irishcar.com - 2-litre X-Type Jaguar

The X-Type Jaguar has been an important new offering from the company since it was launched last May, bringing many younger drivers into the brand who were otherwise confined to the smaller-model BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars.

But now a 2-litre (actually 2.1 litres) V6 has been added to the 2.5- and 3-litre versions, and is expected to eventually be responsible for some 60% of sales of X-Types both here and in the UK.

In addition to the smaller engine, the new version is also Jaguar’s first FWD car, as the 4WD system used in the more powerful versions has been deleted for this entry-level model, which comes in three specification levels - Classic, Sports and Luxury.

The latest X-Type retains the strong good looks of its siblings, with the distinctive double grille introduced in Jaguar’s first ‘small’ car for generations. Special design alloys are the only exterior indicator that this is different from the other versions, if you discount the fact that there is no badge to indicate engine size. The Sport version has 17” wheels against the 16” ones on the other cars, and has black instead of chrome window and body trims.

The interior is also similar in styling to the X-Type we’re used to, with a choice of bird’s-eye maple in natural or grey-stained (for the Sport) forms. Leather trimming on the seats is standard on the Luxury specification and optional on all others. The Sport version gets special sports-style seats. All models have electric driver’s seat adjustment (both seats on the Luxury spec).

A 7-inch touch-screen display displays and controls climate, audio, and phone, and there’s an option of a voice-controlled operation of these controls.

Under the bonnet is a 2099cc version of the AJ-V6 power units familiar in the larger-engined cars, outputting 157bhp and offering a top speed of 130mph. The car can be had with either manual or automatic 5-speed gearboxes. The suspension on the Sport version is firmer than on the other cars.

From a safety point of view, Jaguar people said they expect a 4-star rating when the car goes through the Euro NCAP crash safety tests. The vehicle has as standard ABS with EBD, and traction control. A full dynamic stability control system is optional. Eight airbags are standard, including side curtains for rear passengers.

In a brief afternoon drive through the Spanish foothills of the Pyrenees, the new X-Type showed itself to be a very quiet machine indeed, and a docile driver despite its 157 horses. Indeed, though the 8.9sec 0-60mph sprint capability is respectable, the 2-litre didn’t give the driver much impression of acceleration. It’s fairly clear that it won’t tempt existing 2.5- or 3-litre owners to buy down when it comes to change.

But then, it is aimed at those who don’t care a great deal for OTT performance and may indeed be restrained by company engine size limits from choosing a 2,5-litre. They want the image, though, and if funds permit they can specify full leather in the cheapest Classic and have a fine car that feels and looks well, even if it won’t burn rubber.

Jaguar owners are traditionally not rubber-burners anyway. Still, it might have been a good idea to tweak up the engine for the Sport option, because then the owner could at least talk the sporty talk a bit. Maybe it’ll come. The standard suspension seemed a little ‘floaty’ on less-than-level roads, but the Sport setup was well controlled without being harsh.

The handling of the FWD car is surprisingly neutral, given that the car was originally specified with 4WD. In fact, I didn’t actually know it was an FWD until we got the full specification talk at the afternoon coffee stop.

The price of the new range is 42,865-52,231 euros, the entry level now being some 3,300 euros less than for the 2.5-litre starter. To keep our VRT Great Highway Robbery statistics up to date, the entry level price for the car in the UK is just under 33,000 euros.

You’re very welcome, Stick ’Em Up Charlie, sir.