Cats on the prowl

Over two days last week, jaguar distributor Malayan Motors invited customers and prospects to the open grounds of the Changi Exhibition Center to experience the power, ride and handling of two newly introduced models, the XFR and the XK Portfolio coupe.

Led by Laurence Plummer, a professional driver from Jaguar based UK, the team of local driving instructors brought the guests through two specially-constructed slalom courses to demonstrate the capabilities and dynamic technology in the two new models, powered by the all-new advanced and highly efficient 5.0-litre AJ V8 Gen III engines.

As expected, we were on hand to have a go as well. The XK was first on my list to try as I’ve already driven the ballistic XFR previously. The big GT certainly surprised me with the way it goes. Off the line, the XK really felt quick so I immediately presumed this was the supercharged XKR but a glance at the wood trimmed dashboard and the lack of ‘R” logos anywhere proved otherwise. In fact, this was the 385bhp normally aspirated XK.  I have always thought that the XK was a big wafting coupe that eats miles with a cinch but clumsy in the twisty bits, Mercedes SL style but I was proven wrong once again after taking the big coupe around the slalom course, which consisted of both slow and high speed directional changes and an abrupt lane change maneuver. After the drive, I’m finally convinced that the XK has the substance to match its sexy looks.