X-TYPE GETS COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE

INSIDE AND OUT

WhatCar? June 2008
There's a new kid on the small executive car block. It's called the Jaguar X-TYPE. What's that? The X-TYPE isn't new? Think again. With nearly 500 new components, it's hard to categorise it as anything else. Sharp styling revisions inside and out, a wide choice of trim and equipment options, and the option of automatic transmission for the first time in a small Jaguar diesel have come together to lift Jaguar's 3-Series competitor to the top of any thinking car buyer's list.

Jaguar's gameplan with this major update is to retain all the original X-TYPE's strengths, of which there were many, and add some new ones.

The X-TYPE's mechanical package was always excellent, the 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre turbo diesels nicely complementing the 3.0-litre V6 with an attractive combination of economy and refinement, with all-wheel drive as a great handling bonus. Now the 2.2LD has a sporting automatic option. It's a significant move, this, and it's a sophisticated auto too, with six speeds and one-touch control through a clever Jaguar Sequential Shift™ system. Moving from fully automatic to 'manual' mode automatically selects a sporty setting for more involving, sportier shifting. An Engine Speed Control system smooths out downshifts. Coupling that with enhanced sound insulation makes the new X-TYPE a remarkably refined and yet sparkling drive.

Performance figures for the 2.2LD automatic are impressive: 0-60 in 9.5 seconds, 129mph top speed, 41mpg on the combined cycle, and a competitive CO2 emissions figure of 184g/km. The 2.2LD manual car's equivalent figures are 8.5 seconds for the 0-60mph sprint, a maximum of 137mph, combined economy of 47.1mpg, and a CO2 rating of 159g/km.

Outside, the new X-TYPE styling is clean, crisp, sporting, and thoroughly modern. Up front there's a new mesh grille with Jaguar 'growler' badge, new bumpers with colour keyed sensors for the next-generation parking aid system, and an air splitter. Moving down the car's new side panels to the redesigned rear bumper conveys a real sensation of compactness and strength. Five-spoke alloys run out to 18in. A radio antenna pod and chrome signature blade add the right finishing touches.

Inside, it's easy to see how Jaguar earned its global reputation for inspirational cabin design. Subtle new high-quality finishes abound. Four new seat styles with up to ten-way driver and passenger electric seat adjustment set the pace for comfort, luxury and craftsmanship. Rosewood veneers are a lovely alternative to the more contemporary finishes. The Sport Premium model includes carbon fibre highlights. Cabin technology is bang up to the mark with improved Bluetooth® connectivity allowing up to five different handsets to be paired to the car. There are Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) audio options too. This new X-TYPE's credentials as a sporting premium car couldn't be clearer. The automatic option extends its appeal to a much wider audience of young families and drivers who don't want to take the predictable Germanic route. And the even better news is that you can get the new X-TYPE as a stunning estate as well as a sharp saloon. The queues start here.