Good, in that the Mondeo/Contour platform has typically been regarded as one of the best handling FWD platforms out there, and the new Mondeo has received endless plaudits for its improved ride and handling. The Jag takes this a step further with AWD and a different suspension setup.

Bad, OTOH, in that the Mondeo platform, no matter how well sorted, remains a front-heavy platform. The balance of the Jag simply will not be as good as a BMW. Will this matter? Hard to tell; as the S4 shows, you can do some pretty amazing things with nose heavy platforms and AWD.

The curious bit is that Lincoln now seems to be prepping a baby LS in the X-type/3 series size range, based on the RWD LS platform. This car, with a presumed 50/50 weight distribution, may ironically be a better pure driver's car than it's Jaguar cousin.