Jaguar X-Type Saloon review (2001-2010)

The X-Type is the car that Jaguar hoped would bring in serious volume sales to the company, competing against the best of the German competition on both a sporting and style front. It's only been partially successful, the limited initial range and somewhat traditional look and feel of the Jaguar marque not working so well in this highly competitive market. Its unique selling point at launch was the four-wheel-drive only transmission, but it's subsequently been joined by a front-wheel-drive version. This entry-level model has helped the X-Type as has the adoption of a diesel engine and a smart estate - a first for Jaguar.

The engine line up consists if a range of three V6s in 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0-litres and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. All offer refined pace, but you need to work the 2.0-litre rather hard to get more usual Jaguar levels of performance, the gearbox on all models being a hindrance to the driving experience, feeling notchy, marring smooth progress. Underneath it might be distantly related to the Ford Mondeo, but that's no bad thing; the ride, handling and grip are good, finding a fine balance between comfort and sporting ability. The steering is direct, but it feels rather artificial. The cabin is unmistakably Jaguar, but there are several areas where it's clearly been built to cost, and it's not the most spacious car in its class. The diesels, and an estate have certainly added some appeal to the range, but really, it's a case of too little too late.