Jaguar XK Coupe and Convertible
On sale 16th March

When you do something day in and day out, you can’t help but take it for granted. Whether that job is modelling, wine tasting or driving new cars. No matter how glamorous the outside world sees your job, at the end of the day, it is just a job. However, there are occasions when even the run of the mill becomes remarkable.

Like yesterday when I drove down the motorway to yet another new car launch. Only this wasn’t a new supermini, saloon or estate. This was a new generation of the fastest selling sports car in Jaguar’s history. Since the launch of the XK in 1996, over 18,200 have been sold in the UK.

It has always been a head turner, but this new premium sports car is in my opinion, gorgeous. If you see one in your rear view mirror, there appears little styling difference, although there is an extra front grille intake. From the side, it is sleeker and the aluminium trim gives it a narrower, longer look. The rear styling has changed the most, appearing boxier, with wide aggressive haunches.

It’s not only about good looks though and at last a manufacturer has realised that an exciting sound that makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck, is equally as important as looks. Press the accelerator hard to overtake and this Jaguar will roar like the proverbial. Both the Coupe and Convertible are quicker than their predecessors. The Coupe will reach 60mph from standstill in just 5.9 seconds. This is partly down to the fact that, like the new XJ, this sports car is all aluminium, so it is lighter.

There is just one engine, a 4.2 litre V8. Press the keyless start button and whilst idling, it sounds as throaty as a Jaguar should. Get up speed though and it will cruise along as quietly as a purring cat.

And a cat is about all that would fit into the back seats. Despite having more head room, more shoulder room and more front seat leg room, there is little room for rear seat passengers.

However, this is one car that I would much prefer to drive alone, so that I could fully participate in the heady driving experience. The Jaguar XK is a beautiful fast car that I felt totally in control of. There are all kinds of technical marvels that make it responsive, yet relaxed, a Grand Tourer with effortless acceleration and with excellent stability on cornering.

There are numerous safety systems too. In fact it meets European legislation for pedestrian safety, a year ahead of its introduction. Jaguar is the first manufacturer to offer a Pyrotechnic Deployable Bonnet. In the unfortunate event of a pedestrian impact, the bonnet automatically ‘pops’ up a few inches to create a cushioning effect between the engine and the bonnet. This allowed the designers of the new XK to keep the bodystyle low and sleek.

But you can’t expect all this new technology for nothing and the new XK costs around £7,000 more than its predecessor. For this price though there is a host of standard equipment, many of them being luxury items such as parking aids, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, CD autochanger and Bluetooth technology.

Prices however, are not a deterrent for some buyers and over 2,000 customers have already put a deposit down for the new Jaguar XK. Starting from £58,955 for the Coupe and £64,955 for the convertible, I’m not even within the league of thinking about it, but at least for one day I was able to enjoy a truly remarkable experience.

By Sue Cooke