REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A true wild cat

The last Jaguar is hitting our roads with the objective of doubling the brand ’ s local sales. Full of ambition, this new cat on the block will have to face tough, sharp-clawed competitors, like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes Class C.

Jaguar will never be quite the same. A few years ago, Jaguar was tormented by its past and worried of the future. Today, this prestigious brand is definitely looking towards the future, but with respect to its past. But still, not so long ago, there were concerns about the brand ’ s ability to fall back on its feet. With the help of its main shareholder Ford, the British firm made its products more reliable (there was a time when you could tell who owned a Jaguar by the oil stains in the driveway) and tightened its manufacturing process. These efforts were successful, so the accounting department could finally put way the red pencil and the dealerships started dealing with customers for other things than solving problems.

But Jaguar ’ s new-found health can also be attributed to the S-Type. This catchy sedan offered at an attractive price ($60,000 to $70,000) allowed the brand to find a new client base and in the process, double its sales figures (some 85,000 Jaguar will be sold this year, among which 50,000 S-Type).

Jaguar is about to grow once more with the X-Type. This new model will expand the client base in a younger bracket and sales should reach an estimated 100,000 by 2004.No matter the distance, the X-Type looks like a true Jaguar.

How do I describe it? Four words should do it: classic, sensuous, sculptural and athletic. With its toothy grille, its ribbed hood and its tiny round eyes, this new feline reminds of the XJ, the flagship of the family.

By fear of being flamed (once more) by critics, (The S-Type interior was too Ford-ish), stylists took great care not to repeat the same mistake with the X-Type. This new car is clad with jaguar-like attributes. Seats are covered with pure Connolly (official supplier of the brand) leather and the wood trims, like in any other Jaguar, are not imitations.

My first impression: the quality of the bucket seats, and especially those that come with the Sport option ($2,000 more). These comfortable wraparounds, with power adjustment on the driver ’ s side (optional on the passenger ’ s) are long enough to offer adequate thigh support, a detail that Jaguar seemed to have forgotten for a few years. Just under the horizon line, the dashboard with its central console offers a comprehensive array of chrome-circled instruments and gauges, and the main controls are at close range. The audio system could have been placed above the air conditioning to be manipulated while looking at the road.

At the back, the X-Type is surprisingly comfortable for two adults and offers more head room than BMW ’ s 3 Series or even a Lexus IS300. The trunk is also roomy enough for a party of four. I can hear some of you asking: Is this a Jaguarized Ford? The answer is yes and no. As opposed to the S-Type that shares 40% of its parts with the Lincoln LS, the X-Type shares only 20% with the Mondeo (a.k.a. Contour, but the model underwent a major redesign after being withdrawn from the American market). What parts do they share exactly? The windshield, the manual transmission and the fuel pump, not too critical, right?

By the way, those purists offended by Ford ’ s participation in Jaguar should keep in mind that without the financial and technical support of Ford, the Jaguar brand would be found in museums rather than dealerships (or driveways) by now.

Mondeo or not Mondeo, that ’ s not the question! seems to have been the Coventry engineer ’ s motto when designing this X-Type. Differences between the two models are hardly perceptible. They have even designed an integral traction with predominant propulsion (60% of the torque is relayed to the rear wheels) that makes you look forward to icy winter roads.

The X-Type offers two engine options. First, there is a Ford-built 2.5-litre V6 producing 194 hp that has nonetheless been given a specific cylinder head and variable valve opening for more flexibility. The other engine is a similarly modified 3.0-litre Ford Duratec (231 hp). These two engines come with 5-spped automatic or manual transmissions.

Performance-wise, the 3-litre is obviously more nimble. Livelier, more aggressive, this V6 pulls the X-Type rapidly and efficiently out of a stationary position. It may not be as voluptuous as a BMW ’ s straight 6, but it sure beats most of the competition. The 2.5-litre is not bad either, but the car ’ s weight (1,555 kg) may be too much for its capacity. During our test drive, the 2.5-litre ’ s lack of torque forced us to shift frequently (the shifter is very smooth) on hilly roads.

