Category: Compact Executive 
Price Range: £21,558 to £32,080
Looks like a Jag, decent diesel engines, smart-looking estate version.
Limited range, engines slightly unrefined, predictable styling.
One of the more entertaining drives in its class, despite some rough edges.
The X-Type is built in smaller numbers than many of its rivals, which helps maintain reasonably strong residual (resale) values, though it doesn't hold its value as well as a 3-Series, and secondhand demand is very colour- and equipment-sensitive.
Servicing costs are reasonable, fuel consumption is competitive - especially considering the car's performance advantage - and there's a three-year warranty.
And now that the range includes diesel and estate variant, the X-Type's appeal to business users will be increased; the diesels are both Euro IV-compliant, and thus eligible for exemption from the 3 percent diesel company car tax surcharge, while it lasts.
Jaguar has revised pricing for the range for 2006, and entry-level models are now more competitive and better-equipped than before; top-spec Sovereign versions pack in all mod cons, albeit at a price, and there is an extensive list of options.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Jaguar X-Type
wrote on 11 01 2007
wrote on 06 09 2006