Jaguar X-Type
August 21, 2001
Jaguar’s first compact executive offers just two engines, a 2.5 and a 3.0 V6, although smaller, more tax-friendly units and diesels are promised later. Both are sweet and swift, but you’ll need to drop down a gear to overtake on the motorway.
The X-type has been built on the Ford Mondeo platform, but front-wheel drive just wouldn’t do for a Jag, so the entire range gets permanent four-wheel drive. The result is a car that boasts fine handling and superb grip. The V6 engine is so quiet at speed, it makes the wind and road noise seem more pronounced. It suffers some shunt from the four-wheel-drive power train when crawling in traffic and shifting between lower gears. Its gearshift is smooth and precise, but its wooden clutch feel hinders seamless changes.
The TLL Team