Jaguar XJ

Jaguar XJ

“Jaguar” it’s a funny old brand! On the one hand you have this image of their cars being driven by the spoilt and the ancient. And on the other, you have the stunning new XK. Those sleek lines and poise are almost enough to cause a stir in anyone’s Y-fronts! But no matter the image they all have one thing in common…those wonderful engines,

especially the V8 range, like in the XJ Sport we tested.

A jaguar has always held a certain presence on the road, for a start they’re bloomin big cars! And favour among celebrities and the Royal Family, has only fuelled the prestige image.

There’s no doubt, the interiors are very luxurious, the suspension perfect for cushioning Very Important Posteriors, and the sound dampening is so good you can’t even hear that V8 unless you really put your foot down.

But with a saloon car, the length of an estate, and the width of a supercar, is the handling going to suffer? Well in a word “No”, the Aluminium chassis, decent tyres, and positive steering, all bundled together with a clever Traction Control System, help make the XJ a light and responsive “Predator” even on the tightest of corners.

In a straight line, that V8 has a chance to impress, and the kick down from the automatic gearbox on the model we tested, really did push you into your seat when overtaking.

Through town, it can seem a bit daunting at first, and other drivers aren’t exactly courteous towards the “Big Cat”. But you soon get used to the size and quickly find that nimble steering can get you in and out of the narrowest of spaces.

Having driven some distance in the XJ, I can honestly say travelling on a long journey is a pleasure. The comfort is excellent, without being lazy, and the sound system is one of the best I’ve heard.

With soaring petrol prices and increases in road tax, thanks to our great leader (down with Brown, down with Brown!!!) you might not see many more Jaguars of this kind on the road. Which is a great pity, because you really do get so much for very little money.

And it would be great to see more young people, like me (YES ME!) behind the wheel of these cars. After all it's us “thirty somethings” that are the best drivers on the road!

…now where did I put that speeding ticket!?