FOR MANY years Jaguar relied on the six-cylinder engine to provide power for some of the best sports saloons the world has seen. Anyone lucky enough to have driven one of the classic MkII models will readily agree on this score.
The Welsh-built V8 held total sway for a time in the 'Big-Cat' flagship sector, but the good news is that the big six is back with a vengeance.
Yes, Jaguar has reintroduced the XJ6 and it's a cracker.
This latest Jaguar luxury saloon boasts an all-aluminium body that makes it ultra light for a car of such proportions, and although it may be light on steel it is a total driver magnet.
The new XJ6 makes the best of a three-litre V6 that is already tried and tested in the company's S-Type models.
Now, the same engine is used in a body that weighs less than even the so-called baby Jag - the X-Type - and the result is extremely satisfying.
Whacking out 240bhp, the XJ6 has a turn of speed that puts it up among the leaders in this segment of the executive car market.
Costing under £40,000 it is aimed at knocking a hole in the sales of BMW and Mercedes.
It is certainly beautiful and extremely agile with a top speed of 145mph and acceleration from standstill to 60mph in a shade under eight seconds, making it a vivid drive.
For a big cat it is surprisingly economical. Overall it can average 27 miles to the gallon - and that is a huge leap forward from XJs of old.
With climate control, leather upholstery and a slinky smooth auto gearbox all fitted as standard, the XJ6 holds its own in luxury, but business users will be hammered by near maximum tax charges thanks to a high C02 emission figure.
But the Jaguar is just so British and it has the indefinable 'it' factor. The use of wood and leather inside gives it a feel all of its own. As does the layout of the controls that give the dash such a purposeful feel - not to mention the J-gate layout of the gear lever which allows such a straightforward transition from automatic to manual selections.
The new XJ models are also bigger than before and that means that at last there is a sensible amount of leg room in the back as well as an ample boot of more than 16 cubic feet.
As prestige cars go, the latest XJ6 speaks volumes. It is as much about status and taste as it is about sophisticated engineering and sheer power - and best of all it purrs like a big pussy cat should.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar XJ6
Price: £39,000
Mechanical: 240bhp, 2,967cc V6 petrol engine driving rear wheels via 6-spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 145mph
0-60mph: 7.8 secs
Combined mpg: 27.0
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 249g/km
BiK rating: 33%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint