The new Jaguar XJ - Page 4

For some odd reason, the front end is one of the more attractive parts about the car. It's the wrap around glass and Chevy suburban sized rear overhang that turns me off.

Yep, the rear is IMO the least flattering part of the car.

I don't why, but the rear reminds of some futuristic vehicle from a Robocop sequal.

But the interior is nothing short of amazing. It's the perfect environment to waste away in, while fighting traffic.

imho, hyundai is doing a good job keeping up with the body styles of much more expensive cars as of late.

The interior keeps me interested in the car, seriously. It's the best I've seen among its peers.

+1

interior looks like a buick lacrosse



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Being a 'Jag man', I followed the new designs quite closely. Personally, I like the traditional look of Jaguars, but I have to say I am not too upset with the new style direction they are taking... Yet, the mass market probably did demand a style overhaul (more than simply making the lights square, a the last major Jag style overhaul!).

Sightly worried about Jaguar's move to diesel engines then the style... One of the selling points for me was the quiet, refined yet confident 'roar' of a nice V6 with proper fuel...

However, yes for the extra money you can have a proper engine in the new models. As for the styling, I am a traditionalist and must say I don't think the new style is all that 'Jaguar like'. That said, I like it. I think the XF looks better than the XJ, but inside (which is where you would normally spend most of your time) I think the XJ has it. I think those light look a lot like the designer slipped with the pen, then felt too ashamed to admit his mistake.

The thing with Jaguar though, they tend to keep the traditional touches (quality, good leather and wood) but have designs which will age. The S-Type when it was released was seen as a bit crazy, but then it grew on us and looked great... The XJS, same story. Give this new line a couple of years (the XF is getting there now), and we will wonder how we ever did without it... Then give them another 25 years and we will have this chat again over a new shape!

A few thoughts on the Tata takeover...

I did have some serious concerns when Jaguar was aquied by tata. With respect, any effort tata have made into motoring has been pretty uninspiring. I should point out though, I did once walk around a tata dealership, and it is the only time I have seen a brand new, unregistered top of the range model which actually had rust on the bodywork! A real achievement, I am sure you will agree

Also, take the Rover 'citirover' (a rebadged tata inca, and indisputable proof that outsourcing to far off lands is not always a good thing), a small, economical family car which was cheap to buy, insure and run. Despite it's good points (struggled to list these), the only major benfits to this car was that it would propbably look great 1) on fire, 2) at the bottom of a cliff, and 3) being 'reduced' in a hydraulic press, one worries what the company that brought this to the motoring public would do with Jaguar...

^^^Before the purchase of Jaguar, I hadn't heard of Tata. Given that the company is small and doesn't have a track record with which I'm familiar would make me skeptical of getting one of the new Jags. I'd need to wait a few years to see how things go with this company.

Generally most of the Jags are currently still basically made by Ford under the agreement, including these new models.

Tata is not small by any means though. And they have generally handled their British acquisitions pretty well (Tetley being one). I am not really worried, and although this is faint praise, I'd buy a Tata over a Chinese car right now (although that may change soon...)

^^^The car is starting to grow on me the more I see it on the road. I also read positive reviews of the driving experience in Autoweek, still not sure it's something I would consider seriously though.

I think the new Jags look sweet...although the reliability leaves something to be desired from what I've heard.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: No media files are hosted on these forums. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website. We can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. If the video does not play, wait a minute or try again later.       I AGREE TIP: to embed Youtube clips, put only the encoded part of the Youtube URL, e.g. eBGIQ7ZuuiU between the tags.

Don't think I posted it here but I did get a chance to drive the new XJ. It feels very light for a big luxury car. You can really throw it around like a sports car then settle down when it's time to play luxury sedan.


Sorry if it's shit. I didn't plan on filming it that day.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: No media files are hosted on these forums. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website. We can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. If the video does not play, wait a minute or try again later.       I AGREE TIP: to embed Youtube clips, put only the encoded part of the Youtube URL, e.g. eBGIQ7ZuuiU between the tags.

I too have driven the XJ. The old car, since they moved to aluminium back in 2002 was very good for a big car. In fact, it actually feels better than the smaller S Type (not speaking of the R versions of these). The new car does handle better than the outgoing model, and the suspension setup does do an excellent job of being firm enough for the more spirited driver, yet still soft enough to remind you that it is a luxury cruiser. My main critic of the Jaguar is 1) not actually of the car at all, but the dealer network which in the UK is a disgrace, and 2) some of the switchgear does feel like the accountants have reined the designers in a little. But then, if I have a car that drives this well, and admittidly looks striking, I can forgive a little flimsy plastic switch.

As for reliability, although the engines and running gear boses in Jaguars are said to be solid (although my personal experience, serious engine faults in relatively low milage are a slight concern), I am always worried about electronic gizmo's on cars. Just look at what happened to Mercedes - trying to take things a little too far too soon can always lead to problems. With everything being pretty much run by electronics, I don't think I would recommend keeping one outside of warranty...

That said, I have broken my 8 years of loyal Jaguar ownership to samplethe delights of our German friends. I may return, but I will have to wait and ensure that the tata keep thier ways well away from the Castle Bromwich assembly plant!

I drove the supercharged XJ and XF yesterday and I have to say I love the XJ (love the XF too). When I first saw pictures of it, like many, my first reaction was WTF? But I like it much better in person and think the old body style was a dead end. I drive a 750 now (disclaimer: I hate it) and the Jag absolutely blows the doors off it. It goes in all gears at all speeds and is very light on its feet. The interior is awesome and the electronics (assuming they don't spontaneously burst into flame at some point) seem intuitive and have all the features I want. I'm seriously considering purchasing and prior to the introduction to the XF, Jag was never on my radar.