Jaguar X-Type

The Jaguar X-Type has been given a fresh look – and now, for the first time, the diesel model will be available with an automatic gearbox.

Bosses claim the facelifted compact executive car features a total of 500 new components. The most obvious modifications come at the front, where the X-Type now benefits from the same mesh grille design as the latest XJ luxury saloon, as well as a revised bumper.

There’s also new badging, while the door mirrors get integrated indi­cator repeaters. At the rear, there is a new diffuser-style bumper, and customers can choose from a wider variety of trim combinations inside.

However, the biggest news is the introduction of a six-speed automatic for the 2.2-litre oil-burner. Until now, diesel fans have been forced to make do with a manual transmission. The new set-up gives the oil-burner CO2 emissions of 184g/km and combined fuel economy of 41mpg.

Both saloon and estate versions of the fresh X-Type will arrive in UK showrooms in March. Prices for the line-up are unchanged, and start at £21,500 for the entry-level 128bhp 2.0D. The 152bhp 2.2D saloon costs £22,500, with the load-lugging var­iant weighing in at £23,900. Custo­mers wanting the automatic box will have to pay an extra £1,450.