What Car? Car of the Year 2005 - Luxury car

Jaguar XJ6 3.0 V6
List Price £39,970
Target Price £36,437

The Jaguar XJ6 takes the prize in this category for the second year running. It does everything a luxury car should.

The Jaguar’s styling sets the right theme from the start. Subtle yet imposing, it’s a modern twist on a classic theme. There’s substance to back up the style; the drive is everything you’d expect of Jaguar’s flagship saloon.

It smothers blemishes well and on the motorway the XJ feels solidly planted. Excellent body control and a lightweight aluminium construction make the XJ more agile than any of its rivals and the well weighted steering makes for a rewarding drive.

A low list price means affordable company car tax bills and hire rates, and private buyers get a great deal too. While the XJ6 sneaks in at just under £40,000, the cheapest versions of its key rivals cost at least £46,000.

While the previous XJ was let down by its cramped cabin, things couldn’t be more different in its successor. There’s generous space for those in both the front and rear seats, but at the same time Jaguar has retained the snug, tailored feel that makes the car shrink around the driver.

Broadband users click here to see our video review of the Jaguar XJ

Dial-up users click here to see our video review of the Jaguar XJ

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