AUTO A? ANTS ca AS EAMTTIRIDOAE EMIT uxury-leading Jaguar Fram pave 38 eration before that, is rather small when compared with cars like the BMW 740iL and Mercedes-Benz, $320. The problem is design — the XJ6 is a low, sleek, handsome sedan that sacrifices interior room for styling appeal. The long wheelbase model should quict some critics on this issue. One of the reasons reir passen- _ger space is so important in Juxu- ry cars is that, in many countries, owners ride in the back seat while a chauffeur does the driving chores, In fact, British PM John _ Major, was provided with tie first long wheelbase Jaguar. (He rides in the back.) Rear-passengers in the XJ sedans hot only get more legroom, they get heaied rear-seats. Both “the seat cushion and seatback can be adjusted for temperature. This isa great idea for leather-covered upholstery which gets quite cold on frosty mornings. . Another unique feature of the 1996 XJ12 and Vanden Plas is a front passenger seat that can be adjusted from the rear seat. A sep- 66 If you have a Gold card and prefer the. “unashamed luxury of British cars... then the » XJ12 might be your cuppa Earl Grey. 99 arate control button is located on the left rear of the seat. If there's no one in the front passenger ‘seat, : the rear passenger can slide it all the way forward for maximum legroom. .--yThis week's test car is the top- ~. of-the-line XJ12, one of a handful of cars still available with a V12 ~ engine. Higher gas prices and tighter emissions standards have ‘made V12 engines an endangered “species, "The -XJ12’s 313 horsepower “6.0-litré V12 is a magnificently “smooth, powerful and fuel-hungry -powerplant that never seems to tire and has plenty of power on '. tap whenever you need it. Mated to a standard four-speed automatic - transmission with driver-selec- ‘table. Power and Normal modes, the XJ12 powertrain offers a level _of refinement and brute power unmatched by most other cars. Only the V12 Mercedes-Benz $600. BMW 750iL, and the big- “block V8°s of Rolls-Royces and Bentleys can compare. But you better have a credit card with a lofty credit limit when it comes time to the fill the tank, The 81 litre (17.8 gallon) tank takes Premium Unleaded fuel. and at today’s rates that adds up to about $53 per tank, With an aver- age fuel consumption of 16.51/100 kilometres (17 m.p.g.). intervals between fuel stops are likely 10 be rather short. . Butif you have a Gold card | and prefer the unashamed luxury af British cars to the conservative tae of most Japanese and German cars, then the XJ U2 might be vour cuppa Karl Grey. The interior offers plenty of wood trim, chromed door handles, deep- pile carpets. Connolly icather upholstery with piping. and a superb Harmon Kardon stereo system. "95 TRACKER 7>> y TRACKER QP Vv "G2 CHEROKEE LAREDO Air-cond., tilt with cruise control, he wheels aad much mare :: inte "94. SME SIMMY SLE 4x4, 4 dr; allo wheels, AIC, p/windows, tocks, tilt wheel; cruise contro!, warranty