Its functionality is also easy on the nerves, with a two-way liftgate that opens upward in the conventional way, while offering
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| The functionality of the X-Type wagon is very apparent, with a two-way liftage featuring a separately opening glass hatch. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
a separately opening remotely actuated glass hatch. Jaguar provides a fancy, retractable cargo cover that can be removed if necessary. I removed it to see how easy it would be to live with, and while it came off easily part of the mechanism started to come apart. I snapped it back in place, but it looks as though it could be troublesome in the not-too-distant future. I especially like the bright-metal scuff strip that runs across the edge of the cargo floor, and the carpeting covering all exposed surfaces back there is first rate. The space is also fully optimized due to almost no intrusion by the wheel wells, plus Jaguar has included a handy compartment under the loading floor for loose items that may soil the carpet. The rear bench folds 60/40, as is usually the case among today's wagons, but it would have been more accommodating if it could be laid completely flat. Just the same, 1,415 liters (50.0 cu ft) is available once dropped down. With the rear seatbacks upright, a
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| While it's high price may be out of reach for some, those wanting a Jaguar will be prepared to pay for its exclusive prestige. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
maximum of 445 liters (15.7 cu ft) of luggage space is available. Either way the X-Type wagon can handle 500 kg (1,102 lbs) of cargo weight. After a week behind the wheel, my only serious complaint is the uncomfortable front seats. This would be a deal-breaker for me, but should be a relatively easy thing for Jaguar to fix. I probably wouldn't make such a fuss about it unless I hadn't had the same complaint from all those I had sit in it, and being curious I requested the service from everyone I ran into while driving around in the car. The unanimous consensus was that the seats put too much pressure on the upper back and shoulders, and therefore don't offer enough in the lower pack and lumbar. With seats being the most important human/machine interface in any car, I couldn't give the X-Type wagon passing grades as is. One thing to consider, mind you, is that seats can be customized to a persons needs if necessary. Therefore, if you happened to have fallen in love with the car's many likeable attributes but also find the seats uncomfortable, I'm sure a fix can be had.