The car could use more heart, but its legs were there. With the integral traction, the X-Type is a natural in tight turns. For additional pleasure, the steering is quick and accurate and unlike recent jaguars we test drove, correctly assisted. The front suspension may be nothing but unsophisticated McPherson struts (multi-lever at the rear), but it sure gets the job done, that is smoothen road imperfections and keep the wheels on the ground. Braking is efficient and powerful on this Jaguar.

So, we can call this first contact a success for this Jaguar that will miss no chance to dig its claws in competitors skin.

PROS
Manual transmission available
All wheel drive
A true Jaguar

CONS
2.5 liter too weak
Low fuel mileage

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Fast motoring

After Labour Day, everyone knows that summer lives on borrowed time and that open air drivers already look in the closet for a scarf and gloves. Those who don ’ t feel they ’ ve been in the sun long enough this summer can count on the new Jaguar XKR to rapidly correct this situation, even with a few extra shivers.

The XK8 (coupe or convertible) successfully blends older Jaguar ’ s tradition and romanticism in a resolutely modern and reliable package. But is it also the sportiest Jaguar?

It only seems so since the XJR sedan and its supercharged engine were, not so many years ago, much more aggressive. Jaguar was not unaware of the situation and corrected the situation by offering a supercharged engine in the XKR. The result speaks for itself: 370 hp and 387 lb.-ft. torque should be more than enough to mess up you hair. Unfortunately, opening the hood will not reveal its secrets; metal parts are covered with moulded plastics, supposedly for aesthetics reasons.

To improve air circulation, small vents have been made in the hood. The XKR also differs from more civilized versions by its wide tires and its mesh grille.As its famous ancestor, the E-Type, the XK shows its British origins in its unmistakable style. Sober, yet virile and massive, the body is exempt from any fashion-dictated influence or fancy. Only the roof cover break the pure lines created by the late Goeff Lawson.

Sitting into a Jag is like entering a fabulous palace designed for pleasure seekers. The warm, voluptuous felling that takes you comes from the odor of leather, the wool carpets and the sober layout.

The XK8 offers two front seats as well as two back seats with minimal legroom (not for the claustrophobic.) All seats are covered with Connoly leather but remain too short and too high, placing shoulders well above body level. With its high number of dials aligned in front of the front seat passenger, the rich walnut-clad dashboard looks like a million bucks.

The instruments are too disperse to be easily legible. Moreover, at the foot of the wide console placed between the two front seats, you ’ ll find a number of buttons of similar sizes that can be hard to differentiate. So, beware not to start the anti-skid when trying to turn the heating seat on.

British cars mean tradition. Although this Jaguar is now part of Ford ’ s extended family, it remains deeply rooted in Great Britain. At least for now, because the next edition could be a totally different story. Meanwhile, the XKR still has a soft roof, a pleasure for purists and unfortunately, for knife-toting vandals as well. This roof is equipped with an original electric that allows for removing the roof without stopping (under 15 km/h). Let ’ s also mention that the rear window is made of glass and equipped with a handy defroster. To little avail, though, because the visibility is so poor that one must rely almost solely on captors for safer manoeuvring. In concrete terms, this is an energetic and flamboyant car, quite heavy on gas though(14.9 L/100 km). Acceleration is simply breathtaking (0-100km/h in 5.74 sec.) and pick-ups are just as impressive. Sunbathing lovers should be aware that this XKR accelerates fast, but won ’ t break you back. The smooth and quiet Mercedes-designed 5-speed automatic transmission is stepped up to keep the horses well in control. Posh, gracious and noble, the XK8 does not appreciate being roughed up. Its tires, with the help of an efficient antiskid, hug to the road like Velcro, but are not enough to make it a true sports car. After test-driving it over several hundred kilometers, its reactions become familiar and the central rear view mirror ’ s vibrations betray the fact that the chassis is not very rigid. And its bulk and weight are no help when driving on windy roads.

