Jaguar X-Type 2.0 Litre Diesel Euro IV : INCONSPICUOUS CONSUMPTION

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Jaguar's First Production Diesel, The 2.0-Litre 130PS Unit As Fitted To Their X-TYPE Diesel, Is Now On Offer In Environmentally-Friendly `Euro IV' Guise. Jonathan Crouch Reports.

The 2.0-litre diesel-engined X-TYPE has been arguably the most significant Jaguar of recent years. It was the marque's first oil-burning engine and it's been continually evolving to keep pace with new technological developments. The latest facelifted X-TYPE retains the services of the 2.0D but does the engine still have something to offer in this cutthroat market sector.

Peak power and torque of the X-TYPE 2.0D have remained at 130PS and 330Nm since its introduction, but a number of modifications to the under-bonnet mechanicals have been introduced to keep it relevant. A revised engine management calibration was introduced in order to provide a better throttle response and an electronic vane control device was added to the turbocharger, bringing better driveability due to the improved reaction time of the electronic system versus the previous vacuum system. These changes meant that the engine and vehicle react faster to driver demand for more throttle, apparently giving a feeling of eagerness and increased responsiveness. EU4 emissions have been achieved on X-TYPE without the need for a particulate filter. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures were changed slightly as a direct result of achieving the improved emissions status figures; the combined fuel consumption for the Saloon is 49.1mpg and for the Estate it's 48.5mpg. The CO2 figure for X-TYPE diesel saloon is 152g/km while the estate offers 154g/km.

"Day in, day out, the X-TYPE 2.0D offers a very compelling ownership proposition"

The 2.0 litre common-rail diesel engine harks - unsurprisingly - from the Ford stable and is also found beneath the bonnet of the Mondeo, the Focus and a number of other Ford Motor Company products. A sprint to 60mph in 9.5 seconds isn't what you'd describe as reticent and the top speed of 125mph is well up with the class best. Or so you'd think. In practice, we found that the Jaguar's 2.0-litre engine couldn't touch either BMW or Audi's equivalents for torque and the big-boned X-TYPE body takes a little of the edge from the subjective feeling of muscle. The engine is a creditable all-round performer but the X-TYPE 2.0D still isn't a car that the performance driver will take an instant shine to. Day in, day out, however, the car offers a very compelling ownership proposition. The engine is pleasantly refined and, as long as you keep the needle between 2,500 and 4,500rpm, it'll be brisk enough for most. The five-speed Getrag gearbox has a light throw and a reassuring knobbliness as it catches the next cog, but six forward ratios would certainly help keep it in the meat of the power band. Four trim levels are available with the 2.0D in saloon and estate bodystyles - S, SE, Sport Premium and Sovereign. The estate version has proved very popular, attracting a younger set of buyers to the Jaguar marque. Here, the split fold rear seats allow for one, two or all three rear passengers to be accommodated comfortably and when folded flat, there's a whopping 1,415 litres of cubic capacity to clog with lifestyle accoutrements. Though the X-TYPE looks ostensibly similar to the way it was when originally launched, it has in fact changed quite a lot in recent years. When this car was first launched, its interior set new standards of quality and, indeed, modernity for Jaguar. What's particularly impressive is the way that Jaguar have managed to blend traditional touches like wood veneers and chrome cappings with modern must-haves such as multi-function LCD screens, airbags and multi-speaker audio systems. That's a tall order, and the X-TYPE manages it better than most. The cabin certainly feels more special than many of its rivals, and has premium product design cues all over it. Owners familiar with earlier X-TYPEs will notice revised frontal styling that includes a redesigned `3D' bright mesh grille, complete with Jaguar `growler' emblem. There are restyled front bumper covers, a bright `splitter' in the lower air intakes and a neat roof-mounted Antenna Pod to replace the previous aerial. What Jaguar hopes is a `lower, sportier profile' is also underlined by cleaner, more modern side mouldings. There are revised door mirrors too, which now incorporate the indicators (probably making them fearsomely expensive to replace). Revised alloy wheels and a wider range of colour options complete the improvements. With this model, Jaguar turned an important corner and those that see this as a sad dilution of the marque's brand values should consider the car's importance. Without diesel Jaguars, we will never get to see premium sportscars like the XK, concept cars or exciting racing variants. As a bedrock upon which these flights of fancy are built, we should welcome the X-TYPE 2.0D with open arms.

Facts At A Glance
CAR: Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0-litre D
PRICES: £21,500 - £28,400 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 13
CO2 EMISSIONS: 152g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 9.5s / Max Speed 125mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 37.9 / (extra urban) 62.1 / (combined) 49.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, side curtain airbags (front/rear), ABS with EBD, traction control WILL IT FIT IN MY GARAGE?: [saloon] Length/width/height 4670/1790/1390mm