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This is it, ladies and gentlemen. The big one. The Jag XK is our car of the year, and we're making no apologies for it.

We're not apologising, because choosing the XK isn't a sentimental vote. It's not a British mag trying to prop up an ailing British car company. And, tempting as it is, it's not even an attempt to get one over the Germans and their uber-tourers.

We've chosen the new XK because it's better than the Merc SL. It's better than the BMW 6-Series. It's the best GT in the world, and the best car this year.

OK, so it's got a silly chrome aerial and the dash is pretty bland. And even the blown version of the XK's ageing 4.2-litre block only develops 420bhp. German superminis manage that nowadays.

Doesn't matter. Because the XK drives like a dream. In fact, it drives just like a Jag should. Intuitive and responsive, but never rock solid.

Hit a bump and you don't even feel it. But send the XK into a bend and it's as sharp as a scalpel. This car will take everything you throw at it and never lose its composure.

This performance is largely thanks to the magical aluminium structure of the XK. Bonded and riveted, there's not a single weld in the frame, which makes it strong but also super-light.

And have you seen the XK? Just look at it. The XK is not just pretty. It's magnificent, hood up or hood down. Elegant, clean and simple, but with enough going on at the front and back to make sure that everyone - everyone - is going to take a second look.

And that's why the XK is our car of the year. Beautiful, brilliant and just a tiny bit flawed. But aren't we all?

See the final shortlist for TG's Car of the Year.

Read Jaguar XK Car Review

Jaguar XK road tests
Jaguar XK Convertible 4.2 - May 12, 2006