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Jaguar XKR Speed car review - First UK Drive
First revealed at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XKR Speed and Black Pack are a further evolution of one of Britain’s best sports cars.
With more aggressive looks and a top speed extended to 174mph, the £3,500 Speed Pack is aimed at a new breed of XK owner, who are just as likely to head to the track as away on a weekend jaunt.
The wonderful 5-litre supercharged V8 remains the same – no bad thing – with 510bhp, 461lb/ft of pulling power and one of the best noises there is.
It sprints the refined XKR Speed from zero to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and its six-speed automatic gearbox changes gears with finesse.
The Speed Pack takes care of the business end of things, while the Black Pack de-chromes most of the car, replacing the shiny addenda with painted parts, to give the XKR Speed and Black Pack its sultry looks.
Now limited to 174mph
The engine and gearbox have been recalibrated to allow its 174mph top speed, up from a limited 155mph. With this new headline figure in mind, the XKR Speed has a revised front aerodynamic splitter and larger rear spoiler to reduce lift.
In fourth gear in particular the 1.8-litre DiD ASX has a surprising turn of speed, making overtakes quick and safe. It reaches 62mph from a standstill in 9.7 seconds (10 for the 4×4) and has a top speed of 124mph.
It also manages 51.4mpg (49.6 for the four-wheel drive) and emits 145g/km of CO2 (or 150g/km). The petrol engine can achieve 47.1mpg while emitting 138g/km of CO2.
Mitsubishi has worked hard on improving economy and the ASX is fitted with stop and start technology, regenerative braking, low-consumption lights, low rolling-resistance tyres, electric power steering and uses low viscosity engine oil. And, while it might not look it, it’s also one of the most aerodynamic small SUVs on the market.
Mitsubishi Evolution X grille
Handling may not compare with the fun Skoda Yeti, but it compares closely with the Qashqai. There’s little body roll during cornering, and plenty of grip. If anything, its suspension is slightly too firm, resulting in a fidgety ride over challenging surfaces
But the feel is definitely of an SUV which is easy and fun to drive, and this suits its jet fighter looks. The nose is by far the most radical part of its design, with a Mitsubishi Evolution-inspired grille dominating the car.
The sides and rear are more conventional, with big wheelarches giving it a squat stance. Mitsubishi claims the ASX has its best quality interior yet, and we agree this was an area the brand needed to improve. There are fewer shiny plastics than found in previous models; being replaced by soft-touch materials in the most visible parts of the cabin.
Gallery: Jaguar XKR Speed and Black Pack
Jaguar’s take on the GT3
Customers who order both the £4,000 Speed and Black Pack will have a car with exclusive looks more closely prescribed by Jaguar. Available only in the aforementioned red, white or black with 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels and an optional ‘XKR’ side body graphic, this is Jaguar’s equivalent of the Porsche 911 GT3.
Interior finishes can be specified to the owner’s taste, with dark oak, dark mesh, aluminium and piano black available.
On the roads around Goodwood there’s only one word to describe the XKR Speed and Black Pack: ‘sublime’. If ever there needs to be proof a seriously fast car can be comfortable as well, this is it.
No matter what the speed or how bad the road surface, the Jag remains perfectly poised and composed, leaving driver and passenger unruffled. Amazingly, in its softest setting, it seems to ride just as comfortably as the recently-launched flagship Jaguar XJ.
Turn the dial to Competition mode and the suspension does get harder and gear changes are faster, but this mode is better suited to a track than Britain’s roads.
The cost of exclusivity
However, this is really a styling package at heart, and unless you regularly drive above 155mph a standard XKR is just as good to drive.
So, it’s the exclusivity and edgy looks which are really on offer, and at this end of the sports car market, £4,000 on top of the £74,955 asking price of an XKR Coupe represents good value-for-money.
The Speed and Black pack are available now, and to reflect their sporting focus, they can only be specified with the Jaguar XKR Coupe.
Key facts:
- Model tested: Jaguar XKR 5.0 V8 Coupe Speed and Black Pack
- On the road price: £78,955
- Price range: £61,955 – £80,955
- Date tested: July 2010
- Road tester: Andy Goodwin