With roof down on a quiet side road (with adequate pavement, that is), wind turbulence in minimal and body noise inexistent. The suspension smoothly absorbs road imperfections and driving on the highway is surprisingly relaxing. In short is shows supreme elegance. Sporty ? Not in every aspect, despite the tremendous power of its engine. This Jag is built for smooth driving and behave with sobriety and composure. Its steering is somewhat light and takes time to get accustomed to.

Yes, some convertibles are more sophisticated, more modern and more affordable than the XKR, which can only count on charm, beauty and power. But it a good start, don ’ t you think?

PROS
Line elegance
Materials quality
High performance car

CONS
Poor visibility
Light steering
Control ergonomics

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Fast motoring

After Labour Day, everyone knows that summer lives on borrowed time and that open air drivers already look in the closet for a scarf and gloves. Those who don ’ t feel they ’ ve been in the sun long enough this summer can count on the new Jaguar XKR to rapidly correct this situation, even with a few extra shivers.

The XK8 (coupe or convertible) successfully blends older Jaguar ’ s tradition and romanticism in a resolutely modern and reliable package. But is it also the sportiest Jaguar?

It only seems so since the XJR sedan and its supercharged engine were, not so many years ago, much more aggressive. Jaguar was not unaware of the situation and corrected the situation by offering a supercharged engine in the XKR. The result speaks for itself: 370 hp and 387 lb.-ft. torque should be more than enough to mess up you hair. Unfortunately, opening the hood will not reveal its secrets; metal parts are covered with moulded plastics, supposedly for aesthetics reasons.

To improve air circulation, small vents have been made in the hood. The XKR also differs from more civilized versions by its wide tires and its mesh grille.As its famous ancestor, the E-Type, the XK shows its British origins in its unmistakable style. Sober, yet virile and massive, the body is exempt from any fashion-dictated influence or fancy. Only the roof cover break the pure lines created by the late Goeff Lawson.

Sitting into a Jag is like entering a fabulous palace designed for pleasure seekers. The warm, voluptuous felling that takes you comes from the odor of leather, the wool carpets and the sober layout.

The XK8 offers two front seats as well as two back seats with minimal legroom (not for the claustrophobic.) All seats are covered with Connoly leather but remain too short and too high, placing shoulders well above body level. With its high number of dials aligned in front of the front seat passenger, the rich walnut-clad dashboard looks like a million bucks.

The instruments are too disperse to be easily legible. Moreover, at the foot of the wide console placed between the two front seats, you ’ ll find a number of buttons of similar sizes that can be hard to differentiate. So, beware not to start the anti-skid when trying to turn the heating seat on.

British cars mean tradition. Although this Jaguar is now part of Ford ’ s extended family, it remains deeply rooted in Great Britain. At least for now, because the next edition could be a totally different story. Meanwhile, the XKR still has a soft roof, a pleasure for purists and unfortunately, for knife-toting vandals as well. This roof is equipped with an original electric that allows for removing the roof without stopping (under 15 km/h). Let ’ s also mention that the rear window is made of glass and equipped with a handy defroster. To little avail, though, because the visibility is so poor that one must rely almost solely on captors for safer manoeuvring. In concrete terms, this is an energetic and flamboyant car, quite heavy on gas though(14.9 L/100 km). Acceleration is simply breathtaking (0-100km/h in 5.74 sec.) and pick-ups are just as impressive. Sunbathing lovers should be aware that this XKR accelerates fast, but won ’ t break you back. The smooth and quiet Mercedes-designed 5-speed automatic transmission is stepped up to keep the horses well in control. Posh, gracious and noble, the XK8 does not appreciate being roughed up. Its tires, with the help of an efficient antiskid, hug to the road like Velcro, but are not enough to make it a true sports car. After test-driving it over several hundred kilometers, its reactions become familiar and the central rear view mirror ’ s vibrations betray the fact that the chassis is not very rigid. And its bulk and weight are no help when driving on windy roads.

With roof down on a quiet side road (with adequate pavement, that is), wind turbulence in minimal and body noise inexistent. The suspension smoothly absorbs road imperfections and driving on the highway is surprisingly relaxing. In short is shows supreme elegance. Sporty ? Not in every aspect, despite the tremendous power of its engine. This Jag is built for smooth driving and behave with sobriety and composure. Its steering is somewhat light and takes time to get accustomed to.

