Valet Auto Review: Jaguar XK

Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share
1

This edition of VAR centers on the Jaguar XK

http://www.jaguarusa.com/us/en/xk/highlights/highlights/introduction.htm

Model tested is a black ragtop with a supercharged motor and automatic transmission.

The interior has a black matte finish with brushed aluminum trim. Interestingly enough, the trim has a carbon fiber texture. Leather appointed bucket seats and power everything.

You must ease into maneuvers with this piece of steel: as with many British cars, the steering is a bit “twitchy”, in order to navigate the Old English country back roads. Just as well…they think our steering has an on-center vagueness.

Also feather the gas pedal…the acceleration of the blown motor is surprising to say the least.

This marks the last example of Ford involvement in the Jaguar marque: Ford sold Jaguar and Land Rover to TATA motors of India…An auto manufacturer with engineering and design quality that, at least in this country, remains an unknown quantity.

2

Halfway through reading this, I wondered if you had ever driven any TATA cars. I assume not, judging from the last sentence.
How did it rank with other Jaguars?

3

To answer both questions:

I have driven no TATAs nor have anyone I know of…thus the comment of “unknown quantity”

The car was brand new, but possesed a crispness which has nothing to do with age or lack thereof. This is not a cushy car the Brits make for the Yanks, but a performance automobile for the English performance enthusiast.

4

Just Realized something…

Could existing Land Rover and Jaguar dealerships start importing TATAs here as entry-level vehicles (once emissions and crash testing pass U.S. muster)?