It's better in quality too. More soft-touch plastics have been added to bring the car in line with its Continental European competitors, while fit, finish and the tactile quality of controls are improved. Again, Jaguar isn't taking any chances with regards to interior décor, most of which appears nearly
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| Jaguar isn't taking any chances with regards to interior décor, most of which appears nearly identical to the old car. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
identical to the old car. An LCD display screen is added to the center stack, true, and the dashboard, one of the only cars that can actually still use this term literally, is slightly altered. The center mounted vents are modified too, as are other small details around the cabin. But general styling theme is identical, including the ovoid shape of the leather clad center stack and lower console. Clearly the design focus was on refinement rather than a wholesale upgrade. While I especially enjoyed the newfound shoulder and elbow room (I'm a bit too height challenged to appreciate the gains in headroom) I wasn't too happy with the driver's seat. Sure it was comfortable as far as lumbar and lower leg support goes, but laterally it flounders worse than anything than I can remember sitting inside in recent years. The entire seatback actually twists disconcertingly, which made me feel less comfortable in the corners. At first I thought it may be specific to my test car, but after spending a week in a second XJ I found the problem is inherent.
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| The XJ8's 294-hp 4.2-L V8 is a jewel of an engine, pumping out 303 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
And it's too bad really, as this cat really wants to prowl. The XJ8's 294-hp 4.2-L V8 is a jewel of an engine, pumping out 303 lb-ft of torque via liquid smooth 32-valve, dual-overhead cam technology. It actually feels quite a bit quicker off the line than its sub-300 horsepower rating infers, most likely because of its svelte 1,708 to 1,725 kg (3,765 to 3,803 lb) curb weight (depending on model). Not only is it lighter than almost every other full-size luxury competitor, but the 2004 XJ weighs in under its predecessor substantially; the 2003 XJ started at 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs) and finished off at 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) in extended wheelbase guise.
