NEW LOOK X-TYPE Jaguar’s doing better than ever reporting total registrations up a whopping 88 per cent over 2007, largely due to a very strong order bank for the excellent XF. With the launch of the 2009 X-Type, hopes are high to continue this record breaking run and given the car’s luxury, refinement, comfort, drivability and value for money, further success seems likely. Over 500 changes have been made to the X-Type over the outgoing model, bringing it closer to the fresh, modern look and feel of the multi-award winning XF, and reflect what Jaguar calls its new design language of cleaner surfaces, sharper lines and more purposeful stance.
At first sight, the combination of a bold new 3-D mesh grille, new front bumper design and bright front splitter strip really works, giving the car a broader, more aggressive appeal from the front. Whilst new door mirrors, re-profiled side and sill mouldings and roof-mounted antenna freshen the view from the side. A new rear bumper design and lower valance and full width chrome ‘blade’ on the bootlid complete the new look, looking somewhat more sporty and a touch more up to date. On the inside, where there were once signs of use of the Ford parts bin, that has now been banished for good. The seats have been redesigned for extra comfort, and there’s a new Rosewood veneer option for the dashboard. Coupled with that, there’s new tungsten highlights on the steering wheel and air vents, giving a direct family link with the XF. In terms of cabin space, the car feels a little on the tight size compared to modern rivals such as the new Ford Mondeo and BMW 3 Series but is nevertheless well appointed for the money and has a more luxurious and refined feel than its natural rivals.
For the first time, Jaguar’s proven 2.2 diesel, is mated with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic gearbox, with sequential shift. It works well with the engine, and despite the conservative power output, driving along a variety of roads in Northern Ireland, the X-Type didn’t feel underpowered and the ride felt sporting, yet comfortable.
Whilst those expecting a dramatic facelift may be at first disappointed, the subtle changes to the new X-Type’s appearance are effective. The new car is comfortable, refined and great value for money, and Jaguar hopes this will ensure that the 2009 X-Type steals more sales away from its rivals.
RIVALS: AUDI A4, BMW 3 SERIES, LEXUS IS 220d
Drive Time
- Engine: 2198cc 4-cylinder, turbodiesel
- Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
- Max Power: 143bhp at 3,500rpm
- Max Torque: 266lb ft at 1,800rpm
- Max Towing Weight: 1,500kg
- Combined Consumption: 41.0mpg
- CO2 Emissions (taxband): 184g/km (E)
- 0-62mph: 9.9secs
- Max speed: 129mph
- Insurance Group: 15
