Road Test: Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 2dr Auto

You know how some cars epitomise the class they compete in? The Mondeo in the family-car sector, the Golf for hatchbacks... well, if you want to know what a luxury GT should feel like, than drive a Jaguar XK. It's just so... gentlemanly.

The engine purrs mutedly, the gearbox slides between its six ratios, it achieves rapid, smooth progress without ever seeming like it's putting any effort in. That's a hell of a trick, one Jaguar has honed over the years.

This is just a facelift, so larger front grille, new headlights, different wheels, vents and rear lights. No changes to the naturally aspirated V8 which (chiefly thanks to long gearing) provides deceptive acceleration. Never feels punishingly fast, mind.

And after the bigger, sharper supercharged XKs, you're aware the entry-level version doesn't like to be hustled quite so much. The handling goes a bit woolly, and you never have 100 per cent assurance that the car is totally with you. But I swear it rides better than an XJ Limousine, and you soon get used to the light steering.

Want a sports car? Then buy the car that epitomises that class - the Porsche 911. Want a big, woofly GT? Then look no further.