What point? The fact is that people want larger, more versatile cars now. Whether you believe the marketing spin that says we all live much more "active lifestyles" than our parents did, or not, the sales success of SUVs and crossover wagons is hard to argue with. The X-Type Estate offers that extra bit of space its customers need without losing any of the style and substance Jaguar's have become famous for.
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| The Estate wagon offers buyers added space and functionality, while retaining authentic Jaguar style and substance. (Photo: Jaguar Canada) |
Such "lifestyle wagons" are nothing new, currently including the Audi A4 Avant, BMW 3-Series Touring, Benz C-Class T-Model, Lexus hatchback-like IS300 SportCross and the all-new Volvo V50. While none of these models feature impressive cargo carrying capacity compared to wagons of the past, they are capable of carrying large, bulky items bought at the furniture store, taller items such as a television, or skis and snowboards for weekend getaways.
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| To the relief of diehard Jaguar fans the X-Type Estate looks handsome and natural. (Photo: Jaguar Canada) |
When I first heard that Jaguar was going to make a wagon out of the X-Type, I can't say I knew what to expect. Being the smallest Jaguar the X-Type was the most likely candidate, being that smaller premium wagons sell better than mid- and full-size estates. Also, the X-Type already has its enemies, being initially based on Ford's front-drive Mondeo architecture (modified for all-wheel drive) and featuring Ford V6 engines. Using the X means there's no real danger of threatening the reputation of the legendary S-Type or XJ.
As a factory-first it must be said that the fuss was really much about nothing. The X-Type Estate looks handsome and natural. To create such a good looking wagon, Jaguar designers started halfway from scratch by redoing car from the center pillars rearward. This partly explains why it took so long for the X-Type wagon to materialize. Had Jaguar not chosen to revise the back end, the product would look quite odd indeed - the X-Type sedan's rear pillar bulges outwards as on classic Jags.