Jaguar X-Type 2001 Review

This is one of the most important cars in Jaguar's history, the all-new X-type sedan. It is the first compact prestige contender from the leaping cat.  It is also the first all-new model since Ford took total control of the brand several years ago.

The X-type is aimed at attracting younger buyers to the Jaguar brand. Even the X in its name should strike a chord with cashed-up, computer-bred Generation Xers.  Jaguar hopes the baby cat will woo buyers away from German rivals such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, then keep them as Jaguar owners as it re-invents the rest of its model range.

The X-type is just one ingredient in Ford's plan to resurrect Jaguar as a serious luxury brand across the globe. It comes hot on the heels of Jaguar entering Formula One racing and the successful retro-styled S-type mid-sized sedan.

Appearance

Like the S-type, the X-type is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar.  The front end borrows heavily from the range-topping XJS with its four headlights and large, horizontal grille. The back end also has design links with other Jags, including its twin tail pipes and classy tail lights.

Platform

Under its skin, however, the X-type shares most of its basic architecture with the all-new Mondeo, which has been scrapped from the blue oval's Aussie line-up.

The two cars were engineered together from the beginning of the project, but the Jag is clearly a Jag and the Ford is clearly a Ford -- there is no visible common link between the two.

Drivetrains

To further separate the pair, the X-type comes standard with a four-wheel-drive transmission and its own 2.5-litre and 3.0-litre V6 engines.  Both engines produce a fair amount of power, with the 2.5-litre pumping out 145Kw and the 3.0-litre delivering 172Kw.

The base engine is beaten in the power stakes only by the turbo-charged Volvo S60 2.4T, while the bigger V6 matches the class-leading BMW 330 as the most powerful naturally aspirated 3.0-litre engines on offer.

Fit-out and equipment

Jaguar Australia has two spec levels available for the X-type, Sport and SE. Both are available with either the 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre engines.  The Sport comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission but has an optional five-speed automatic, which is standard on the SE.

The Sport models have 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, cloth/leather interior trim, CD sound, full electrics, auto air-con and grey-stained woodgrain dash inserts.  The more luxurious SE comes with more comfortable touring suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather trim and conventional woodgrain dash inserts.

Safety-wise, all X-types come with anti-skid brakes and dual front, side and curtain airbags.  The extensive options list is highlighted by a voice-activated and touch-screen satellite navigation, audio, telephone and air-conditioning system.

Driving

Jaguar has needed a baby car for so long and now it's finally here. The new kitten is compact but not cramped; affordable but not cheap; youthful but not childish.  The X-Type is a sporty sedan that is really enjoyable to drive, with the cushy luxury you expect in a Cat car.

It's good enough to make a strong case with $60,000-something prestige buyers, though it's not the Gen-X breakthrough that many people expected. It's too reserved.  The best news is that it is a real Jaguar, something you feel in the floating-cloud ride and the smell when you slide into the leather-wrapped cabin.

But the X-Type has a secret. It's really a Ford.  The American carmaker has been providing the cash and technology for new-car projects since it took control of Jaguar, with results from the impressive retro-styled S-Type to the radical F-type concept car.

But this time it's more. The basics for the X-Type are shared with the all-new Mondeo, which Ford Australia foolishly rejected as a contender for local showrooms.  The Mondeo has cleaned up as the best mid-sized sedan in Europe this year, so the Ford connection isn't nearly as negative for the X-Type as it could have been in the past.

Actually, it's a bonus, because sharing the core engineering has allowed Jaguar engineers and designers to spend more on bits that really count for their customers.  They've given the car a unique all-wheel-drive system to step it well away from Mondeo motoring, as well as the luxury stuff you expect in a Cat car with a $68,150 base price.

That means auto air-con, electric seats (as well as windows and mirrors), a funky sound system and satellite navigation.  After a week with the X-Type, including a Sydney-Bathurst run, we're converts.  The test car was the 2.5-litre Sport model with automatic transmission, alloy wheels and a spoiler.

The leather-wrapped front buckets had surprisingly good side support and qualify as some of the best we've travelled in lately.  It got along nicely enough, handled crisply, was comfortable and quiet, and did well at the pumps with a thirst of just 9.7 litres/100km.  The engine is probably the letdown in the package. It's missing the bottom-end urge that usually makes Jaguar motoring so effortless.

You have to stir the V6, using the J-gate shift to get it revving, and it doesn't have much of an exhaust note when it's working.  The J-gate is another disappointment, with a vague shift and an outdated concept. Today's touch-change autos are much more responsive, particularly in the latest Benz.  The test car was also hard to move in and out of park.

The X-Type has a very crisp chassis, with good cornering bite and incredible grip. The ride is great, but Jaguar has missed one thing: impact control. The test car's big wheels really thumped into potholes.

The rest of the X-Type package is impressive and refined. The cabin takes four adults and the boot is the biggest in the Jaguar family.
Against its rivals, the X-Type is not the cheapest, and it has a few annoying foibles, but after all it is a Jaguar. For many, including a new generation just discovering the brand, that will be good enough.

JAGUAR X-TYPE 2.5 Sport

Price as tested: $75,750

Engine: 2.5-litre V6 with overhead camshafts and fuel injection
Power: 145kW at 6800revs
Torque: 231Nm at 3000revs
Transmission: Five-speed automatic, Four-wheel drive
Body: Four-door sedan
Dimensions: Length: 4672mm, width: 2002mm, height: 1392mm, wheelbase: 2710mm, tracks: 1522mm/1537mm front/rear
Weight: 1595kg
Fuel tank: 61 litres
Fuel consumption: 9.7 litres/100km average on test
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Suspension: Fully independent with front MacPherson struts and multi-link rear
Brakes: Four-wheel anti-skid discs
Wheels: 17x7 alloys
Tyres: 245/45 R17
Warranty: Three years/100,000km

RIVALS

BMW 325i **** (from $67,405)
Lexus ES300 *** (from $79,950)
Mercedes C240 **** (from $75,000)
Volvo S60 T *** (from $66,950)

The bottom line ****

+ It's a Jag

- Suspension thump; vague auto shifter.

 Good news for Jag -- and younger customers.