MOTORING MOTORING JAGUAR F-TYPE
COUPE In volume terms Jaguar has always punched above its weight in a premium market convincingly dominated by German marques. It builds less cars each year compared with rivals such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche so has done well to build up its reputation.
Competition in the premium sector is tougher than ever but Jaguar is well-set to rival the best thanks to its talented design team and its pedigree of creating sumptuous interior ambiance. These qualities come together perfectly in its latest models, especially the new F-Type.
Jaguar gave us first glimpse of
the F-Type last year as a gorgeous convertible and now there is also a fixed roof coupe. Losing that expensive folding roof means the F-Type Coupe costs less than the convertible, starting at £51,235, a saving of £7,285 over the equivalent Convertible. Topping the range is the R version, with 550 hp from its 5.0 litre V8 engine, enough to pass the benchmark 60mph in just four seconds and on to a top speed, electronically limited, of 186mph. This version costs
HONDA CR-V
Honda has sold five million CR-V models worldwide and the latest version maintains that winning formula. The British-built CR-V is a crossover model blending car-like driving with SUV practicality and Honda’s unmatched reputation for reliability. Available with two or four wheel drive, petrol and diesel engines including a new 60mpg 1.6 litre diesel unit, the CR-V is a formidable force in the sector. All models come with a 6-speed manual gearbox but an auto gearbox is an option on some versions. Prices start at £22,000 and the entry level S version comes with lots of kit including cruise control, 17-inch alloys, duel-zone climate control, and DAB radio. My test model was an upper range version, an SR with 2WD and with the new 1.6 litre DTEC diesel engine. It costs £27,815.
VISUALLY THE CR-V IS QUITE STRIKING, WITH A STRONGER PRESENCE THAN MOST RIVALS.
IT IS A DELIGHT TO
DRIVE, SMOOTH, EAGER, WELL-MANNERED AND WITH SUPERB HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS.
ROAD TESTS BY NICK FLETCHER
OUR MOTORING COLUMN, BY THE EXPERIENCED AND AWARD WINNING MOTORING JOURNALIST NICK FLETCHER HELPS OUR READERS CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE LATEST CARS.
£85,000 - more than the fastest convertible but it comes with more power too. Most potential buyers will be attracted by the smaller 3.0 litre V6 engine engine which powers two versions of the car, offering either 340 or 380 horsepower and top speeds of 161 and 171mph respectively, which should be enough for most people! Mated to a smooth 8-speed
automatic gearbox (with manual-change paddles) the 380 hp S version has a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, yet can still return 31 mpg combined. This model costs £60,250. It is a delight to drive, smooth,
eager, well-mannered and with superb handling characteristics. Ride quality is excellent thanks to adaptive dampers,
and a switchable exhaust note (standard on the R version, an option on the S) means you can sound sporty when you want to! With a decent-sized usable boot, there is also a touch of practicality to this potent Jaguar beast. Above all, such is the sumptuous cabin ambiance and engaging persona of the car that every mile in the F-Type coupe feels an event - and that feeling is at the core of what the Jaguar brand is all about.
Top speed is 113 mph and the 0-60 mph time is 11.2 seconds, fairly typical by class standards but the fuel economy is impressive; 60.1 mph combined. The CR-V is very comfortable, with well-designed
supportive seats and the suspension set-up copes easily with rougher surfaces. Steering feel is good and the overall balance of the car delivers good grip and feels reassuring. Visually the CR-V is quite striking, with a stronger
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