XK revisits E-Type legend

With falling sales and ailing profits, it's vital that Jaguar's latest high-class sports car is a hit. And what better way to get off on the right foot than to look to the E-Type for inspiration?

As our dramatic pictures in this week's mag show, the classic model's compact shape is a far cry from the wide, muscular GT Jaguar has produced today. However, from the beautiful oval grille to the tapered rear window, the all-new XK retains the E-Type's presence. What it lacks is the classic coupé's clean lines - the detailed headlamps and tail-lights tend to detract from the XK's smooth shape.

Thankfully, 35 years of motoring evolution mean there is a world of difference in the way the two cars drive. Climb into the modern coupé, press the red start button and the excitement begins.

Pull the gearlever down into D on the J-shaped gate, and you are away with a throaty burble from the exhaust. Driven around town, the new model is light and agile, and is as easy to pilot as an X-Type. The transmission is silky smooth and visibility is excellent. Only when you head out of urban areas does the Big Cat begin to stretch its legs.

The Jag gets a six-speed auto, but this is no ordinary gearbox. Slide the lever into Sport mode, and the car comes alive, holding gears when cornering and downshifting to the red line with an accurate blip of the throttle.

Better still is the paddleshift manual mode. Changes are supremely fast, even swapping cogs quicker than the VW Group's class-leading DSG sequential manual. This allows the driver to make best use of the XK's 300bhp V8, with the sprint from 0-60mph covered in 5.9 seconds. Only a lack of thrust below 3,750rpm detracts from the Jag's performance. It feels genuinely sporty, and so does the suspension set-up.

The continuously adjustable dampers give a firmer ride than the outgoing XK which won't be to everyone's taste, but the stability offered when cornering far outweighs any discomfort. What's more, thanks to its hi-tech aluminium construction, the car is fantastically stiff.

Switch to the convertible, and there are few sacrifices from behind the wheel. The hood works brilliantly and there's little buffeting with it down. What's more, because the new XK was designed to be a convertible from the start, there's none of the flexing and shaking that spoiled the outgoing drop-top. There is a catch, though. The light steering on both versions just isn't up to the job when the road gets twisty. There's too much assistance, and a lack of initial response when travelling in a straight line. We're promised the supercharged XKR will get a weightier wheel to better exploit the capable chassis.

Despite being considerably more expensive than its predecessor, generous standard kit makes the new XK better value for money. Only time will tell whether or not it will live up to the legacy of the E-Type, but it is hugely capable as both a coupé and convertible.