Jaguar's roaring success

Jaguar XKR-S (above) was judged Best Sports Car while the Jaguar E-type was named Most Iconic Car of the Past 50 Years. Photo / Supplied

Jaguar claimed three awards at the Scottish Car of the Year prize-giving ceremony in Glasgow on Friday evening.

The Jaguar XF was named Best Diesel Car, XKR-S the Best Sports Car and the Jaguar E-type the Most Iconic Car of the Past 50 Years.

Jaguar's Scottish-born director of design, Ian Callum, said: "To win three categories at the Scottish Car of the Year Awards is very special. Such accolades for our new cars alongside recognition of our heritage demonstrates that Jaguar's mix of sporting DNA, current design direction and class-leading engineering is a successful one. These awards are important to everyone at Jaguar and our dealers across the country."

Assessed on Scottish roads by journalists from the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW), the new 2.2-litre diesel XF with 8-speed gearbox received praise. The ASMW's secretary, Stephen Park, said: "Diesel cars are now about so much more than just fuel economy. We expect superb refinement and a great drive as standard, so to win this award needs a truly polished performer.

"With a superb drive and a whisper quiet cabin, our winner stands out for its class and economy, not to mention low emissions that appeal to private and company car drivers."

Commenting on the second of the Jaguar range to scoop an award, the XKR-S, Park said: "It's easy to be impressed by fast cars, but this year's sporting category winner simply took our breath away. Jet-like pace that sees the speedo needle ready to take off is a given, but we're also looking for something with first-class credentials as a desirable car for every occasion.

"Silky looks combined with steely performance made this a simple choice of heart and head."

The XKR-S is the fastest Jaguar produced in a generation, capable of reaching 160km/h in just 8.7 seconds. The Jaguar E-type, marking its half-century this year, was named Most Iconic Car of the Past 50 Years. The night saw Jaguar Land Rover pick up five separate awards with the Land Rover Evoque being named Best Compact SUV on its way to being crowned Scottish Car of the Year.