Jaguar XKR convertible: It's playtime

The techies at Jaguar have outdone themselves with their latest XK offering. At first sight, it's just bite-the-back-of-your-hand beautiful.

When I was first told that Jag had given us the 2010 XKR to test and it was not in British Racing Green, I immediately recoiled in disgust - especially when informed that the kitten I was to take for a spin was painted Rover Red. But it only took a glance at the beast parked in front of the office to be won over.

The XKR, with its chrome front mesh grille and its elegant stance, thanks to the 20in R performance Nevis design twin-spoke alloys, exudes sheer class. The unassuming headlights stare out at the road, with a touch of menace squinting off towards the wings. Gleaming in the morning sun, the air intakes - bedded into the sides of the front bumper - wrapped in their chrome trim, hint at the true nature of this beauty. Accentuated by the pronounced bonnet through its centred-donned, chrome louvres, the XKR's aspirations are clear: speed and style.

After a brief moment to gather my senses after my first up-close-and-personal encounter with the XKR, I proceed to check out the rest of the pussycat's dashing good looks. Passing by the smooth lines of the front and rolling down the sides of the cabin then flicking up to the tail, is metalwork crafted with British finesse. Highlighted by the hunkered-down profile of the tonneau cover, wearing cloth suitable for a king, I just know this will be an exhilarating day.

As I proceed to the flicked up back end of the Jag, I'm not disappointed. My eyes are met by the Jaguar engraved chrome trim on the boot and rear lights that almost mirror the shape of those at the front, bearing their LED clusters with pride.

The quad exhaust tips poking out from the underbelly are a subtle reminder that this kitten wants to play. Just as I'm about to head to the cockpit of my vessel for the day, I notice something. Yes, the boffins in Coventry have not let me down - there is some British Racing Green on the body after all, sweeping down the left side of the R badge. After giving this fine machine a thorough once-over, I'm convinced the designers at Jag's headquarters didn't create the XKR just for posing. It's time to see what this baby is packing under all that beauty.

Entering the belly of the beast I feel underdressed, surrounded by wood trims and leather galore. There's an air of sophistication. I place the key under the armrest compartment, place my foot on the oversized brake pedal and press the start button.

At that instant I'm met with the voluptuous chorus of the 5.0-litre V8 as it channels 510 horses through the quad exhausts. Then a moment of panic: I've lost something. Er, where is the gear stick? Hmm... Panic over. There isn't one. All new Jaguars have a drive-selector knob; so you dial in the gear you want. Not entirely sure of my feelings on this, I twist the gear selector to drive and off I go with the roof up.

First to catch my attention is the noise. This kitten doesn't purr as it rolls along the tarmac. The cabin is awash with the noises from the road, the wind passing overhead and the guttural roar of the V8 - possibly offensive to some, but it adds to my driving experience. The steering is responsive - not too light - and I really get a sense of the car as I cruise along on the unobtrusively supple suspension.

However, upon meeting my first corner I notice the weight of the cat as it leans out to the left while I tuck it into the right-hand bend. Not uncontrollably, I might add, just a little more than expected from a car of this calibre. But I'm still excited by the Jag's potential.

It's time to drop the roof, so I pull over, place the gear selector in park, and its all over in 18 seconds. The grace of the electric soft top lowering itself could be likened to that of an origami master. While I'm stationary, I guess its a good time to play with the entertainment system - and a play it is. Its 7in touch screen display is extremely user friendly - more so than, say, BMW's iDrive system - and the sound system boisterously jumps to life. Nice.

Then, with the roof down, the sound system off and the gear thingamabob in Sport, I roll off with malice and intent on to the open road. Cruising in third, I flick the paddle shifter to drop down a cog and push the pedal to the floor. Surprisingly, I'm not thrown back into the seat but coaxed into a more upright position as all 510 horses scramble to gain ground. My ears are filled with the thunderous roar from the engine drowning out the scream of the supercharger as the wind rushes overhead and the Jaguar pounces to 100kph in just 4.8secs. Met with a corner once again, the kitten's true colours come to light as the back end kicks out in a controlled manner, swinging round the tight corner at great speeds. Or at least that is how I imagine it. In reality, the Jag's horses are reined in, the traction control takes over and straighten up the car. Darn it!

With play time over, its time to go back to the office and summarise. Here's my verdict in a nutshell: the XKR is a real looker. Great fun on long stretches of tarmac where you can open up all that muscle under the bonnet, but unfortunately the traction control spoils the fun on the corners. Although it can be deactivated to an extent, it never really goes away.

If you're looking for an executive car that packs a punch to take you to work and back, or for drives out over the weekend, then this will certainly suit your needs. As for me, after all the excitement I worked up before getting behind the wheel, I have to admit to being somewhat disappointed in the end.

Specs