Lifestyle: Motoring – Jaguar; Volkswagen; Bentley

WITH all the hype surrounding the launch of the Jaguar F-Type – both its existing convertible and now coupé versions – it is easy to forget that the Jaguar stable also includes another sporting thoroughbred and while a little longer in the tooth (and with apologies for mixing animal metaphors), this big cat still has plenty of bite.

Launched while still under Ford ownership, the XK was the first Jaguar to be created by design guru Ian Callum – who so the story goes, took his inspiration from the curves of Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet.

To show car buyers keen on the marque’s sporting pedigree there is a two-seater alternative to the new kid on the block, Jaguar is putting out two special editions of the XK – and both are designed to set the pulses racing.

Being prepared for the 2015 market (which begins in March), the special edition models will be available in exclusive Signature and Dynamic R specifications. The new models mean the 2015 XK line-up now comprises Signature, Dynamic R and R-S derivatives.

Both new derivatives to be available in coupé and convertible form and the performance-focused 510PS XK Dynamic R model will benefits from a standard fit Black Dynamic Pack, incorporating XKR-S suspension and dynamics and a 10mm reduction in ride height, plus Speed Pack aerodynamic upgrades and a range of other additions including the new Diamond Sewn Performance seat with contrast stitch.

The luxury focused 385PS XK Signature model comes equipped with 20” Kalimnos wheels and Reverse Park Camera as standard, plus additional luxury features.

Both Signature and Dynamic R models are being offered with a choice of premium exterior paint colours and interior combinations. The XK Signature is priced at £54,950 with the XK Dynamic R on sale at £69,950 on-the-road.

Both are available to order from Jaguar dealers and first deliveries to UK customers of the new XK Signature and Dynamic R editions are expected in March.
 
The XK Signature can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds in coupé guise, and 5.3 seconds for the convertible, each car producing 515Nm of torque. The top speed for both variants is electronically limited to 155mph and both cars produce just 264 g/km of CO2. The XK Dynamic R’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8, offers power and torque figures of 510PS and 625Nm respectively, taking the car to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds with a limited top speed of 174mph. Despite the power, the XK Dynamic R promises a relatively low 292g/km of CO2.

Both cars feature Dynamic Stability Control system, which offers four modes: Normal, Winter, TracDSC and DSC Off. These allow the driver to maintain their enthusiasm whatever the road conditions.

VW Golf proves as reliable as ever – scooping yet another award

IF your tastes – and budget – run to something a little more practical, the ever-reliable Volkswagen Golf has just been named as BusinessCar magazine’s 2014 Car of the Year.

Sharing the limelight is BMW, which was named Manufacturer of the Year for the fourth year running and bolstered its success with the i3 electric city car, pictured, which picked up the Green Model of the Year award. Leasing company Alphabet took the final headline award as Service Supplier of the Year.

The Mercedes CLA and the Skoda Octavia ranked second and third respectively behind the Golf, while Highly Commended awards also went the way of Mercedes-Benz, snapping at BMW’s heels for Manufacturer of the Year, the Vauxhall Ampera as highly commended Green Model of the Year and leasing company ALD as runner up Service Supplier of the Year.  

“Volkswagen has once again proved that the Golf is a pertinent as ever for fleet operators,” said BusinessCar editor Paul Barker. “Its combination of impenetrable residual values, excellent build quality and low running costs, as well as impressive efficiency from the 85g/km Bluemotion version in particular, make it an unbeatable all-round package in the minds of fleet operators.”

He added: “BMW is clearly holding the imagination of business car operators and retains its Manufacturer of the Year status once again, which proves cars that are good to drive and desirable are just as important to business car operators as those that make logical and financial sense.”

The simple things in life – Bentley style

WHILE on the subject of “financial sense”, Bentley owners can now show their appreciation for the lifestyle brand by furnishing their homes with a bespoke range of specially-branded sofas and beds.

Designed and manufactured in collaboration with Luxury Living Group, one of Europe’s leading furniture makers, Bentley has launched the collection at the Maison & Objet fair in Paris. The collection is inspired by “the renowned craftsmanship and exquisite materials that characterise the interiors of all Bentley models” – so the press release goes.

After the successful launch of a capsule collection last year, the range has been expanded and developed by the architect Carlo Colombo with Daniele Ceccomori, Bentley’s Head of Product Design. Appearing at the fair among the ‘Special Designs’ labels, the suite of furniture and accessories offers exclusive items for the home and office.

Based in Forlì, Italy, Luxury Living Group specialises in the “production and distribution of luxury furniture – combining the highest quality craftsmanship with a rigorous aesthetic sensibility which links Bentley’s inherent qualities of heritage and tradition, exclusivity and style, with the most technical and architectural aspects of furniture design”.

Kevin Rose, board member Sales & Marketing, of Bentley, said: “The Home Collection embodies Bentley’s emergence as a modern high luxury brand. It combines sophisticated materials with contemporary design and the ultimate in bespoke craftsmanship. This is an exciting development which captures the shared values of Bentley and Luxury Living, with unrivalled attention to detail and a stunning translation of the timeless style of the brand into home and executive suite interiors.”