Jaguar XF SV8

I haven’t yet found the opportunity to take the XF to Bedford to see what happens beyond the limit of grip, but I’ve been getting an idea, goading it at low speeds on slippery roads. The all-aluminium Jag is lighter than its rivals but it is a big, long saloon, and it drives like it looks. Unrestrained by the studiously attentive Dynamic Stability Control, and with the gear selected manually for peak throttle responsiveness, a slug of supercharged grunt either spins an inside wheel, leaving a Pirelli-dried line on the asphalt, or kicks the tail sideways, which is much more interesting. It goes big and stays there a while, so you need to hold your nerve – and make sure there’s plenty of space.

Meanwhile, I’m coming to love the practicality – the keyless entry, push-button start and the fact that if you’re squeezing out of the car in a tight parking space you can lock the car by touching the button on any door.

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