Jaguar XJ

   The Jaguar XJ is produced since 2002. It serves as the Jaguar's flagship model. This car was facelifted in 2007.

   The XJ comes with a lightweight aluminum body, which gives even the entry-level engine a decent pace. The 3.5-liter unit does a superb job. The supercharged 4.2-liter V8 is seriously fast. However the real winner is a 2.7-liter twin turbocharged diesel, which makes the XJ one of the best diesel-powered luxury cars in the world.

   All XJ have air springs and computerized damping, with comfort and sports settings. Sports setting makes the car less floaty and helps it respond more keenly to the superb steering without loosing its ride comfort. All the latest electronic braking, cornering and traction aids are fitted.

    Driving the XJ there is some engine noise, particularly form the more powerful petrol units, but the new diesel is very quiet. Jaguar believes that a bit of engine noise is part of the driving experience. Wind and road noises are largely absent.

   The Jaguar XJ is very aggressively priced against it's German rivals. Introduction of a diesel engine will keep the running costs low. It's servicing might be pricey though, but resale values are among the best in class. A couple of years ago Jaguar had constant complaints about the reliability, however nowadays it's build quality is getting better.

   Inside the car there is an impressive quality feel. Nobody does wood and leather as good as British car manufacturers, however some switches look a bit Ford-like. The big switchgear is easy to use, but the low-set stereo loses ergonomic marks.

   Driver's seat, steering wheel and even the pedal positions are electronically adjusted. It is impossible not to get comfortable in front of the steering wheel with such number of adjustments that Jaguar offers. All-round visibility could be better, as it is limited by the slim windows.

   The new Jaguar XJ offers plenty of room all round the cabin. There is plenty of head- and legroom for all occupants. Unfortunately the boot can't match it's rivals. In fact even the Ford Mondeo has a larger and better shaped one.

   Safety equipment fitted on the XJ can be matched only by the Mercedes-Benz S-class. It is one of the safest cars on the road. Front passengers are protected by six airbags, while there are also curtain 'bags for the rear seats. A full set of electronic braking, cornering and traction aids is standard. Manufacturers made sure that it would be a very hard nut for thieves to drive away.

   Even the cheapest Jaguar XJ comes with wood, leather and a high level of luxury features as standard. These features include climate control, CD changer, parking sensors and so on. The most expensive models come with a touch-screen navigation system and voice activated controls, but these features are available as options on every model.

   Advantages: The best ride of any car in this class and the handling still lives up to Jag's sporting pedigree. Silky engines.

   Disadvantages: Jaguar has found more rear legroom, but it's still average for this class of car. Boot not deep enough.

   Verdict: Pick of the bunch of the latest executive cars.

   Also consider: Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-class.