A new Jaguar is always an exciting proposition. After all they don’t build mainstream bread and butter models. The Jaguar name has always been synonymous with luxury performance cars, and a heritage rich in motor racing history. Even today Jaguars involvement in motor sports particularly in the high tech world of formula one embodies the true spirit of the marque.

However, in an ever-changing world Jaguar needed to broaden the appeal of its models by producing a "more affordable" Jag. So under the stewardship of Ford who now own Jaguar a new "small" Jaguar was conceived - the X-TYPE.

Following on from the launch of the S-Type in 1999, X-TYPE is accelerating Jaguar’s transformation from a niche player to a major competitor. The smaller and more affordable X-TYPE extends the Jaguar line-up to four models giving the company a strong presence in all key segments of the global premium car market for the first time. When the X-TYPE is in full production, it is expected to more than double Jaguar’s sales, accounting for 50% of total Jaguar sales worldwide.

Mind you "more affordable" is a relative term here in Ireland, where appalling levels of VRT and duty make our cars so much more expensive than elsewhere. For example entry to the X-TYPE range starts with the 2.5 V6 which costs £36,100. The same car in the UK costs £23,000!

I cannot understand why the motorist allows the government to get away with placing such a huge tax levy on cars - I suppose if you keep paying it they will keep taking it!

There are two engines in the X-TYPE line-up - a 2.5 V6 and 3.0 V6 in standard, executive and sport levels. My test car was the V6 Sport which costs £39,500 and distinguished by a specially uprated suspension system, 17" sport alloy wheels, colour coded exterior, sport seats and trim. The external style of the X-TYPE retains many Jaguar styling cues, such as the four individual lights up front, the curved rear window and twin exhaust tail pipes. It’s very distinctive in a style that is both attractive and classy. It looks much more individual than the A4 or 3-Series with which it competes.

The dashboard in the sport version is finished in grey stained maple wood veneer. Unfortunately, the effect look like a plastic trim and disappoints. To be fair other models I drove briefly were finished in beige leather and natural wood veneers. Standard specification on all models includes, all-wheel-drive, ABS brakes with EBD, twin airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags, electric driver seat height, air conditioning , and quality stereo. The options list is extensive but I was somewhat surprised to note that for example rear electric windows are a £420 extra, as is the single disc CD player. These really should be standard fit items in a car in this segment. The cabin it self is very well finished, roomy and comfortably.

Jaguar cars always perform very well so I expected the new X-TYPE to be no different. It didn’t disappoint. The 2.5 V6 194BHP engine is superb. On paper 0-60 mph is dispatched in just 8.3 seconds and it will storm on to 140 mph. More importantly mid range punch is excellent. Even fully laden the X-TYPE overtakes quickly and safely with bags of mid range power. More surprising it returned 29.1 mpg on a long journey and 24.6 mpg on mixed city driving. To be nudging 30 mpg in a 2.5 litre car is simply excellent.

The Jaguar traction - 4 system is excellent. With 60% of the drive going to the rear wheels and 40% to the front wheels the car feels more like a rear wheel drive, but it has that limpet-like grip that only the best all-wheel-drive cars can deliver. Pulling quickly away from junctions or cornering on slippery surfaces is achieved without hint of wheel spin. The ride is very good even in the stiffer sports version. Handling is exemplary, and noise levels are commendably low.

A Jaguar turns heads in a way few other cars can. Numerous motorist commented on its wonderful style and classy lines. So based on that sort of vox pop pole the Jag beats its rivals hands down. The driving experience is what I expected, involving and rewarding. The car is roomy, well equipped, (my reservations about some items which should be standard aside) and I really looked forward to each trip behind the wheel. Jaguar Ireland expect to sell around 125 units of the X-TYPE this year and excess of 250 in 2002, a full years sales. I don’t think they will have a problem with this winner.