Even bigger cat!

Sitting in a big Jag is always an event. Apart from the X-type, all the models in the range make you feel quite nice just as you get in. No-one is quite sure what they do to them, but whatever they inject into their cars Jaguar has got it down to a fine art.

The XKR is once again no exception. The special blend of chrome, metallic paint and a soft interior is all very welcoming and almost without rival in a tough marketplace.

The exterior design is quite beautiful and the football pitch-sized bonnet gives away that there is a pretty big engine lurking underneath. The front grill has the standard small Jaguar badge in the centre (sadly there's no leaping big cat any more) and the lower valance has some very sharp looking teeth to give it an aggressive face. On each side lower spotlights finish the sports appearance.

Along the sides, shark-style gills sit just in front of the large doors. The wider rear end covers the huge rear tyres and tasteful alloys, while the roof line drops dramatically back down to the boot, which has a large but shallow luggage area.

At the back, there are no huge wings to shout about the cars performance. A simple R badge gives away the extra power of the car. The round rear lights are built in to a full light cluster and two chrome exhausts poke out from the rear valance.

Inside the XK's interior is small but certainly functional. It's a shame they did away with the wood, instead replacing it with metallic looking trim. Ok, so it's a serious sports car, but the old world wood and leather is what makes it a Jaguar. The small gear shift lever is carried across from the rest of the range and looks great.

The rear seats however are very cramped, with almost no leg room, as per most 2+2 coupes. The best bet is to get a rear passenger to sit across the back seats, rather than attempt the traditional forward facing position.

READERS' COMMENTS

MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM