For 2005, the Coventry-based manufacturer offers the U.S. market a base car in three models. All three share the same engine, horsepower and all-wheel drive (vs. the 2004), but you can get a luxury model (VDP) with burlwood, a Sportwagon or our tester: the Sport model with Alcantara seats and genuine carbon fiber dash. The base production car checks in at $32,000. Our car started at $34,000, but for another $5,000, we got:

• sport-tuned suspension • dynamic stability control • sport-perforated seats • 18” Aruba wheels • upper and lower MESH grilles • rear spoiler • body-colored trim finishers • lower side sills • exhaust tailpipe trims • metallic paint • carbon fiber package • xenon headlamps with auto LVL

It’s still a good value, and you get to ride around in a cool cat. Fuel consumption is decent, and automatic membership into the Jaguar Experience Club provides you with a Jaguar warranty, Jaguar service, Jaguar assistance, myJaguar.com (exclusive owner web pages), Jaguar magazine (quarterly Jaguar publication) and Jaguar racing (exclusive owner invitation to Jaguar’s Racing Gold Club). On top of all that, it looks great. So far Jaguar has been very successful in attracting new customers with this product line.

On the road or in the city, the car is a no-brainer: easy to get around, comfortable even with the sport-tuned suspension, easy to park. Soon a Bluetooth technology package will be available.

Warranty/Service: Four-year/50,000 mile warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance and complimentary scheduled maintenance.