| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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For many, this is the whole point of a Jaguar and indeed, feeling cosseted comes as standard aboard every XJ. Every model comes with wood, leather and the sumptuous detail trimmings for which the marque has become famous, and the revised line-up for 2006 (Sovereign models replacing the SE, and other minor mods) brings even better value. Some may be disappointed that there is nothing fresh in this Jag's cabin style, however; its look is entirely predictable. Still, the extra space is a major improvement, and refinement is (mostly) improved. Progress is spoiled only by the odd - and very rare - gearbox clunk and on badly broken surfaces, a slight jostling in your seat, the firmer suspension and lower-profile tyres unable to provide a ride quite as pillowy as the very early XJs. The absence of roll, pitch, wallow and dive during enthusiastic driving compensates for that velvety ride, the Jag's composure proving mightily impressive. Noise levels are very subdued, road roar being especially well muted, and the 2006 model-year XJs have all received additional sound-proofing and anti-vibration measures. The engines can clearly be heard if driven with real zeal but that's a plus - all sound sportingly cultured. In most conditions, the engines are barely audible, even the 2.7 TDVi diesel.
Accommodation has long been a failing of the XJ, its long, low look compromising both cabin and luggage room. This XJ is taller in both roof and boot, with the result that it is considerably roomier than its predecessors, though without losing that cosy, enclosed feeling that is such a strong part of a Jaguar's appeal. Space up front is pretty palatial, and it's good in the rear too, though legroom would improve were it possible to slide your feet beneath the seats in front. Long-wheelbase versions (V8 petrol engines only) address the problem effectively. Though the boot is much longer, wider and more usefully shaped than before, it still isn't very deep. Oddments space runs to a decently dimensioned glovebox, a centre console box whose lid slides rearwards to reveal cupholders (a slightly crude-looking arrangement) a quartet of door bins just big enough to be useful, cupholders in the rear armrest and a sunglasses holder in the roof. Frustratingly, there's no dumping ground on the transmission tunnel. An easily used satellite navigation system, complete with voice command, is available on the XJ but it's standard only on the top-of-the-range Super V8. An eight-speaker stereo is standard, this upgraded to a 320watt 12-speaker Premium system on SE, XJR and Super V8 models, and both lose points for having a boot-mounted CD autochanger when built-in CD stackers are increasingly incorporated into the units themselves. The stereos both sound pretty good, but they're not the best we've tried.
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