Jaguar XK Convertible (06 on) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 24 March 2009
The convertible version of the XK is every inch as good as the coupe - despite losing the roof. It uses the same wonderful V8 engine and offers equally rapid performance, but crucially it handles just as well with pin-sharp steering and wonderful agility through corners. Unlike some alternatives, the XK uses a fabric roof rather than a folding metal affair, but this does help to keep weight down and it's well insulated from noise and extreme temperatures. Inside you'll find superb build quality and an upmarket cabin, while refinement is second to none - the XF making a superbly sophisticated cruiser, even with the top down. Other coupes may be more driver focussed, but few can match the Jaguar's all round abilities. In 2009 it was facelifted with a more powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine replacing the 4.2-litre while exterior changes included new bumpers and LED rear lights.
4.5 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

The XK Convertible is loaded with safety equipment, including a pair of rollover bars behind the back seats that pop-up if the vehicle ends up on its roof after a collision. There's no Euro NCAP crash rating but side airbags for the driver and front passenger are combined head and chest airbags which deploy from the seats to ensure they are in the optimum position. The front of the car is also designed to cause less damage when hitting a pedestrian, and the bonnet pops up to minimise serious head injuries.

NCAP Test

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4 out of 5

Reliability

Jaguar has made great improvements in this area in recent years. A few of the early convertibles we've tried had erratic window controls, but these niggles should be ironed out by now. Jaguar continues to score highly in customer satisfaction surveys both in the UK and the US.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.