2002 Jaguar X-Type
 by Cordell Koland

The new X-Type is Jaguar’s entry into the low end of the luxury market, a place 
where no Jag has stepped before. But competing in the rapidly growing high-volume
part of the upscale auto market makes a lot of sense, despite the fact that Audi,
BMW and Mercedes-Benz have well-established competitive models. 

Under Ford’s ownership, Jaguar has introduced several new models in the last 
few years towards the end of making it a full-line luxury auto manufacturer. So 
far, the company has eschewed the SUV market and is likely to remain out of the
truck market. Somehow, it’s hard to imagine the special Jaguar brand stretching 
that far. Even in its darkest era, Jaguar always has had a special élan as the
manufacturer of beautiful, graceful automobiles, and a big SUV just seems out 
of the question. 

So you want to drive a new Jaguar? How does an entry level price that dips 
below $30,000 sound? Well, that’s the starting point for the new X-Type. This
includes the smaller of the two available V-6 engines, full-time all-wheel-drive,
and a raft of safety equipment. Oh, and to really make things exciting for a 
certain segment of buyers, the X-Type can be ordered with a five-speed
manual transmission. 

Our test vehicle, however, was on the high end of the X-Type’s price range.
It was the model with the larger three-liter V-6 engine with a list price of
$36,595 (including the transportation and handling fee) and included the 
$2,000 Premium Package. So at about $40,000 you can get a loaded Jaguar
X-Type that has most of the amenities one expects in a mainstream luxury car.
So equipped, out test vehicle delivers a lot of content, including a high-end audio
system with CD-changer, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power moonroof, and 
a parking control system that gives the diver an audible sound that warns the of 
obstructions when backing. Heated front seats have full power control, including
lumbar support. And if that’s not enough equipment, there are several other 
additional option packages, an Alpine audio system, and a navigation system,
that could drive the price north of $45,000.

Jaguar designers have done a great job of imbuing the car with a high quotient 
of Jaguarness. The baby Jag’s exterior grabs a number of the design elements 
that have defined the classic Jaguar sedan, at about 80 percent scale. For example
both the rear and front-end treatment are very reminiscent of the XJ8, including 
the four sculpted headlights molded into the front fascia and hood. 

But as much as I like the exterior treatment, it’s the interior that really impresses
me. Often luxury manufacturers that attempt to build an entry-level luxury model, 
cut corners on the interior. Well, again, the baby bears a strong resemblance to the 
standard Jaguar sedan with an expanse of bird’s eye maple trim, sumptuous leather 
and a center console that scribes the same outline as its counterpart in the larger 
car. The Jaguar mystique has always been especially appealing to women, and 
female family members and friends were impressed with the translation of the
Jaguar design to a small platform.

Upscale buyers expect high safety content and here the new X-Type delivers. 
Standard equipment includes front-and side-impact air bags as well as a side 
curtain that drops down and protects the heads of both front- and rear-seat 
passengers in the event of an accident.  Of course, a keyless remote locking 
security system is also part of the package.

On the road, the driver experiences a solid, well-built car that is quiet and 
refined—in other words, Jaguar territory. Full-time all-wheel-drive is new for 
Jaguar and definitely distinguishes the X-Type from most of its competition. 
While all-wheel-drive may be overkill for a lot of drivers it does provide added 
confidence in many driving situations. Even Californians who live on the foggy
coast face roads that can be wet and slippery 12 months a year.

The X-Type has a pleasant ride and is very quiet. Handling is adept, although
I’d be hard pressed to say it has quite reached the precision of its German 
competitors. Ideally, I would like a little more control and feedback. On the 
other hand, performance enthusiasts should consider the optional Sport 
Package, which includes 17-inch wheels and aggressive tires, as opposed to
the standard 16-inch general-purpose wheels and tires. 

Vehicle: Jaguar X-Type 3.0
Price as tested: $39,645
 Type: 3.0-liter, V-6 
 Horsepower: 231 @ 6,800 rpm
 Torque: 209 ft. lbs. @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel economy, automatic transmission 
 City – Not Available
 Highway – Not Available
Curb Weight: 3,526 lbs.