Jaguar XJR: Spotted

Bring back the green supersaloons!

Nowadays the phrase 'green cars' has unfortunate connotations of efficiency, worthy planet saving and dreary performance. But with this XJR (and a few others) it's time to celebrate cars that are more literally green; it's a great colour that should be seen more often!

More interesting than black, right?

Now the XJR is an excellent car, but we'll come to that. The appreciation of green was properly highlighted yesterday - following that Viper Green 911 on Monday - with this stunning M6 Gran Coupe, discovered during one of those aimless but worryingly time consuming roams through the classifieds. Look at it! So often seen in black or blue or silver, the combination of Peridot Green and brown leather works so well.

But the M6 is £100K for 560hp. The XJR is £56K for 550hp. Even through the comparison is skewed - the Jag has been used more and would have been cheaper to start with - it's plain to see the XJR still represents incredible value.

It too looks excellent in green, this a more traditional BRG. The XJ no longer appears as wildly futuristic as it did but the shape still seems to suit a more old fashioned Jaguar colour. Interestingly, it's the only green XJR in the classifieds and there are only nine regular XJs as well. By comparison there are currently 16 red XJs available.

The interior is proving a little more divisive, at least in the PH office. Some admire the boldness of the scarlet leather, others are less sure and would prefer a tan. It'll be rare at least!

This is more interesting than black too!

Whatever, the XJR also deserves its place here as the limo for people that still want to drive. It was clear from the 7 Series launch that, even since the late 2000s when the XJ came out, tastes in luxury have changed; driving really isn't a priority, the focus so much more on the rear seat experience. How far will the next XJ follow suit? No doubt more autonomous tech will feature, and Jaguar's press conference at Frankfurt proudly stated how "customers crave connectivity". Don't forget fast Jaguars under the SVO banner will all be four-wheel drive in future too.

Before we're too morose about the future though, let's take a minute to appreciate this XJR. Yes, it won't be the most commodious limo and it will of course continue to depreciate, but there remains something deeply charming about the largely forgotten big Jag. Especially in green.

And just finally, a few more green beauties to support the point. See the Ferrari Daytona, the Lotus Evora 400 and the Audi RS4. Superb!

JAGUAR XJR SWB
Engine: 5,000cc, V8 supercharged
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 550@6,000-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 502@3,500-4,000rpm
MPG: 25.5 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 264g/km
First registered: 2014
Recorded mileage: 11,300
Price new: £92,395
Yours for: £56,000