Jaguar XKR
A dragon’s heart beats in the new hot cat from Coventry, the supercharged
XKR.
Six months after the arrival of the latest coupe and convertible, Jaguar has
added 30 percent more snarl with a Ford Bridgend built 4.2V8 boosted to 420bhp
and 560Nm of torque for the two versions. In addition to the more powerful
engine, the six-speed sequential transmission, 26 percent bigger brakes, tauter
steering
and firmer suspension have been modified
to quicken responses, sharpen road holding and handling in what is already
a nimble car thanks to its all aluminium construction. The new model is easily
distinguished by its sporty grille, twin louvred bonnet, aluminium side power
vents ahead of the doors and quadruple paired tailpipes
as well as two new wheel designs. Inside there is a different fascia finish,
unique wheel and XKR sports leather seats.
Since going on sale earlier this year, Jaguar has sold about 9,000 XK models,
delivered 5,000 and is holding orders for 1,300 XKR versions which will take
production to next spring. Jaguar UK’s Welsh-born MD, Geoff Cousins,
said: “The XKR completes our range of sports cars. It packages exceptional
performance with refinement and luxury and delivers it at a price which seriously
undercuts competitors which do not offer its blend of power and sophistication.”
Tested over demanding and varied roads in Northern Spain the first impressions
of the new Jaguar XKR were of an extremely refined and rapid grand tourer.
Supercharged power delivery was immediate and impressive while the steering
and brakes balanced feel and power.
The suspension has been firmed up all round but it’s not even hard let
alone harsh and that’s noticeable despite the big wheels and tyres fitted
to the test cars.
For a car of the XKR’s size, the handling is excellent and its high levels
of grip with the standard electronic traction control inspire confidence. Disengage
the traction assist system and it becomes much livelier and challenging to
drive.
Anyone who doubted the standard XK model’s power should be more than
satisfied the XKR restores their faith in an iconic British marque.
Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe 2.0i
Having done a great job updating the iconic MX5 last year, Mazda's designers
have turned their minds to fitting the new MX5 with a folding roof. Obviously,
this will help address security concerns but it also aids refinement and is
a more practical solution than having a separate hard-top. In typical Mazda
fashion they've adopted a lateral approach and come up with a solution that's
a little different and works very well.
Firstly, the roof is plastic to save weight. Which it does - the coupe is a
measly 35kg heavier than the standard MX5. Secondly, instead of folding away
into the boot, it folds into the rear seat area which means you don't lose
bootspace and the height of the Coupe's rear quarters stay pretty much the
same, unlike most cars with a folding roof where the rear is disproportionately
higher than the rest of the car.
Nor are there any compromises in terms of performance. Thanks to the extra
weight it's slight slower to 60 than the convertible but compensates to a degree
with a marginally higher top speed thanks to better aerodynamics with the top
up. Most importantly though it's still great fun to drive. Our 2 litre had
plenty of pace and the coupe retains the exhilarating handling of its soft-top
sibling thanks to relative lack of weight, an extremely rigid chassis, a great
suspension set-up, rear wheel drive, excellent balance, wider track, and sharp
steering. To ensure that ride is unchanged Mazda have softened up the suspension,
not that you'd notice as handling remains spot on.
Cabin look and feel is the same as the soft-top with cool aluminium strips
and dials and a contemporary finish. From a practical perspective the coupe
makes an awful lot of sense and there's barely any compromise to be made in
looks, space or performance. It's also a less expensive and less back-breaking
alternative to a separate hard-top. No brainer really. Well done Mazda.
Read all of our car reviews in the current issue of RedHanded.
We take a European tour to check out the pick of the autumn season
BON VOYAGE
