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19 March 2024

Down the road to Xcellence

(SUPPLIED)

Published
By Aimee Greaves

The best way to overcome fear is to tackle it head-on.

Normally, having a test-car delivered means a fun weekend ahead. But warnings of "be careful" as I drove off in Jaguar's XKR failed to boost any confidence I had.

It's very difficult in these times of speed bumps, traffic lights and a 100kph speed limit to make the most of a car that likes to be driven as much as this. There are plenty of straight roads to test the acceleration, but then a driver misses out on the handling.

The rear end tends to slide when accelerating out of a corner – but this brought a smile to my face as the car quickly righted itself and went on its way.

The new 2010 model has a number of updated features, with the "R" line even more refined than its baby sister.

First, there's the magnificent five-litre supercharged engine – up from its predecessor's 4.2 litres – which emits 510bhp to propel the car from stationary to 100kph in 4.8 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than before. Wow. Its top speed is electronically restricted to 250kph.

An electronic differential makes its debut on the XKR to optimise traction and performance as the car makes its way rather quickly through the six-speed automatic transmission. There is also a manual option but why bother when the automatic is so responsive? The circular gear stick that rises from the central console when the engine is turned on is a quirky feature and makes everything look that bit more compact.

LED rear lights and a distinctive double front grille finish off this package with flair. Packing such power, people would be forgiven for believing the XKR would be harsh on the environment. But not so. Another feature is the CO2 emissions, which at 292g/km is not only a 17 per cent improvement but also just under the EU's recommended limits, and an aluminium body that makes it lighter, and thus, provides better performance.

It also has a combined fuel efficiency of 12.3 litres per 100km, which although not magnificent, is not ozone-hole inducing either.

Jaguar has a long history with performance sports cars and has come a long way to make them appeal to a younger generation since the 1970s when the company developed a reputation for poor craftsmanship.

The elongated late 1980s and early 1990s models were the stuff of middle-aged, middle-class businessmen with solid briefcases and suits to match. They were the well-to-do car for those with money.

Now, with the advent of the XR and smaller, sleeker, cooler models, a younger generation has switched on to its charms. And my, has Jaguar repaid them.

The XKR has a wonder of a powerplant, so fast and responsive that it took a very long straight before I even dared floor the accelerator. Even a slight touch of gas when zooming away from traffic lights is enough to have the driver and passenger pushed firmly back on their seats. Heads jerk in much the same way as on roller-coasters when the wild 625lb ft of torque – about 25 per cent more than the old model – is unleashed.

Note the term " passenger" in the singular. No one higher than two-foot would even attempt to climb in the back of this. And if they did, there is no room for their legs. Jaguar would have been better making it a two-seater and increasing the boot size, such is the pittance of space at present. My suitcase would not fit inside, so remember to pack light.

As it stands, the two people the car comfortably holds can slide into the soft leather interior and sit back to enjoy the fun-filled ride. They have built-in coolers for extra comfort in the sweltering heat. The matching cream leather and classic walnut dash complement each other and manage to look refined rather than dated.

The touchscreen interface covers everything from the audio from Bowers and Wilkins and the satnav, offering DVD mapping and a traffic message signal.

The car designers have made good use of space, with compartments all over, including a large one under the armrest, which also holds the all-important portable audio interface, or USB port, for iPod connectivity.

The only downsides when driving is the reflection of the dash in the windscreen in your eye line, which distorts the image of the road giving a false view ahead. Its heated windscreen strips are also distracting, as I found myself looking at the glass rather than through it.

A push of a button brings the roof up or down in less than 18 seconds, folding completely behind the rear seats. The AC is good but with the top down it's barely enough to counter current temperatures, so while it might draw attention, if you want to arrive at dinner or a meeting cool keep it covered. When it is up, it does insulate against the majority of road noise, but not enough to prevent me checking the windows were up more than once.

The XKR really does have the X factor. It's cool and sexy but also full of class. It's just a shame the temperatures put pay to my Thelma and Louise road trip dreams.


The rivals

Audi R8

It was once so over-subscribed you couldn't get on the waiting list in the UAE. Great to look at, even better to drive

Porsche 911 4S

Superior handling, thanks to the four-wheel-drive and heavier steering that provide all the confidence you need

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

Powered by a 5.4-litre V8 engine, with 355bhp, this car does not falter in responsiveness and is far cheaper than the rest

 

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