Author: carcoutureblog

by

The Jaguar XF S – hot in an unexpected way

cropped-978110_jaguarxf_s_hero_04_rhd_rwd.jpg

Like one of the terrifically hot curries from my local Indian, the ‘S’ version of the Jaguar XF is deceptively quick.

This may be down o the fact that it does not have a comedy acoustic exhaust like many fast cars these days – or the softer suspension set-up that smooths over all the bumps as you power through the auto gearbox.

Either way, after a trip up to London and back today, I was mightily impressed by the aforementioned understated nature of this large saloon.

I still find the rotary gearchange control of all Jaguar Land Rover vehicles way too sensitive. But otherwise this is a serious contender for the BMW 5 Series. And much better looking too.

by

The gaping gob front grille of modern cars deserves some bite…

cropped-981233_jaguarxf_s_dynamic_trk_15_rhd.jpg

Who was it that started the wide bonnet grille thing? I think originally it was a ‘nose’ that belonged to Aston Martin.

So you can imagine my absolute horror when Ford decided to copy it – across their entire range. Nightmare scenario.

Since then everybody has been at it. Head on, I’ve confused a Mondeo for a Vantage on more than one occasion.

The XF has the best shark-eyed headlights I’ve ever seen. Yet Jaguar too has succumbed to the gaping gob.

I’m amazed some enterprising accessory maker hasn’t come up with a set of teeth-like decals to really give a bonnet some bite…

by

On paper the BMW 5 Series is a better car but the Jaguar XF looks better in the metal

cropped-949504_78628jag.jpg

On paper, it would be fair to say the BMW 5 Series is a better all-rounder than the Jaguar XF. Accountants use a lot a paper – and look how boring they can be.

It’s when you see the latest XF in the metal that this luxury saloon will steal your heart. It’s ten times prettier than the Beemer and turns more heads than any offering from Audi or Mercedes too.

The new XF has better steering and ride qualities than key rivals and somehow – I don’t know how – but Jaguar has achieved a cooler image than anything from Germany too. Although you could argue Audi runs it close.

Day two of running the XF S and I already know this is going to be a fun week. Just as importantly, I love seeing the Jaguar parked on the drive. Which is far more important than anything you read on paper…

by

Diesel bonkers – what about the Jaguar XF with a big petrol engine?

1056000_XF_R-Sport_RhodiumSilver_096

Let’s be honest, not that many buyers will opt for the petrol XF. We’ve all gone diesel bonkers, despite the harm it is doing to our environment and paying more to fill the tank.

And that’s a terrible shame because with both 335bhp and 375bhp versions to choose from, this is one Jaguar that stuffs the best of BMW for driving dynamics in every department.

I’ve only driven the car a dozen miles but I can’t wait to find an excuse to climb in again. Not bad considering I have a 911 and a Harley-Davidson squeezed on the drive too.

There’s going to be a storming SVR model along soon with 550bhp on tap but I think our 375bhp test car has the balance just right. It’s an absolute belter of a car and the best Jaguar in years – including the F-Type.

by

The Audi A8’s subtle looks lack visual appeal in the executive car park

cropped-audiuk_011385.jpg

Don’t expect to wow your neighbours with the A8 – a pumped up version of the A4. There’s nothing remarkable about the styling, even on our hugely expensive test car.

At least the big Audi is beautifully put together. Advanced, refined and technologically superior, it should be the benchmark limo for all others to aspire to.

However, shouldn’t an exec get as excited about their set of wheels as the rest of us? The A8 misses out here – it’s a big saloon for men in grey suits. The type of chap who would scorn a BMW, Jaguar or a terribly provocative Maserati.

So, while they enjoy effortless performance which allows them to serve up dinner party chat about the A8’s remarkable fuel economy, the subtle looks won’t appeal to everyone.

by

Why the Audi A8 dashboard can teach even the brilliant Mazda MX-5 a lesson

cropped-audiuk_011388.jpgJust what can the latest Mazda MX-5 learn from the Audi A8? A superlative sports car and benchmark limo, they both have a flat screen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard.

The current trend for upright, stand alone screens that don’t sit flush with the dash continues apace – even though a 7-inch block of plastic totally ruins the ergonomics.

That’s especially true when it requires a lot of scrolling through menus to turn the screen off at night. Painful.

So at least Audi has got it right with the A8. Press one button and that useful but very ugly screen folds away neatly into the dash and is hidden out of sight.

Other manufacturers take note. We want high tech but like a huge TV in the living room, it looks better when not in view…

by

The Audi A8 – where would you rather sit, up front or in the back?

cropped-audiuk_011104.jpg

Audi operates a fleet of chauffeur-driven A8s in the UK for high profile media events – film premieres, fashions shows and that kind of thing.

The questions is where would you rather sit – in the driver’s seat or in the back?

Thanks to all that lightweight bodywork, even our 3.0-litre is pretty swift in a straight line. It’s ‘modestly’ dynamic but doesn’t feel like a driver’s car in TDI form at least.

There’s no getting away from the fact that this a very large car. Just like the brilliant Range Rover, it is super comfortable and refined but not a vehicle for launching around a corner.

So I’m going to sit this one out and take the back seat…

by

Looking to make a massive understatement? The Audi 8 is your car…

cropped-audiuk_011384.jpg

Looking to make a massive understatement? The latest Audi A8 – like previous models – is the least talked about limo you could wish to hope for.

But while the aluminium exterior is not known for turning heads, the cabin is something of a peach. Whether you are a BMW or Mercedes follower, both German rivals are knocked into the shade by the A8 cockpit.

It’s simply a class act. A subtle blend of wood, metal and sumptuous leather that would please any chauffeur, or the person sat behind him.

While the navigation system takes a little getting used to, everything else about the big Audi is how a cabin should be. There are tons of options too but even the standard car has more than enough to please…

by

The Audi A8 looks like an A6 on steroids…

AudiUK_006974

After a week in the R8 it almost seems unfair to step into the A8. The two cars are like chalk and cheese – although both share quattro four-wheel drive.

On a wet drive to Kenilworth Castle yesterday, I’m glad the huge A8 had some extra grip though– it really was one of those days to come unstuck big time on the Fosse Way strip.

First impressions? Well, I’m just not sure the big Audi feels special enough. It looks like an A6 on steroids, or a bloated A4. What I’m trying to say is, the A8 just doesn’t feel that different.

Sure, it’s loaded with technology but I want a bit more than that for my £76k. I can’t help feeling a Jag or a Range Rover would move me in just as much comfort.

But critically, they would also set my pulse racing every time I saw it on the driveway…

by

The Audi R8 is every inch a supercar – even though it doesn’t have the badge to match

AudiUK_010125_small

The R8 may not carry the badge of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari but it is every inch a supercar. It has the looks, the performance and handling to keep the keenest driver engaged.

It’s not as practical as a Porsche 911 as an everyday fast car – but then if you want one of those, go buy a Mercedes.

A better comparison would be the latest McLaren 570S. I drove that car in Portugal four months ago and it is hard to pick between the two.

I suppose the McLaren has more cache – you can’t buy any McLaren for less than £130k, after all.

But badge aside, I’d say both cars are more than a match for each other and the R8 is more than worthy of your consideration – if you are lucky enough to have enough money to buy either…