When Jaguar launched the X-type saloon in January 2001 some Jaguar purists feared that the new model, which shared its underpinnings with the Ford Mondeo, signalled the end of an era for the British car maker. Once seen only in the company director’s parking space, Jaguars were suddenly affordable to Mondeo Man.
If that wasn’t enough, in January 2004 an estate version became available. The once proud beast had become a shopping car, critics said.
But those who know Jaguar will remember founder Sir William Lyons’s original design philosophy of “grace, pace and space”. The X-type estate, arguably more attractive than its saloon counterpart and boasting oodles of luggage capacity, was a car that Lyons would have approved of.
Three years on, used examples are plentiful and thanks to a reasonable price when new they are good value when compared with prestige alternatives. Buyers have the option of a broad range of engines: the most powerful 2.5 and 3 litre V6 petrol engines come with Jaguar’s Traction4 all-wheel-drive system. With 194bhp and 231bhp respectively, both can take full advantage of the extra grip available.
Far from feeling like load luggers they are nimble and engaging to drive. While many buyers will plump for the ease of the optional auto box the standard five-speed manual is good and if you do not mind prodding the clutch pedal you can save yourself about £500 on the cost of a used example.
There is also the option of a V6 2 litre petrol engine producing 157bhp. Available as front-wheel drive only, it was hoped that this model would be a big seller; however, its displacement of 2099cc meant that in many export markets it was subject to higher tax levels because it exceeded 2 litres. With slow overseas sales, production was halted in 2005 but a secondhand 2 litre remains the cheapest way to get into an X-type estate, with prices starting at about £10,000 for a 2004 04 example with 40,000 miles on the clock.
If fuel economy is important then turn your attentions to the 2 litre diesel. Its 128bhp unit is capable of returning more than 48mpg while still hitting the 0-60mph benchmark in less than 10sec. A 153bhp 2.2 litre diesel joined the line up in 2005 and while performance is a tad more brisk its real advantage is probably only apparent when the car is fully laden or towing.
All X-type estates perform as well as their saloon car counterparts and some owners say the cabin is fractionally quieter. Driver and passenger comfort, always a Jaguar priority, is impressive and even in cars fitted with standard cloth trim, rather than the more common optional leather upholstery, the cabin retains an air of luxury. All models have air-conditioning as standard and many boast sophisticated climate-control systems. Entertainment comes courtesy of a 120-watt Alpine stereo with single-disc CD player.
Like most Jaguars the X-type estate is sensitive to colour and trim combinations: classic blues, silvers and greens tend to fare best, with contrasting dark and light interiors giving all models a more prestige feel. Service history should be impeccable with all models requiring attention every 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
All X-type estates start life with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, so if the car is less than three years old when you buy it get it checked by a Jaguar dealer regardless of mileage.
The Jaguar X-type estate may have been a brave move for Jaguar when it was first introduced and one that ruffled a few traditionalists’ feathers. But three years on it has proven itself to be not only a good car but also a proper Jaguar.
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