Model tested: Jaguar XKR Convertible 2dr
Price: £78,400
Date tested: October 2009
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 82%
Jaguar's boast that the Jaguar XKR is a grand tourer with the heart of a sportscar is boosted by a new, more powerful engine. We put the bigger-toothed big cat through its paces for a week.

1. Looks
The XKR is available in coupe or convertible forms. The combination of sporting twin bonnet louvres, quad exhausts and 20-inch wheels turns heads and you'd almost want to keep getting out to look, if driving it wasn't so much fun.
9/10

2. Looks inside
The big cat snarling at you from the R-branded steering wheel, dials and head rests shouts aggression. From the start button to the seat adjustment buttons - this is a well-designed interior that'll make you smile.
9/10

3. Practicality
This is a grand tourer with the heart of a sportscar, but the rear seats are for kids only. Roof up there's 313 litres of boot space; roof down that reduces to 230 litres.
6/10

4. Ride and Handling
Active differential control, adaptive dynamics and three-mode dynamic stability control keep things shiny side up, while there's no discernible scuttle shake.
9/10

5. Performance
The XKR's supercharged 5.0-litre V8 has 503bhp, to give a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds. There's an all-new six-speed automatic transmission, while the top speed is an electronically limited 155mph.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
This is Jaguar's most efficient XKR engine yet, but it still averages just 23mpg. Insurance and tax will also be steep, but that's par for the course. More promisingly, it'll retain nearly half its value after three years.
7/10

7. Reliability
You won't find Jaguar near the business end of the Reliability Index but its cars are currently enjoying a renaissance which bodes well for the new XKR's durability.
7/10

8. Safety
There are front and side airbags for driver and front passenger as well as passive driver aids including anti-lock brakes, emergency brake assist and electronic brake distribution
7/10

9. Equipment
Soft grain leather seats are standard, along with a 7-inch touch-screen multi-media system, cruise control, and a Bowers and Wilkins 525W sound system with 6 disc CD changer. Optional extras include DAB radio and adaptive cruise control.
9/10

10. X-Factor
The XKR's acceleration just wins out over its looks as the biggest draw. Few cars can match the response and feeling when you put your foot down.
9/10