BIG CAT'S KING OF THE JUNGLE; Jaguar XFR has our team purring like kittens.

Byline: Graeme Lennox

IT doesn't happen very often - but once in a blue moon, along comes a car that Liz and I agree on.

Jaguar's XFR is what we at Mailmotors call a key-fob stretcher because of the frenzied tug-of-war that breaks out to see who gets behind the wheel.

The last time we had a shot of the normally aspirated XF, I was so desperate to keep the car I ruptured a disc in my spine. So given the chance to get our hands on the supercharged XFR, there was only ever going to be one winner.

The XFR has a zero-compromise approach. It oozes class, is one of the most relaxing cars on the road but is capable of the sort of performance that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

At pounds 59,900 it might have come at the wrong time - but it is one hell of a car.

Powered by a supercharged 510bhp V8 engine, it goes from 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds and the engine note is one of the sweetest around, giving off a rasping noise when you dab the throttle.

Handling is top-notch, with plenty of feedback from the steering wheel.

The leather upholstery sports special badging - but you only have to listen to the V8 growl to know that you are in the presence of a menacing big cat.

TECHSPEC

JAGUAR'S XFR costs pounds 59,900. PPerformance: 0-62mph in 4.7 secs, top speed 155mph, economy 22.5mpg, emissions 292 g/km. Equipment: 20-inch alloys, leather upholstery, sat nav, 6- speed auto transmission, four tailpipes, chrome intakes. Behind the wheel: (M)ad men. Rivals: BMW M5, Mercedes CLS 500

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Horsepower: New Jag is a thoroughbred