The Jaguar X-Type
Got it Right: Looks, handling, interior appointments, all wheel drive, transmission
Needs improvement: Tire noise, GPS, stereo, option prices
If you want a luxury car, a status nameplate, all wheel drive, and a price under $35,000US the Jaguar X-Type is the only game in town. In fact, if you opt for the 2.5-liter engine you can get this model under $30,000 US. Of course, the reality is that when you load up on options such as the sports package, a better stereo, and other tidbits you can push this model's cost into the Jaguar S territory of over $40,000. On the other hand, no other vehicle in this class offers that a 3.0-liter engine with a five-speed manual and a sport package.
This is an improved X-Type, especially the transmission. Our seat of the pants feeling was validated by objective data from the J.D Power & Associates Initial Quality Study that showed a 22 percent improvement for this vehicle. In other words, if you are waiting for an attractive, but not ostentatious vehicle that can perform in all types of weather, the X-Type Jaguar is a must drive.
Competition is scarce in this small niche with the new Infiniti all wheel drive G35, the Audi A4, and the BMW 325xi offering nearly similar features. Of these, we have not tested the Infiniti with all wheel drive capabilities but were impressed with its power and responsive handling with rear wheel drive G35. It is competitively priced with the X-Type but does not offer the status of the X-Type, but is quicker. One thing for certain, all of these cars are great for family travel in all types of weather and each has a distinct attribute that may sway the buyer. The Infiniti is more youthful, the Audi slower and more old fashioned, the BMW better handling, and the Jaguar more elegant with more storage room, but less interior space. What is sorely missed for the X-Type is a hot engine set-up. Apparently, slow sales of the X-Type have put this proposed model on hold. What they have done instead is add more content and reduced the price considerably.
Mom's view: There is something special about being able to say that you own a Jaguar. It speaks of your good taste and ability to provide you the qualities of living the high life. Not bad, especially for a starting price below $29,330 US. There is little doubt that the X-Type represents value and gives the owner the distinction of driving a Jaguar. In other words, except for the droning of the large tires on the pavement, I quite enjoyed my time with my British cousin.