Jaguar's X-Type has never been better

Introduction

Jaguar's entry-level model gets a final facelift including a new six-speed automatic coupled to a 2.2-litre diesel engine.

What are its rivals?

The Jaguar X-Type continues to battle it out in the junior executive class. This means trading punches with the usual contenders in the division, namely Mercedes' C-Class, Audi's A4 and the ubiquitous BMW 3 Series. However, one shouldn't overlook the other talent in the segment principally in the form of the Mazda6, Honda Accord and Ford Mondeo.

How does it drive?

Very well, with a bias on comfort rather than outright sporting prowess targeting those concerned with refinement, comfort and manners as opposed to agility and handling; a tack that sees it score points against some of the weaker parts of the oppositions' arsenals. The new six-speed 'box is a silken shifter with well spaced ratios and a shift strategy aligned almost perfectly with the torquey diesel engine, moving up through the gears at around 2,250rpm with lighter throttle applications allowing reasonably speedy progress with minimal intrusion of engine noise or harshness.

On the open road there is no doubt that a BMW 320d would run rings around the X-Type as it traverses ground much more quickly but it doesn't do it so comfortably or with the same relaxed manner. That's not to say that the X-Type doesn't handle; it does to a point and has generous grip levels, but it lacks the fluency and agility of the BMW and always understeers earlier. It is ironic that most people's first comment on the X-Type is related to its Mondeo derivation. Everyone seems to play on that fact as a negative, forgetting just what a competent car the Mondeo is. However, younger and fresher rivals have moved the game on a little, not least the new Mondeo itself.

What's impressive?

Several cows' worth of leather is spread around the cabin and it all looks good and fits well. The quilted finish divided opinion somewhat, particularly given its combination with a carbon fibre finish on the dashboard, but the comfort and feel of the interior was never questioned and the steering wheel looks much better in the black and silver finish seen here - the alternative light brown option looks rather cheap.

Elsewhere in the X-Type, Jaguar's touch screen interface for the majority of the controls is still at least an equal for the competitions' less intuitive and more complex systems and the premium audio installation is a fine companion for a long range journey.

The new combination of engine and gearbox brings a long overdue appeal to the X-Type that will leave Product Managers and Marketing people alike wondering "What if?" - such is the improvement of the package and the broader appeal it offers.

What's not?

In terms of driver involvement the X-Type lags some rivals by quite a margin; it's hard to disguise the age gap - of a generation in some cases - between the X-Type and its younger competitors. For those for whom such things as handling prowess are not a high priority the relatively poor fuel economy is likely to be more pivotal - an average of 36mpg is 10mpg adrift of the figure boasted by many rivals.

Should I buy one?

The latest X-Type derivative definitely furthers its cause and makes it a more capable car. For some it will now offer the refinement and manners they had always hoped for and the interior has never been better. However, the questionable economy and more dated underpinnings, combined with the premium pricing, will always raise the spectre of the German trio and that's a tough argument to win in the Jaguar's favour.

Dave Jenkins

Specs