Still, the standard car feels very different than its German competitors at both low and high speeds. Its power steering is effortless when parking but a little vague when traveling around town. On the highway, speed sensitive steering contributes desirable 'weight' but lacks the rock-solid feel of the German cars. Is this bad? Not necessarily, it's just different. My wife Jennifer absolutely loves it. When I complained, she raved. Clearly, like so many things in life, the X-Type is about personal taste. That said the optional sport package (see below) literally transforms the car from lithe boulevardier to slalom superhero - much more to my liking.
On the contrary to its handling, the X-Type's formidable acceleration doesn't require any deep consideration. Press the right pedal and all four tires grip the pavement simultaneously, shooting the 231-hp 3.0-L V6 equipped car forward in an instant. A 194-hp 2.5-L V6 comes standard, available with a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission - the 3.0-L gets the 5-speed as a no-cost option. Incidentally, the venerable 'J-gate' automatic has been improved with shorter throws for easier and quicker actuation.
As discussed earlier, a certain level of luxury is expected in a Jaguar with rich wood trim at the top of the list. The X-Type receives impeccably finished birds-eye maple extending across the entire dash. Still, the dash plastic that surrounds the stunning maple inlay is sub-standard compared to its German competitors. Other quality glitches were immediately apparent too such as a loose and rattling centre armrest cover. The overall ambience, though, was quiet, comfortable and loaded with the expected luxury conveniences. Standard features include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic climate control, heated door mirrors and windshield washers and a 120-watt AM/FM cassette audio system - a 180-watt, 10-speaker unit with a 6CD changer is optional. Three additional packages are available - the X1 Premium, X2 Sport and X3 Weather packages - upping luxury, performance and safety. The X1 includes 10-way power front seats, a glass power moonroof, 70/30 split rear seatback, rain-sensing wipers, reverse park control and more. It's also prerequisite for the optional navigation system and pre-wired for the voice activation system, both stand alone options.
On the contrary to its handling, the X-Type's formidable acceleration doesn't require any deep consideration. Press the right pedal and all four tires grip the pavement simultaneously, shooting the 231-hp 3.0-L V6 equipped car forward in an instant. A 194-hp 2.5-L V6 comes standard, available with a 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic transmission - the 3.0-L gets the 5-speed as a no-cost option. Incidentally, the venerable 'J-gate' automatic has been improved with shorter throws for easier and quicker actuation.
As discussed earlier, a certain level of luxury is expected in a Jaguar with rich wood trim at the top of the list. The X-Type receives impeccably finished birds-eye maple extending across the entire dash. Still, the dash plastic that surrounds the stunning maple inlay is sub-standard compared to its German competitors. Other quality glitches were immediately apparent too such as a loose and rattling centre armrest cover. The overall ambience, though, was quiet, comfortable and loaded with the expected luxury conveniences. Standard features include an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic climate control, heated door mirrors and windshield washers and a 120-watt AM/FM cassette audio system - a 180-watt, 10-speaker unit with a 6CD changer is optional. Three additional packages are available - the X1 Premium, X2 Sport and X3 Weather packages - upping luxury, performance and safety. The X1 includes 10-way power front seats, a glass power moonroof, 70/30 split rear seatback, rain-sensing wipers, reverse park control and more. It's also prerequisite for the optional navigation system and pre-wired for the voice activation system, both stand alone options.