The big cat purrs

It's a long wheelbase job that not only provides a great deal more space in the back but also offers a choice of seating configurations, new trim and equipment options as well as a variety of communications and multi-media packages.

Depending on specification and what people actually need, there is a choice of seating preferences, including fixed or power-adjustable bench seat layouts as well as individual powered and heated rear seats separated by a centre console.

Those in the back can also specify voice-activation for the four-zone climate-control system, with individual seat-to-seat settings.

For the work-minded bosses, there are burr walnut-finished business trays that fold down from the front seat-backs and are big enough to hold a notebook computer. For those with more fun in mind, a television screen can be fixed into the head restraints of the front seats, with rear-seat multi-media options including iPod, MP3 player and DVD. Getting in touch with the outside world is no problem, either. Among the options is a telephone conference call facility for both front and rear passengers.

This latest addition to the XJ range goes on sale later this year, and closer to the time prices will be announced.

Owning a long wheelbase version does not necessarily mean more expense added to running costs. This particular version weighs in at just 24kg (53lb) more than the standard model, and returns the same fuel economy and emissions figures while still carrying the same performance figures. And, in standard form, the new XJ is some 200kg (441lb) lighter than the previous generation XJ and around 100kg (221lb) lighter than its nearest rivals.

The wheelbase and overall length of the new long wheelbase car have increased by 125mm (five inches) and the rear roofline is raised by 7mm (0.28 inches). There is also 999mm (that's more than 39 inches) of legroom.

"The new XJ isn't a stretched version of the standard car --it's a fully integrated model in its own right. That's one of the main reasons the driving experience is so close to the other models in the XJ range, and why owners will enjoy being at the wheel as much as sitting in the rear seat," says Mick Mohan, chief programme engineer for the XJ range.

Like the latest generation of the standard wheelbase XJ, the new model uses a lot of advanced aluminium construction, including lightweight, and significantly improved body strength, without compromising on a comprehensive package of safety features.

The additional body length is incorporated behind the B-pillars, the longer rear doors aiding passenger entry and exit.

"A Jaguar XJ with an interior package that more than matches rivals may surprise some people but this new long wheelbase model sets new standards across the board. The cabin is a truly spacious and relaxing place to be and the generous interior dimensions really reinforce this," said Mr Mohan.

Depending on the market, the new XJ offers the same choice of efficient V8 petrol engines as the standard wheelbase car. The naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre and 4.2-litre V8s and the range-topping 400bhp (298kW) DIN supercharged 4.2-litre V8 are all matched to Jaguar's advanced ZF six-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel economy, emissions ratings and performance are equivalent to the standard wheelbase XJ saloons. Both 4.2-litre versions have an electronically limited maximum of 155mph; 0-62mph acceleration times for the three V8 variants are 7.3-seconds for the 3.5-litre, 6.3-seconds for the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre and just five seconds for the supercharged 4.2-litre.

Be assured, this latest XJ is compact enough to fit into a normal-size garage, and can easily cope with the tight spaces of multi-storey car parks.

Dynamically, too, the new long wheelbase is virtually indistinguishable from the standard wheelbase car, although spring and damper settings and suspension mounts and bushings have been revised to provide comfortable rides, as well as handling balance and steering feel. The revised suspension mountings are also designed to cut road noise levels.

There is a full list of active and passive safety features. Jaguar's adaptive restraint technology system combines dual-stage driver and passenger airbags with seat-occupation sensing, side-impact chest airbags in the front seat bolsters, front and rear side air curtains, anti-whiplash seat design and Isofix rear child seat attachments. There's four-channel anti-lock brakes with emergency brake assist, traction control and dynamic stability control as standard. As to be expected there are also high levels of security incorporated, with transponder-operated remote double deadlocking and automatic drive-away locking.

Updated: 09:46 Friday, April 16, 2004