DRIVE TIME WHAT A VIEW MAKEOVER GIVES XJ MORE SPORTY, CONTEMPORARY, ASSERTIVE EXTERIOR STYLE CHANGES, NEW 'ATHLETIC' LOOK PUT JAGUAR ON PAR WITH ITS LUXURY COMPETITORS.

Byline: GREGORY J. WILCOX

Sometimes change is indeed a good thing. Like in the case of the 2008 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas.

But at Jaguar, change comes slowly. The company first introduced the XJ model line in 1968, and it is just now on the third generation.

The current XJ came to market in 2004, and there have been few styling changes.

That is, until the 2008 model year. And I think they are spot on.

Which is a good thing because the XJs have some tough competition in the luxury sedan market. Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and even Lexus, which is not known for its eye-candy factor, are considered more stylish by many automotive experts.

But for 2008, the XJ is certainly putting a prettier face forward.

The company gave it an exterior makeover that it says gives the venerable XJ, whose lineage dates back to the 1950s, a more contemporary, assertive and sporting appearance.

Most noticeable is the new front end. The grille looks more aggressive, and the air intake under the bumper is narrower and taller than on previous models. (At this price point, I'd expect that a chrome, not plastic, grille would be standard.)

The XJ also has a new rear bumper, a subtle rear spoiler and side vents.

The new -- what the company also calls a more "athletic" look -- is further enhanced by larger wheels that are standard on all models.

The Vanden Plas is a long-wheel-base model, but I never got the feeling I was tooling around in a boat, even in the somewhat tight confines of Carmel.

Interior changes are more subtle, but the seats received a complete redesign for what Jaguar boasts is improved comfort and support. And I did notice this change and a better comfort factor from a 2007 XJR (which has a supercharged 400horsepower engine) tested last year.

There is also increased rear leg and foot room because the front-seat redesign allows easier access to the back seats.

Three new exterior paint colors were also added to the mix.

The test model was painted Frost Blue, and it drew more than a few "beautiful car" comments in the Carmel area, where hot cars abound.

The XJs feature an all-aluminum body construction, so the handling has a sports-car feel even though it's a full-size sedan.

All the models have safety features such as Computer Active Technology Suspension, Advanced Restraint Technology System and Automatic Speed Limiter. There is also an optional Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

An integrated Sirius Satellite Radio option is available, and the Bluetooth connectivity system allows up to five phones to work with the in-car telephone system.

The car does have some critics, though.

Consumer Reports said the model trails the other luxury-class leaders: "The powertrain is strong, but the ride isn't luxurious. Handling is nimble, but steering is light."

The ride certainly felt luxurious to us, especially during a five-plus-hour jaunt up Highway101. Even though we blew past our destination by about 30miles, the fuel gauge still registered half-full when we finally arrived in midafternoon.

And the 300-horsepower, 4.2-liter, V-8 engine provides so much power that it's best to keep a keen eye on the speedometer unless you engage cruise control.

The trunk is also fairly massive, easily holding enough luggage, and a golf bag, for a five-day road trip. And the XJ VDP certainly was in its element cruising the famed 17-Mile Drive through Pebble Beach on a sun-dappled Saturday.

"The new 2008 Jaguar Vanden Plas is the car you dream of owning," the Web site AllAutoReviews.com gushed.

"The Vanden Plas ensconces you in luxury. The engine epitomizes the concept of refined power, while the car boasts precision handling and advanced technology that's second to none. Driving the XJ is so wonderful that you won't want to arrive at your destination."

We concur.

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JAGUAR XJ VANDEN PLAS

Engine: 4.2-liter V-8

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

Horsepower: 300

Price: $76,085 as base model; $81,050 as tested

Mileage: 16 city, 25 highway

The manual says: The appropriate tell-tale will flash when the column switch is moved up or down to signal a right- or left-hand turn.

The wife says: "These seats are really comfortable, and they have more control buttons than the home-theater system."

Coming Next Week: Subaru Impreza WRX 

CAPTION(S):

3 photos, box

Photo:

(1 -- color) On the 2008 Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas, the grille looks more aggressive, and the air intake under the bumper is narrower and taller than on previous models. Also, larger wheels come standard.

(2 -- color) Jaguar XJ Vanden Plas

(3 -- color) The XJ has a new rear bumper, a subtle rear spoiler and side vents.

Gregory J. Wilcox/Daily News

Box:

JAGUAR XJ VANDEN PLAS (see text)