LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
From cool to cool
I was at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2013 and witnessed the unveiling of the Jaguar C-X17. I was fairly clear then that the concept before us looked very much production ready. The excitement was palpable. My first drive left me wondering if I’d grabbed to the keys to a roughed-up prototype but not this time.
It’s as though Jaguar tightened their production quality to a level yet to be met by even some of their sedans. No rattles, no shakes; just a really good supple and controlled drive and a lovely environment to do it all in. The 8-speed autobox, which was once sluggish and unresponsive seemed to be eagerly awaiting my commands. And this, in Normal mode, not Dynamic! A revelation I tell you!
Little negative can be said about the supercharged 380-horsepower V6 other than I wish it had a week bit more torque at lower rpm, but that’s it. Power builds smartly and assuredly. Passing is especially entertaining with the transmission doing its thing right.
Biggest surprise was the ride quality. The nearly 1,900 kg luxury utility vehicle felt alive, and unburdened. It soaked up the bad stuff and effortlessly kept the wheels in contact with the road at the same time. Steering’s good although without true feel but this is expected with this type of vehicle.
What’s more, the upgraded interior with ebony and pimento leather and aluminum trim comes together with loads of class. Front and rear seats are good places to spend time while the trunk is fairly capacious.
At the end of the week, I’d fallen for the near $85k Jag utility vehicle and thought to myself that only a similarly priced and equipped Porsche Macan S could keep me away from my cat.
