Skip advert
Advertisement

Jaguar X-Type 2008 review

Jaguar has made 500 changes to breathe life into its dated compact exec.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Jaguar X-Type
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The latest round of revisions has freshened up the baby Jaguar, especially in stylish estate guise. The blend of a smooth diesel engine, slick-shifting automatic gearbox and cosseting cabin make this a relaxing and capable long-distance companion. But the facelift can’t hide all the flaws in the seven-year-old design – dynamically, the X-Type still trails the competition by some distance.

Advertisement - Article continues below

IF it’s nearly the end of the line for the Jaguar X-Type, the seven-year-old model is certainly putting a brave new face on it!

With a makeover and fresh automatic gearbox, it’s clearly determined to go out in style. The PR blurb claims the new model has 500 changes from the previous version – and it looks more sure of itself.

There’s the revised Jaguar family face, as seen on the range-topping XJ, featuring a distinctive mesh grille and more aggressive ‘growler’ badge. Plus, the X-Type has an altogether more low-slung, sporty stance.

Buyers aren’t short-changed on luxury, either. Inside, the well built cabin has high-quality materials, soft-touch plastics and a new trim range which includes modern carbon fibre details (although traditionalists can still opt for wood veneers). Diamond-pattern stitching lifts the new leather seats.

Impressive
But the best news is that the company’s torquey and refined 2.2-litre diesel engine is now mated to an impressive six-speed automatic gearbox. It’s a slick system which shifts through the ratios effortlessly. For extra responsiveness, drivers can select Sport mode, or take control entirely by using the sequential shift option.

Even though the design is more sporty, the X-Type remains at its best on the motorway. Not only does the oil-burning engine really come into its own in the high gears, the absorbing ride soaks up surface imperfections effortlessly.

On a twisty B-road, the Jaguar could do with sharper steering and snappier brakes. Its handling can’t match that of BMW’s class-leading 3-Series.

But with 445 litres of luggage space (or 1,415 litres when the rear bench is folded flat), our estate model has practicality to match its quality. So this variant is a good prospect for families.

And with prices starting at £21,500, the X-Type is still decent value compared with its prestige German rivals.

Rival: BMW 3-Series
talented BMW has virtually no weaknesses. Beautifully built, with a superb chassis and the company’s excellent Efficient Dynamics technology, it is the class benchmark.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,049 off RRP*Used from £15,410
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,406 off RRP*Used from £14,850
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £15,997
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £12,874
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test
MG3 - front cornering

Avoid the MG3, says Euro NCAP after critical safety failure in crash test

The MG3 has caused the automotive safety body to review the way it scores crash tests
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025