2001 Jaguar XKR review from UK and Ireland

Front wheel buckled slightly, resulting in vibrations when driven.

Supercharger unit failed. Repaired by the dealer.

The XKR is a hugely powerful and immense fun on a good, wide road. The power is bordering on insane, as it just never lets up on the acceleration - I lose my nerve before it starts to struggle. Overtaking in high gears can be done comfortably, but if you change down to 2nd or 3rd, the car really shines. It also makes an awesome sound as the V8 angrily makes its way around the rev counter.

Where this shine is lost is the handling of the car. The powered steering feels very odd, and after four years, I have never really grown accustomed to it. You can't think this car through a corner, you have to feel your way, which is not helped by the enormous weight of the car. It weighs in at around two tonnes, so it's not the most agile beast around.

Inside, the story does not improve much. The cockpit does not feel made with the driver in mind. The stalks on the steering column are too far away from the wheel, and there is a huge bank of buttons on the centre console that are all identical, so you have to take your eyes off the road for half an hour to search for the button you want. The plastics are typical Ford and are quite cheap and nasty, as is the ugly dashboard. The seats are very comfortable and can be put in most positions, but there is no room in the rear seats at all, except for luggage.

The radar guided cruise control is fun to use, and there is so much automation the car could almost drive itself home. The stereo system (not standard) is also very good. The Silverstone Edition (silver) also looks fantastic by the way, especially the 20" BBS wheels.

In summary, it has a lot of faults, but you will never tire of the way it marches through the speedometer.