Last week's rev-happy Honda Integra DC2 Type R drew much praise from the vast majority of you, thanks to its charismatic engine, robust engineering and outstanding dynamic capabilities.

Admittedly the Integra's ride and refinement could become a chore on longer trips though, and it's not exactly the most practical of cars.

If you were instead looking for something inexpensive, spacious and rapid in which to cover vast tracts of motorway in single bounds, then maybe this 1997 Jaguar XJR could be right up your street.

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Jaguar's XJ was launched in 1994 and proved itself a cosseting saloon in standard form, with a quiet, comfortable cabin and a pliant ride. Its naturally aspirated straight six - although durable and smooth - lacked the outright punch that myriad V8-engined or high-performance alternatives offered, however.

In an effort to to match its European rivals, Jaguar pulled out the stops and neatly integrated an Eaton M90 supercharger into the straight six's intake system. An air-to-water intercooler was added to help keep intake temperatures down and detonation at bay, while other tweaks like stiffer suspension helped make the range-topping XJR a little sharper.

The standard naturally aspirated 4.0-litre XJ would put out a not-insignificant 237bhp and 277lb ft, allowing for a top speed of 143mph and 0-60mph in around 7.8sec. In XJR form, the hefty dose of boost helped hike the engine's outputs to 322bhp and 378lb ft; the 0-60mph sprint was cut to just 6.6sec as a result, while the top speed climbed to a limited 155mph.

This 1997 example, in a suitably upmarket-looking 'Antigua blue' and cream leather combination, is on the market for a mere £1495. That's not a lot for a luxury saloon that wouldn't disgrace itself in a straight line with the likes of BMW's E34 M5.

Despite being 17 years old, this Jaguar looks in presentable condition and is seemingly free from the rust that tends to afflict most XJs. The seller claims that it's in good order throughout, with only some minor wear in line with its age, and it's reputed to drive very well.

Further adding to the Jaguar's appeal is an optional upgraded stereo system, a stainless-steel exhaust system and a set of sharp-looking XKR alloy wheels.

Unlike many, this Jaguar appears to have been well cared for. It's recently had, for example, a new exhaust manifold, new downpipes and catalytic convertors, fresh transmission fluid, a cooling system overhaul, four new tyres and some suspension work.