Category: Large Family 
Price Range: £21,558 to £32,080
Good value, well-equipped, capable cruiser, pleasant auto box, economical, low emissions.
Stodgy on cornering, too softly sprung on bumpier roads, cabin feels old-fashioned, poor residuals.
Sometimes it does feel like and old man's car, but you get plenty of kit for your money. German rivals are better to drive.
There are three engines available: a 129bhp 2.0-litre diesel, a 153bhp 2.2-litre diesel and a 227bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol version.
We tested the new 2.2-litre diesel, which is used in the Ford Mondeo. We were pleased with it in the Ford and we weren't disappointed by its flexibility and power delivery in the updated X-Type. In the Jaguar there are two power outputs: one with 153bhp and one fitted with a particulate filter that lowers power to a more modest 144bhp. It's not going to offer brutal grunt but there is enough for normal, everyday motoring. Mated to the auto box, the power delivery is smooth and the generous 266lb-ft of torque from a low 1,800rpm means there's plenty of overtaking urge although performance against the clock is less than scintillating. The auto Jag manages the sprint to 62mph in a pretty average 8.7 seconds.
The auto version offers normal and 'sport' modes. The sport offers more responsive gearchanges but the differences between that and normal 'drive' mode are minimal. You can also select a sequential shift that allows you to change up or down by tapping the lever for and aft. It's nice to have it, but if you are a mile-crunching business-type travelling the length and breadth of the country you'll leave it in drive.
Don't expect BMW-like handling characteristics nor even for the small Jag to feel sporty - the X-Type is nothing of the sort. It cruises nicely, it gets you up to speed adequately but it's not nimble, taut or wonderfully reassuring in corners. The ride is too soft, so you get too much body roll mid-bend and it's hardly keen on turn-on and grip levels are merely satisfactory. The steering feels somewhat vague but it is light and it weights up nicely in the twisty bits. Brakes feel positive and the gearchanges at 4000rpm are smooth, if a little predictable.
In short, the X-Type isn't going to get hearts racing or blood pumping relentlessly through your veins, but it's pleasant enough and if you consider this a 'luxury' car rather than a 'sporty' car you'll not feel short-changed.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Jaguar X-Type
wrote on 11 01 2007
wrote on 06 09 2006