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| Road Test: Jaguar X-Type (2001-) |
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| Compact Executive |
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Jaguar X-type
by Peter Bray
Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive a 3-litre SE for 3+ hours. The test covered motorway, A class and B class roads and about five miles on a twisting single-carriageway country lane. Handling, response and overall feel of the car on the road were excellent. The driving position and all the controls were good and there was little need to take time to acclimatise oneself.
Although the engine made some noise, unusual for Jaguars, it was muted and matched the acceleration (immediate and comforting), and was not something which bothered me. There was wind noise around the pillars and road rumble from the tyres on all but good surfaces. The overall driving experience and comfort (in the front) were excellent and taking the car as a whole one wonders how Jaguar can produce this car at the price.
However, in making the boot more capacious, the rear seats have suffered. Hard, unyielding and with severely cramped leg room, they are no good for anything other than very short journeys. Maybe the kids will not mind, but two adults would not enjoy the journey. Before I could consider buying this car, the rear seats would have to be improved, unless, that is, I was buying it just for the driver and front seat passenger. What a pity, as one feels that the car was intended for four.
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