An XJ For The 21st Century
07 Apr 10, PRESS & JOURNAL (Aberdeen)
UK --- Not many cars get as much build-up and anticipation as a new Jaguar. For starters, these come along
a lot less often than their premium rivals, and in this country at least, there is the hope that the next Jag will
be so good that it will step out of the shadow of its forebears.
For the XJ, that's a sizeable task: the original 1968 XJ Series I defined the sporting luxury template that has
been the target for every Jaguar since.
So what of this, the 2010 XJ? You won't mistake it for anything else, that's for sure. The design is another
product of the team led by Ian Callum, and one thing is immediately obvious - this is no pastiche of the past.
There are hints of the original XJ, of course, in the slim pillars and the shape of the grille, but the overall
shape is something else. Where its key rivals in the segment tread a predictable four-door saloon route, the
new XJ is far closer to a four-door coupe. It is technically a saloon, but the rear window has disguised pillars
and flows into an almost hatchback-like tail.
There are numerous smart details, too, such as the claw-like rear LED lights. It all makes its more
conservative rivals look positively dull. It also puts it in contention with cars such as the Maserati Quattroporte
-expensive, exclusive and with a strong sporting flavour. Step inside and the XJ continues to impress. All
versions come with a standard panoramic sunroof - that does give up a little headroom in the name of
aesthetics, but the result is worth it. With such a slim window line, the XJ feels snug and solid from the inside,
with a high shoulder line leaving you cocooned, but not cramped. There's also plenty of stylish design in
there, too.
The touch-screen system means an uncluttered dashboard - that's all the better for it - with the now-standard
Jaguar gear selector. It's also a relatively low-set dashboard with a band of wood trim that runs around the
base of the windscreen, a design element borrowed from motor launches and something that helps to make
it feel special.
You can have all the toys to go with it, too. The genius Dual-View screen allows the passenger to watch a
DVD or TV while the driver can see only information and the satnav display; the seats have the option of
heating, ventilation and massage, and the top-of-the-range Bowers and Wilkins audio system is truly epic.
The XJ aims to make its occupants feel special and comfortable, and it does so in fine style. There is also a
long-wheelbase version for extra legroom.
Comfort and luxury are only half the story, however, because the blood of a sports car runs through every
true Jaguar saloon.
As with the previous generation, this XJ has an aluminium structure - 50% recycled, too - which gives it a
weight advantage over the competition. Jaguar claims as much as 150kg. That's good for economy and
performance - the most popular three-litre V6 diesel version can achieve a very impressive 40mpg and
184g/km of CO2 yet deliver proper performance, too, with 155mph and 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.