Cat's out of the bag!

Art and history are two words that come to mind when I think of the Jaguar brand.

When I was growing up in the dusty streets of Mamelodi, Jaguar was only spoken about by people who understood the two subjects I've mentioned above.

To date the Jaguar brand has attracted those who have a rich understanding of the automobile history and the art that comes with it.

You see, Jaguars are not just cars, they are pieces of very involved artwork.

Sitting behind the wheel of the Jaguar XJ, I got to understand why this British icon is so special.

The XJ is one of the most beautiful large saloons/coupes around.

In all honesty, it gives the BMW 7 Series a run for its money.

The new Jaguar has a striking and modern design and at the same time has a huge presence.

It draws admiration from people of all ages.

Jaguar has in recent years transformed its products to reflect the new age.

Not lagging behind is the technology that drives the beautifully executed machines such as the XJ.

Despite its size, the Jag is an easy car to drive.

The all-new XJ cabin blends elegant, contemporary design with the comfort, luxury and unmistakable sporting style of a Jaguar.

It is appealing to both the driver and passengers.

Jaguars are renowned for their elegant, sporting lines and the XJ's contemporary style is the boldest interpretation yet of design director Ian Callum's vision for Jaguar in the 21st century.

The nose of the car follows Jaguar's new design language, with a bold and assertive treatment.

A panoramic glass roof is an integral part of the all-new XJ's design.

This enables the car to have a lower, more streamlined roofline, while dramatically enhancing the feeling of light and space inside.

Although the XJ is a big car it feels lighter than other large saloons I have driven.

Jaguar claims the XJ is 150kg lighter than its rivals.

I have seen other Jaguars such as the XF and XK and taking nothing from them this is the best Jaguar ever.

Features such as air suspension, adaptive dynamics (continuously variable damping), active differential control and quick ratio power steering deliver the blend of responsive, dynamic handling and refined, supple ride expected from this British icon.

Advanced new technologies have allowed Jaguar's interior designers to create an environment more akin to a state-of-the-art living space than a simple car cabin.

Stunning, 12.3-inch high-definition virtual instruments complement an innovative, dual-view technology 8-inch touch-screen that can project DVD movies or television programmes to the passenger while the driver views vehicle functions or follows satellite navigation.

With these features it's easy to get lost in the XJ. My uncle once said people driving such cars have no reason to be stressed by Joburg traffic jams. I couldn't agree more.

THE SPECS

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 283kW

Torque: 515Nm

0-100km/h: 5.7 seconds

Top Speed: 250km/h(governed)

Fuel consumption: 17l/100km

C: 264g/km

Price: R1137312

We like:

It has all the necessary features and more

Ride comfort of the highest calibre

We don't like:

Very pricey