a lad I swam at the indoor baths.
Behind the production of motorcycle sidecars was William Lyons, then 20-years-old. By the time he had reached the age of 34, he was creating the first Jaguars. What an impression the marque has made on the British motoring scene.
The love and demand for his cars brought about a Knighthood, and there is still respect for his achievements and cars, especially the revised line-up of the award-winning XJ.
In the past decade the company have made the cars more attractive to the younger buyer, with a more assertive and sporting look. The first all-aluminium car I drove was the new Audi A2, but now we have the same construction for the XJ.
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The performance is outstanding in the executive sector and the updated range offers even more outstanding value-for-money for the buyer in this market sector who seeks refinement with competitive economy.
Two power units are on offer and the 2.7-litre diesel has been named Britain’s Greenest Luxury Car. It is refined, smooth and fast and returns 35mpg. It develops 204bhp and has a top speed of 141mph.
There is also the mighty 4.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine which has been named Super V8. That offers 400bhp, a top speed of 155mph and 23.4mpg.
Jaguar over the years has improved greatly in the build quality and also the quality materials and equipment, down to the switches – so important. There are eight air bags and all models come with traction and stability controls and naturally, anti-lock brakes.
Interior-wise, recent improvements include all-new seat design for better comfort and support with heated front seats standard across the range. The leg and foot room has been increased and headroom is more than adequate.
This XJ increase is due to redesigned front seat backs with allows easier access to the rear seats. Standard on all models is satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors – which on such a long car are ideal – Bi-xenon headlamps with washers, a bright mesh grille and side vents which others have copied.
The XJ Executive 2.7 diesel costs £44,599 and gets the items I mentioned earlier, while the Sovereign 2.7 diesel at £50,472 features special 20-inch wheels, soft grain leather and heated and cooled seats. The head rests are embossed, there are Jaguar tread plates and front and rear lambs wool rug set.
The Sovereign also gets DAB radio, metallic paint, power folding mirrors, heated rear seats and a premium sound system. The Sport Premium package is no longer available on the XJ.
The Super V8 comes at £57,760 and has a more luxurious interior with chrome side vents and oak veneer. This model also gets a high performance braking system with black painted callipers and special Super V8 badge.
Buyers are part of our motoring heritage with the Jaguar XJ, just like Sir William.
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