Jaguar showcased its top achieving new XKR Coupe, XK Convertible and XJR Portfolio at the Paris Motor Show 2006 in September, following strong performances from all three during the key September sales month.

Sales of the XJ rocketed 183 per cent (month on month) over last year, with the latest diesel version accounting for nearly 60 per cent of the total, while the XK continues its amazing success with sales up 81 per cent year-to-date on 2005 (70 per cent month on month) and the XKR taking over 1,500 advance orders since its announcement, even though it doesn’t arrive in showrooms until November. So far over 10,000 XK coupes and convertibles have been sold.

This significant sales growth for Jaguar follows the debut of these new models in London at the British International Motor Show and the influential What Car? magazine giving Jaguar top honours in a recent survey for its comprehensive warranty package.

With a score of 83.5 per cent and a five star rating, Jaguar’s first place position was the result of the unlimited mileage, all components warranty, which even covers catalytic converters.

The XJ Long Wheelbase Diesel – priced at just £1,750 more than the equivalent 2.7 litre standard wheelbase models, from £46,770 – was revealed at the London show and has already attracted interest from the ever-expanding chauffeur market.

Geoff Cousins, UK managing director of Jaguar Cars said: “In London alone, approximately £36 million was spent last year on chauffeur vehicles and this trend looks set to continue. The petrol-powered XJ Long Wheelbase costs significantly less than its nearest competitor, so with the addition of our frugal diesel engine in the lightweight aluminium XJ, it becomes an even more attractive proposition with its excellent fuel economy.”

Internationally renowned chauffeur company Little’s Chauffeur Drive based in Scotland has ordered the first six XJ Long Wheelbase Diesels in radiance red to be delivered before the end of this year.

Managing Director of Little’s Heather Matthews said: “The new Jaguar XJ Long Wheelbase Diesel is perfectly suited to our business and the chauffeur drive market combining comfort, prestige and elegance with excellent fuel economy. We are delighted to be the first company in the UK to showcase these new vehicles.”

The Jaguar XJR Portfolio made a real impression at the British show in July, most notably with popular young TV presenter and Radio One DJ Vernon Kay, who was the first customer to place an order when he saw it on display at the Jaguar stand.

Jaguar is producing 100 of these special edition vehicles and so far dealers have received an equally positive response with many selling their allocations before the cars have even arrived in their showrooms.

The Portfolio shares its sporting exterior design cues with the XKR, including sculpted aluminium side power vents, bright mesh grille, chrome-finished exhaust system, polished 20- inch sports wheels and midnight exterior paint.

Priced at £62,040 – the XJR Portfolio was inspired by the Concept Eight car which starred at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.