Owners of Jaguar cars like the cat that got the cream

LUXURY car maker Jaguar today boasted of having the UK’s most satisfied owners, knocking Lexus from the top of a survey for the first time in 11 years.

The Jaguar XF was also runner-up as the car that motorists were most satisfied with, just behind the latest Kia Sportage.

At the other end of the scale, the Vauxhall Vectra was the most unloved model, while Chevrolet was rated least-liked manufacturer for its Matiz. Both models are now discontinued.

The latest JD Power and Associates/What Car? magazine survey of 18,000 owners comes days after Midlands-based Jaguar Land Rover announced record profits thanks to booming sales.

Jaguar moved up from second place to score 82.8 per cent for customer satisfaction, ahead of Lexus on 80.1 per cent, which was joint runner-up with Skoda.

The Jaguar XF scored 83.4 per cent, with the Jaguar X-Type in 16th place with 80.2 per cent. The industry average for both car makers and models was 77 per cent.

What Car? said owners were impressed with Jaguar dealers’ “streamlined servicing”, “top-notch workmanship”, helpful staff, and clean and comfortable waiting areas. However, they were unhappy at relatively high service and repair costs, which they did not regard as fair.

The Kia Sportage came straight in as number-one model, with 83.8 per cent satisfaction.

Owners liked its value for money, stylish bodywork and extensive equipment, which includes parking sensors, heated door mirrors and cruise control.

The Scotsman’s Motoring section review highlighted the car’s responsive handling, large carrying capacity and good looks, but also its poor rear visibility.

Motoring groups were impressed with Jaguar’s success.

Neil Greig, of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “What a turnaround! Jaguars were once a byword for unreliability, but with new models and a concerted effort on quality and technology they are rightfully back at the top of the league.

“They also tend to use lots of British parts, which is good news for the economy even if they are no longer UK-owned.”

Philip Gomm, of the RAC Foundation, said: “Earlier this week Jaguar announced record sales and record profits. Today we see why.

“This study shows the romance of owning a Jaguar is only enhanced by the reality of living with one day in, day out.

“The firm has received a big boost in the court of public opinion and now has to continue working the magic.”

AA president Edmund King said: “It is great to see iconic British brands such as Jaguar are back at the top of the charts.”

At the foot of the table, the Vauxhall Vectra scored 70.2 per cent for its poor air conditioning and looks, along with high running and servicing costs.

The Chevrolet Matiz was third lowest, after the Nissan Pixo, at 71.6 per cent.

As the US car maker’s only model last year, the Matiz also pushed Chevrolet to the bottom of the manufacturers’ list, with a 71.3 per cent rating.

Chevrolet said it was surprised by the Matiz’s score because it had sold well and generated “fairly positive” customer feedback.