THE Jaguar X-Type estate and I got off to a bad start - but at the end of my week with the car we were bosom buddies.
The big cat was delivered outside work as snow was starting to fall. A fight with the heater led to the interior misting up and some choice words being aimed at the climate control.
Having found the front window demister and heater and its rear window compatriot - which, to be fair, are pretty well signposted on the centre console - things started to improve until I tried to look at the driver's-side wing mirror and discovered this was impossible as some grease on the window obscured the view.
Getting out of the car to clean it I resembled a snowman by the time I returned to my seat, and my mood wasn't improved when I couldn't find a footrest next to the clutch pedal.
Again, to be fair, there is plenty of space for your left leg to relax - it was just that my mood, like the weather, was miserable.
The next morning the sun was shining and relations between Jaguar's three-litre beauty and myself thawed.
Having driven home nose-to-tail in the misnamed rush hour the previous night there was no opportunity to appreciate the engine's capabilities.
The noise made by the power unit is pitch perfect, encouraging plenty of action on the accelerator. Helped by 231 horses the Estate roars from 0-60mph in an exceptional 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 144mph.
This is also one smooth cat so there's no indication you are driving an estate until you look in the rear-view mirror.
The extra weight is carried with aplomb - I wish I could say the same - while the extra length means the car can handle the load lugging needs of a family with ease.
The X-Type feels exceptionally well balanced. It's paw perfect in corners and never gives the impression of being anything but under total control no matter how hard it's pushed.
The four wheel drive and various electronic aids ensure there's always the maximum amount of grip available. The sports suspension ensures a comfortable ride over virtually all road surfaces and absorbs with ease the bumps and holes that pass for roads these days.
The five speed manual gearbox is efficient but the car is less so on the petrol front with a combined fuel economy figure of just over 27mpg.
But, as the wife pointed out, if you've £30,000 to spend on a Jaguar then in all probability the cost of the fuel is going to be a minor concern.
The X-Type estate has benefited from a few subtle design changes made by Jaguar that ensure the cabin is a relaxing place to be. There's a simple style and elegance that catches the eye and eases the mind.
Wind noise is also kept to a minimum - even around the roof rails which are fitted as standard.
Travelling long distances is no chore as the car takes little out of driver and passengers.
There are plenty of goodies fitted as standard. These include cruise control, air conditioning, radio/CD player, a reverse parking aid, electric windows, front fog lamps and xenon headlights.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6 Sport Premium Estate
Price: £31,165
Mechanical: 231bhp, 2,967cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 144mph
0-62mph: 7.3 secs
Combined mpg: 27.3
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 249g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited mileage; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust