Jaguar Xk Coupe 2006 - Present

The XK was unleashed on the UK’s roads in 2006 as part of a renewed drive for Jaguar.  It benefits from their current policy of using aluminium in the vehicle’s construction as a means of keeping the weight down.  This aluminium body construction enables the big cat to make the engine heavier without breaking the local weighbridge.

The XK is a motor with serious intent and looks distinctively British.  From it’s low roof to it’s wide tyres it’s clearly built for speed (a fact emphasised when you fire up the engine).  As you look through the windows
You can’t help but wonder what the back seats are there for?  There is so little leg room in the back, and head room is little better, that the back seat is only really suitable for small people laying sideways in there.  It’s disappointing that Jaguar didn’t have the courage to dump the useless back seats and just make a two seater.  It’s no use pretending that you’re going to be able to go anywhere with anyone in the as you’re simply not going to make it, the room is that small.  That grip out of the way and the XK offers an excellent space in which to travel.  The seats are state of the art and the finish is of the highest quality.  There’s plenty of padding to keep out any intrusion form the road and the rest of the outside world, although there is occasional tyre roar. 

The reason that you buy an XK is to drive it and what a joy that is.  There’s no need to spend endless hours deciding which engine to opt of for as there’s only one the 4.2 V8 petrol unit.  It will get you to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and is thoughtfully restricted to 155 mph.  the running costs are pretty grim with economy at 25mpg and the highest car and company car tax bracket, but that said you don’t buy one of these as a cheap little run-around unless you’re a Russian Oligarch.  The 4.2 engine is sure to be ample for anyone driving on the roads.  It comes with six speed automatic gearbox which has paddles on the steering wheel in case you want to feel like a race driver when negotiating the North Circular.  The power is delivered in a smooth and workable wave that never seems to break, certainly not before you do.

The XK benefits massively from the light weight of the chassis as it makes the car feel lithe and nimble.  The weight of the engine does increase the overall weight of the car but as that centre of weight sits over the front wheels it does a great job of increasing grip at the front of the car.  The steering is light at slow speeds and natural at speeds.  The feedback is sensational as is the overall handling.  You can attack corners safe in the knowledge that you’re unlikely to be able to do too much that’s going to fluster the car.  In the even that you do manage to cross that threshold Electronic safety systems are ready to prevent any you being duly punished for your foolishness. 

The XK is the latest in a line of great Jaguars.  It’s exciting to drive and great to own.  Shame about those back seats though…

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