Jaguar X-Type

With a tradition of building large, expensive and luxurious machines, the launch of the X-Type was a brave, yet critical, move for Jaguar. Designed to rival BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class, the newcomer had to be good to succeed.

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May 2003

With a tradition of building large, expensive and luxurious machines, the launch of the X-Type was a brave, yet critical, move for Jaguar. Designed to rival BMW's 3-Series and Mercedes' C-Class, the newcomer had to be good to succeed.
Using the Ford Mondeo platform as its base, it was to become Jaguar's smallest and cheapest model for decades. It was initially offered in four-wheel drive guise only, as the company feared that a front-driven Coventry Cat would scare off traditional buyers. But a two-wheel-drive version, featuring a 2.0-litre V6 engine, debuted after the baby Jag had been out for a year, and is the entry-level model.
As with all Jaguars, the X-Type is a well balanced and enjoyable car to drive. Handling is generally excellent, while performance is great whichever engine you choose. The cabin feels small and some of the interior trim materials aren't up to the quality of German rivals, though. That said, reliability is well above average, with only a few minor problems on the earliest examples blotting the copybook. Later cars are better made, with the interiors and trim more tightly screwed together.
Two years since its launch, the smallest Jaguar ever has had moderate, rather than spectacular, success. That means second-hand supplies remain restricted, and most are still within the dealer network.
Checklist
* Build quality on the earliest cars wasn't brilliant, so look for ill-fitting trim and rattles on X-plated examples.
* A few owners have reported jamming door handles, notably on the passenger side. Make sure you open and shut all doors during a test drive.
* First and reverse can be difficult to engage when the car is cold. This is normal, and disappears when the engine and transmission have warmed up.
* Some vehicles have a faulty boot release mechanism, which Jaguar dealers will repair free of charge.
* The four-wheel-drive system on 2.5 and 3.0-litre cars gives excellent grip, but can lead to premature tyre wear, especially on the rubber at the front.
Glass's View
AS with any Jaguar, avoid the entry-level trim, says trade bible Glass's Guide. Essential points for resale are leather interior, climate control and an upgraded sound system. Meanwhile, automatic models will always be more popular than manuals due to the nature of traditional Jaguar customers. The front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre appeals to a slightly different market and is more popular with younger buyers.
Life with an X-Type...
When Derek Bell was at university in Glasgow, he witnessed the city's first Jaguar XK120 being delivered. From that day on, he promised himself that one day he would own a Jaguar - and nearly 50 years later, the dream came true. "I simply had to have one," said the 70-year-old retired pilot from Ipswich, Suffolk. "However, when I could afford it, the firm's cars were too big for my needs. I couldn't justify an XJ saloon, and during the Seventies and Eighties both the quality and reliability of products were erratic." But Derek now believes Jaguar has found the perfect balance.
"I was sceptical at first, because I thought the X-Type might simply be a reskinned Ford Mondeo, but it's much more than that. It feels like a proper Jaguar. It's incredibly comfortable, sporting and looks elegant." Derek loves his Jag, but has had one or two minor problems. "It has been recalled twice for tiny faults, and I've had a couple of slight rattles. But the customer service from both head office and my local dealer is terrific. I can't see myself driving anything but a Jaguar from now on."