Yes, some convertibles are more sophisticated, more modern and more affordable than the XKR, which can only count on charm, beauty and power. But it a good start, don ’ t you think?

PROS
Line elegance
Materials quality
High performance car

CONS
Poor visibility
Light steering
Control ergonomics

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Bears its claws…

True, the XK8 is a successful combination of tradition and romanticism typical of the Jaguar models of the past, all in a resolutely modern and reliable packaging. But is the sportiest of the Jaguars? The XK8 can take on two passengers in front and two in the rear, although its configuration leaves very little legroom for bench seat occupants. Its narrow, high-backed bucket seats, elegantly upholstered in Connoly leather, are molded to provide good support but the position is relatively high, which means that shoulders are high above the seat belt line; lateral support could use a bit of improvement. The streamlined console that separates the front seats features a number of controls of similar size and they can be hard to tell apart. In other words, be careful not to deactivate the traction control system when you’re trying to turn off the seat heater! The instrument panel, with rich walnut inlays, houses a number of classic instruments - white on a black background - that stretches all the way to the front-seat passenger’s line of sight. Instead of disappearing completely, the convertible’s electric roof stores discreetly, quickly and elegantly over the trunk area. As for the trunk itself, it’s roomy enough for two golf bags.Jaguar engineers had no qualms about breaking with tradition as they equipped their protйgй with a state-of-the-art V8. In its entire history, the company has only introduced three other engines boasting an entirely new design. Unfortunately, Jaguar gives automobile lovers very little chance to admire the fine materials used to build the V8 as they’re hidden away under an amalgamation of molded plastic, apparently more appealing to someone on the design team. Your right foot will take very little time to realize that the V8 gives up its 290 horses smoothly and willingly. The XK8 provides strong acceleration and it won’t shove you back into your seat. In any case, the five-speed automatic transmission (a manual version is available if you prefer) is smooth and keeps power well under control. Comfortable, graceful and regal, the XK8 doesn’t like rough handling. Of course, its tires (Pirelli P- Zeros) let this model get away with pretending its a sports car, but such behavior doesn’t really come naturally. Lastly, the convertible’s chassis isn’t as sturdy as it could be and the rearview mirror giggles as soon as you hit poor roads.

PROS
Significantly improved reliability
Attractive styling
Undeniable charm

CONS
Cramped interior
Lack of rigidity (convertible)
More well-behaved than truly sporty (except the XKR)

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

British Flair

The Jaguar camp has lost its sense of tradition and this shift would seem to be for the better. In fact, since the British make introduced the 4.0-litre V8 under the hood of the XJ8 sedan, consumer confidence has been bolstered and sales are increasing at a nice pace. Still, it’s true that the engine isn’t the only reason why the make is on the rise again - Ford, Jaguar’s American benefactor, insists on achieving the ultimate objectives of efficiency, profitability and reliability.With shinier eyes and a stronger jaw, the XJ series still remains the most classic of all and it hasn’t lost any of its shine. Its interior continues to be very comfortable. Ford’s influence and expertise have had an effect, among others, door panels are moulded in a single block to ensure better quality and to reduce manufacturing costs. The same goes for accessories, with a steering wheel (with multiple adjustment possibilities) now sporting the controls for the radio, telephone and automatic speed system. Unfortunately, the dashboard is still laid out in a very whimsical way. It’s high time to clean it up! In addition, bucket seats are short and force the driver to sit on the very edge. Another annoyance is the sound made by indicator lights, something that sounds like two wooden spoons hitting together. The glove box is bigger, but the trunk isn’t and rear seats are no roomier and as cramped as they always have been, unless you opt for the more welcoming extended wheelbase version (Vanden Plas) and its wider doors.Tradition-lovers will soon console themselves after they’ve spent a few minutes behind the wheel of a Jaguar sedan powered by a V8 engine. Out of respect for the firm’s engine experts who worked tirelessly to improve the in-line six- cylinder, it should be pointed out that the unit had reached its true peak. Quieter and smoother, the V8 has no trouble handling this sedan’s weight, even if it does exceed two tons. And on a decidedly modernistic note, the engine is teamed up with an excellent five-speed automatic transmission. Divine. As for handling, it has improved significantly since all mechanical features - or almost all - have been reviewed. The steering system is still as precise and the front suspension is all-new, in deference to the new engine choice. Not bad to begin with, but even better: brakes now have more power and are helped along by an improved ABS system. And the XJR? The most gifted and sportiest model in the lineup is loyal to the supercharged 4.0-litre V8 version that gives this Jaguar better performance capabilities. However, motorists should keep in mind that the XJR doesn’t have the same level of refinement or the same performance capabilities (in the broadest sense of the term) as the E55 (Mercedes) and especially the M5 (BMW), its two closest rivals.

