The Jaguar XKR is an exhilarating experience even before you step inside. The convertible option has the appearance of a hard top with all of the attendant benefits: thermal and acoustic insulation are assured.

On the road to Beachy Head the XKR held steadfast against the prevailing gales, stepping outside of the car was an altogether different experience. Even along torturous coast front roads the acceleration of the XKR provides exciting overtaking opportunities, ensuring unspoilt views. Such is the XKR’s accommodating nature that sleep was possible all the way to the coast, whilst other road passengers were surely weather-beaten.

The electronic key fob sits snugly in the hand, with options to operate remotely: locks, lights even hazards and the obligatory golfbag sized boot. On locking the vehicle remotely, the wing mirrors sweep inwards gracefully without harming the lines and appearance of the vehicle generally. The tactile experience once inside gives pause for thought.

Driving an XKR through the busy streets of Westminster provides iconic backdrops against which a Jaguar seems at home amongst all of the great British Institutions. Contrary to the normal state of affairs the London traffic stopped voluntarily during the shoot. Respect and admiration are a given in this car as well as attention, which some may court more than others. Even a procession of schoolchildren were halted in their tracks. A sure fire sign of a future engineer is a school kid who notices the car but not the fashion model.

Inside the XKR
Electronically adjustable, leather sports seats can be contoured at the sides to accommodate the passengers. I say the passengers because to drive is an action whereas passenger conveys more of a state and this car can be driven so effortlessly that the driver feels more like a passenger as well.

Starting with the steering wheel - this is a coupé version of F1; all the required controls are present. But as this is not F1, the controls at the wheel are more for comfort, luxury, communication and vehicle control. Mobile phones can be operated this way but countersunk subtly behind that lie the paddles for manual gear control. The ability to switch back to manual and ‘drive stick’ can be achieved at an instant with a gentle nudge of the paddles which turn in line with the wheel.

The black, all leather interior is only interrupted by occasional, reflective alloy panels which serve to remind the user in the same way as the casual switch to manual that the driving experience is the purpose of this car’s design.

The driver’s and the centrally mounted displays are as uncluttered and understated as the external lines of a Jaguar are expected to be. The heritage of Jaguar must place a considerable burden on the design of any of Jaguar’s new cars. To achieve uniqueness, class and elegance both internally and externally is a considerable challenge given the competition. The XKR achieves all of this whilst maintaining a sense of innovation native to the British spirit.

A helpful attribute of the XKR is the 7 inch colour touch screen interface which allows individual control of the climate for both passenger and driver, for the location of vents and also the seats which when heated are perfect for keeping you warm when the top is down on a cold day, ideal for British weather. Satellite navigation is included for Europe which is simple to use and and provides detailed information about the routing. An audio option allows a ‘DJ-like’ control of entertainment: Radio or compact discs which are recognized in a variety of formats including MP3. The Bluetooth feature allows connectivity to mobile devices and will pick up signals from any mobile phone in the car. From 2009 the touch screen will also be able to control USB connectivity as standard, which means access to a catalogue of desired music through an IPod.

Driving the XKR
The luxurious car with the sports function allows for a speedy getaway, although the car is bigger in size compared to most it achieves 0 to 60 in just less than 5 seconds. The key to the new XKR´s remarkable performance characteristics lies in its all-aluminium body structure. Using techniques developed by the aerospace industry, the body shell is constructed from extruded, pressed and cast aluminium components which are riveted, epoxy-bonded, and in specific areas, bolted together. In Sport mode the invisible engineering works intelligently and is capable of adapting to the road and the drivers demands therefore maintaining a light, fast and stealthy egress effortlessly without making you feel as though you have to hold on for dear life.

Equally the XKR allows you to slow down as well as it does for you to speed up, the 20 inch wheels tread the road well, even in bad weather conditions without the fear of losing control. When coming to a standstill, whilst parking into a snug drive for example the accelerator can be managed responsibly in order for the car to slot comfortably into the space. This allows complete control over the car with parking sensors aiding via an intermittent beep and touch screen visual support which reduce any accidental contact.

Being seen in an XKR
The XKR is surprisingly quiet with the roof in place, there is no key to turn, and merely a red button discretely placed near the gear box which brings the car alive with a simple touch. Having the key fob in close proximity is required. The sound of the engine can truly be appreciated when the frame of the folding roof lowers gently in a mere 18 seconds, ideal to capture glimpses of the sun illuminating the interior and dash. It folds away neatly and hides in the back leaving enough boot space just by pressing a button. One of the safety features of the car is a highly advanced roll-overprotection system. If the car’s on-board sensors detect an impending roll-over two massively strong hoops - normally discreetly hidden under the rear tonneau – are triggered and deploy and lock behind the rear seats within 65 milliseconds.