Jaguar is Driver Power top cat

The people have spoken, and they've proclaimed the Jaguar XF as the most satisfying car to own in 2009. The news will provide some much needed joy for the British maker at a time when its Indian owner Tata is pressing the Government, unsuccessfully, for secured loans to see it through the credit crunch.

But the XF has been an unbridled success, clambering above the Skoda Superb and last year's champ the Skoda Octavia as the winner. Over 20,000 owners were polled for this year's survey, which is run by motoring weekly Auto Express and quizzes users on issues such as comfort, reliability and dealer service. The results are often surprising, with some 'premium' cars often languishing near the bottom of the pile.

Skoda and Lexus are mainstays in the top ten, but this year they couldn't see off the XF, which is making its Driver Power debut. And, somewhat surprisingly, the remainder of the top five is taken up by two full-size SUVs: the Land Rover Discovery and the Lexus RX. So, the 4x4 isn't quite dead yet. That said, the old model Discovery (1998-2005) didn't bode so well, sitting way down in 100th place.

For a detailed rundown of the results, see www.autoexpress.co.uk.

Mark Nichol