PROS
Elegant and distinct styling
Smooth V8
Significantly improved manufacturing quality

CONS
High fuel consumption
Shallow trunk
Uncomfortable seat cushions

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

British Flair

The Jaguar camp has lost its sense of tradition and this shift would seem to be for the better. In fact, since the British make introduced the 4.0-litre V8 under the hood of the XJ8 sedan, consumer confidence has been bolstered and sales are increasing at a nice pace. Still, it’s true that the engine isn’t the only reason why the make is on the rise again - Ford, Jaguar’s American benefactor, insists on achieving the ultimate objectives of efficiency, profitability and reliability.With shinier eyes and a stronger jaw, the XJ series still remains the most classic of all and it hasn’t lost any of its shine. Its interior continues to be very comfortable. Ford’s influence and expertise have had an effect, among others, door panels are moulded in a single block to ensure better quality and to reduce manufacturing costs. The same goes for accessories, with a steering wheel (with multiple adjustment possibilities) now sporting the controls for the radio, telephone and automatic speed system. Unfortunately, the dashboard is still laid out in a very whimsical way. It’s high time to clean it up! In addition, bucket seats are short and force the driver to sit on the very edge. Another annoyance is the sound made by indicator lights, something that sounds like two wooden spoons hitting together. The glove box is bigger, but the trunk isn’t and rear seats are no roomier and as cramped as they always have been, unless you opt for the more welcoming extended wheelbase version (Vanden Plas) and its wider doors.Tradition-lovers will soon console themselves after they’ve spent a few minutes behind the wheel of a Jaguar sedan powered by a V8 engine. Out of respect for the firm’s engine experts who worked tirelessly to improve the in-line six- cylinder, it should be pointed out that the unit had reached its true peak. Quieter and smoother, the V8 has no trouble handling this sedan’s weight, even if it does exceed two tons. And on a decidedly modernistic note, the engine is teamed up with an excellent five-speed automatic transmission. Divine. As for handling, it has improved significantly since all mechanical features - or almost all - have been reviewed. The steering system is still as precise and the front suspension is all-new, in deference to the new engine choice. Not bad to begin with, but even better: brakes now have more power and are helped along by an improved ABS system. And the XJR? The most gifted and sportiest model in the lineup is loyal to the supercharged 4.0-litre V8 version that gives this Jaguar better performance capabilities. However, motorists should keep in mind that the XJR doesn’t have the same level of refinement or the same performance capabilities (in the broadest sense of the term) as the E55 (Mercedes) and especially the M5 (BMW), its two closest rivals.

PROS
Elegant and distinct styling
Smooth V8
Significantly improved manufacturing quality

CONS
High fuel consumption
Shallow trunk
Uncomfortable seat cushions

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Nostalgic and sensual

Since most of its admirers tended to look rather than buy, to increase sales Jaguar had no other choice but to offer a more affordable automobile. The S-Type, introduced in the spring of 1999, has climbed down off its aristocratic pedestal to join forces with the middle class, territory unfamiliar to Jaguar since the 1960s.What you have to remember from the start is that this is a genuine Jaguar, which means that aesthetics are the builder’s prime concern, maybe even to the detriment of practicality. As proof, look at the roof’s dipping line: elegant, sensual, retro, but once you’ve scraped your skull as you get into the rear seat, will you still find it as beautiful? As for the shallow trunk, its only saving grace is a fold-down seat (yes, you heard right) that provides more cargo space at the cost of rear passengers.

