Home ยป Finer Things
Finer Things
A Jaguar Smorgasbord
By Rita Cook
Jaguar, the name roles off the tongue with the same kind of style that makes the Jaguar brand itself so enviable. When folks say Jaguar they stand a little taller, look a little prouder and, these days with the choices of Jaguar makes and models (and price ranges) there is certainly one of these old world, but at the same time ultra-hip cars for just about everyone.
Jaguar XK Convertible
Always convertible time, the Jaguar XK Convertible is especially hot because it has a refined interior matched with a style and grace, but great handling too.This particular Jaguar knows how to drive itself, and with the advanced technology it offers, this super-charged V-8 is a thing of beauty. For speed racers it's a 0 - 60 ride in 6.4 seconds, not the fastest, but you could do worse and not look as good doing it.
What to Know: Starting with a 4.2-liter and V-8, you also get 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifter means ultimate control and the "J-gate" shifter has been replaced with a look too.
Miles per Gallon: 16 miles in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: $94,250 - a good deal for Jaguar enthusiasts.
Jaguar XKR Coupe
This Jaguar offers a lightweight aluminum structure for improved handling and you get one smooth ride even if it is a sport's car. It looks good and with the strong acceleration you will look oh, so good too.
What to Know: Another V-8, the 4.2-liter is 420 hp and a six-speed automatic transmission with a high performance factor. Think 0 - 60 in 4.7 seconds.
Miles per Gallon: 15 mile per gallon ride in the city and 23 miles when on the open road.
Price Tag: $98,000, a real classic style and, you can go lower if you must.
Jaguar XJR
Not sure which Jaguar to pick for your very own, this one is all style and grace. Classy with a capital "C" the XJR is at the top of the Jaguar sedan lineup. Go aggressive; even the 20-inch tires have an attitude. It's a ride that will heat you up and if the car doesn't do it the seats (all of them) and the steering wheel will, these are heated as well.
What to Know: A sedan that means business with a 400 hp with a supercharged V-8 engine. Super V-8 trim plus the interior add on options - go for the long-wheelbase Vanden Plas version, yeah baby!
Miles per Gallon: 15 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: $85,000, hot, hot, hot!!!!
Jaguar XJ8L
Let's go over the list; new grille, new bumper style with aero spoiler, revised tailpipe finishers, interior pluses as in new seats, more inside room and more cargo space. Opt for the XJ Vanden Plas and get lambswool rugs and Peruvian boxwood inlays too.
What to Know: At 4.2-liter and a V-8 engine the 300 hp six-speed, ZF automatic transmission on this one is good for the soul. Looking at revised exterior styling, 19-inch alloy wheels and a new seat design, it won't be easy to get out of, but only cause you look so good inside.
Miles per Gallon: 17 miles per gallon street driving and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.
Price Tag: $93,000.
Jaguar XF
Want to play with the big boys? Even though this one is a little bit less expensive than the other Jags you won't get your feelings hurt driving it. It's brand new for 2009 and the coupe-styling, four-door sedan look is a step above and, you don't even have to worry about hitting pedestrians (you never know) it has a Pedestrian Contact Sensing System, in other words, it thinks for you.
What to Know: With a 300 hp to 420 hp range, a standard shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission and let's see, what else, JaguarSense sensing controls too.
Miles per Gallon: 17 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on highway.
Price Tag: Up to $62,000, for a Jaguar, you say, that's so reasonable!