Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0 litre V6 range
Most things operate in cycles and the car market is no exception. Thirty years ago, the notion of a Jaguar gaining credibility by being based on a Ford would have been utterly beyond the pale. Things change, however, and the Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0-litre V6 is a prime example of the shifting power balance among the serious automotive players.
Ford, as you are probably aware, own Jaguar. The British company figures in a portfolio of manufacturers that also include Volvo, Lincoln, Aston Martin and Land Rover an elite selection of marques that Ford labels the Premier Automotive Group. Times are tough for expensive cars and at the 2001 launch of Jaguars X-TYPE, much discussion centred around the four-wheel drive platform fitted to the 2.5 and 3.
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It may also prove a more difficult proposition for dealers to sell, given that the X-TYPE ranges chief advantage over the market-leading BMW 3 Series - all-wheel drive - has in this case been relinquished. Still, the fact that the car ducks under the psychologically significant £20,000 barrier is doubtless important. Anyway, lets start with that engine. The two-litre is in fact a 2.
1-litre six cylinder unit cranking out 157bhp. Whilst thats a fair figure for a normally aspirated two-litre mill, its by no means spine tingling, and goes some way to explaining the pragmatic approach to the cars drive configuration. The space efficiency and light driveline weight of the front-drive layout led Jaguars engineers to a natural conclusion. With all-wheel drive, the X-TYPE 2.
0-litre would be something of a sluggard. If the front-wheel drive Ford Mondeo chassis layout were utilised, power to weight ratios would remain respectable. And so it proves.
"If you can check the historical baggage in at the door, the Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0 V6 range hardly puts a foot wrong."
Able to hit 60mph in 8.9 seconds and keep going until 130mph, the X-TYPE 2.0-litre V6 is a sprightly performer. Advanced engine features such as continuously variable cam phasing and a four-mode variable geometry intake manifold ensure a broad measure of torque.
The engine has to be revved hard to get the best performance out of it, but it responds with an urgent metallic zing that is certainly in the finest Browns Lane tradition. One of the key considerations for any front wheel drive car is transmitting power to the road without corrupting steering response. Jaguars have always had a very specific feel to their helms, due in no small part to the input of Mike Cross, their chief chassis engineer. When Cross signs a car off, you can normally rely on it being thoroughly sorted and the X-TYPE 2.
0 V6 is no exception. Painstaking work was applied to the fine-tuning of the ZF variable ratio power steering and a double bearing front suspension strut that eliminates unwelcome torque steer. Electronic traction control is fitted as standard should you mash the throttle too hard, but the X-TYPE 2.0 V6 rarely needs it, such is the competence of the chassis engineering.
A big specification list is where Jaguars traditionally trounce their Teutonic opposition and the X-TYPE 2.0 V6 is no exception. Even the base model is fitted with a 120-watt Alpine audio system, air conditioning with pollen filter and a drivers seat with electric height adjustment. Factor in Thatcham approved security systems, ABS with brakeforce distribution, and no less than eight airbags and you have one well-appointed car.
When you add powered and heated door mirrors, front fog lamps, birds eye maple veneer interior trim, a leather trimmed steering wheel and 16-inch alloy wheels the baby Jag looks like a winner. Three other models are available, the best value of which looks to be the £20,995 S version. This adds 17-inch X-Sport alloy wheels and automatic air conditioning to the entry-level models tally which for many buyers would alone be worth the additional £1,000. But the list goes on.
Factor in metallic paint, a reverse parking sensor, split/fold rear seats, electrically folding mirrors, a stereo upgrade plus a cup holder and carpet mats and you have yourself quite a deal. The £21,595 V6 Sport is equipped with firmer suspension, 17-inch alloys with lower profile tyres, a colour-keyed exterior and a subtle rear spoiler. Inside youll find a sports interior with cloth and leather sports seats, a perforated leather sports steering wheel a sports leather gear knob and grey-stained maple veneer trim that a helpful Jaguar PR person assured us was more (you guessed it) sporty. If sport was something you got your mum to write you a note to avoid, you may well prefer the more urbane charms of the SE trim level.
Priced at £23,695, this 2.0-litre range topper features full leather trim, eight way adjustable front seats, cruise control with steering wheel audio controls, automatic climate control and a trip computer with message centre. If you are this way inclined, you may well feel unable to resist a rummage through Jaguars superb options list which includes a touch screen multimedia system, voice activation, reversing aids and Dynamic Stability Control. Theres even a DVD-based satellite navigation system.
If you can check the historical baggage in at the door, the Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0 V6 range hardly puts a foot wrong. In fact, its so good it makes paying more for the occasional benefit of all-wheel drive seem somewhat extravagant. This is a car that could have serious consequences for Jaguars bottom line.
Is the X-TYPE 2.0-litre too competent for its own good?
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Jaguar X-TYPE 2.0-litre V6 range
PRICES: £19,995 - £24,865 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 14
CO2 EMISSIONS: 219g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 8.9s / Max Speed 130mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 22.2 / (extra urban) 39.6 / (combined) 30.7mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, side curtain airbags (front/rear), ABS with EBD, traction control WILL IT FIT IN MY GARAGE?: Length/width/height 4670/1790/1390mm