That said, you don’t climb up into a Jaguar, you glide down into it. And the S-Type has bucket seats that are positioned very low and a belt line that is very high, making you feel cramped. And to make matters worse, the seat cushions are still very short (obviously some things never change), which has the driver perched on the very edge of the seat. After oiling your hands (literally) as you search for the power seat controls (there ’ s no leather shield designed to hide innards), take look at the instrument panel. The Jaguar identity isn’t as strong as usual, as witnessed by the wood inlays (maple instead of walnut) and the flasher arm, whose shape and sound are similar to what you find on a Ford Focus. What ’ s more, the storage space is limited and lacks functionality, and the new owner will be greeted by a chorus of creaks that tell you the S-Type won ’ t age well.

The S-Type has a voice-command system which allows you to control the air conditioning, dial a phone number or change the radio station without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road (there ’ s a total of 44 different voice-command functions in English.)While the S-Type’s interior design is disappointing, its road capabilities are more in keeping with that to which we`ve become accustomed with this make. But before getting behind the wheel, a few words to say that without Ford, the new owner of the Coventry facilities, the S-Type would never have seen the light of day. My apologies to purists, but this model was developed in tandem with the Lincoln LS, and both cars share the same platform, which in the near future will be used on the new Thunderbird and Mustang. Still, Jaguar has been careful to give the S-Type very British qualities.

It’s also good to know that the S-Type is available in two versions, depending on the engine displacement. The more affordable, the 3.0, uses a 240-hp six-cylinder similar to the unit Lincoln has chosen for the LS. Any differences? Many. To protect the make’s status, engine displacement, maximum power and maximum torque, to name only a few elements, are different from those found on the LS.

The same goes for the 4.0, the other version, which features a V8 (280-hp output) designed to meet the specifications set and achieved by British engineers. One small detail: the V8 in question is almost identical to the one that has been found for some time under the hood of other members of the Jaguar family (XJ and XK). Both the V6 and the V8 power the rear-driven wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. Is a manual available? Yes, but it’s exclusive to the European market, as is the turbo-diesel that this Jaguar should get within a few months. To end this technical tour, note that the S-Type is the first Jaguar available in North America to be equipped with the CATS (Computer Active Technology System), whose electronic sensors are designed to analyze the vehicle’s body movement (acceleration, braking, sway when cornering) and as easy as A-B-C, at the same time to change suspension calibration (smooth to firm).

It ’ s too bad, but when we scheduled our test drive no S-Type models equipped with CATS were available. Still, it gave us the opportunity of comparing the handling differences between models equipped with six- and eight-cylinder engines. Although it may not live up to all you expect from a Jaguar, the V6 should be your choice if you’re main concerns don’t include reaching the next red light at the head of the pack (top speed, limited electronically, is identical on both models, the sport group excepted).Lighter by 120 kilograms and with a slightly better balanced weight distribution (51/49 versus 52/48), I felt the V6 to be more energetic, more neutral and with slightly less oversteering than its V8 counterpart. More sluggish (acceleration and pick-up) and louder, the V6 certainly proved to be less than best buddies with its automatic transmission, a better match for the V8, which is able to capitalize on its sheer power. Lastly, although responsive and precise, unlike a BMW, for example, the steering system doesn’t provide perfect feedback. Instead, it prefers to keep the driver reassured and relaxed, a trait that reflects this car’s image to the letter.

There is a $10,000 difference between the 3,0-litre (V6) and the 4,0-litre (V8), but I would definitely choose the 4,0 litre. It is more powerful, better equipped, and better meets my expectations for a Jaguar. However, considering the price tag, you have to admit that there are other cars on the market which are just as luxurious and powerful, but also more capable than this Jaguar. But of course, no other car looks as good.

PROS
Elegant styling
4,0-litre model well equipped and powerful
The old dependabilty is back

CONS
Strained relationship between V6 and transmission
Uncomfortable seats
Disappointing interior appearance