Jaguar X-Type Saloon 2001 - Present

The Jaguar X-Type is Jaguar's smallest car to date. It's also it's most affordable and is looking to muscle in on the Compact Executive saloon market that is currently dominated by German car makers. It offers good performance, solid handling and an extremely competitive price.

As the sun reflects off the long bonnet of the X-Type there is no mistaking what make of car it is. From the headlights to the boot, the styling is unmistakably that of a Jaguar. What's more it's the classic Jag that East End villains drive in 70s movies and TV shows.

As you sit in the car the space harks back to the 70's. They are a long car that sits low to the ground so climbing into the cabin means easing yourself into the fairly comfortable seats. The legroom is ample both front and rear but as you'd expect from a car with such a low down roof there's not a huge amount of headroom. The absence of cup holder is a minor irritation after stopping at a roadside cafe but nothing more.

The engines come in a range of different V6 petrol units and for the first time in Jaguars history there's a diesel option. It offers marginally the weakest performance with a top speed of 127 mph but does return almost double the MPG, at 50 mpg, over an average of 28.5 mpg from the petrol options. It also reaches 0-60 in less than 10 seconds, a feat that not all of the petrol options can boast. The 3.0 petrol option does boast a top speed approaching 150 mph and feels like it's the nearest to the old predatory big cat but the fuel consumption will make it an expensive indulgence.

On the road the Jaguar takes full advantage of the low centre of gravity that such a low road position offers and hugs the road like a long lost friend. It corners with confidence and the brakes show considerable power when called upon. The suspension is set up to offer a decent level of comfort and road poise but occasionally feels a little firm on the road.

The X-type Jaguar shares quite a lot with it's Ford owners and had benefited as a result. It offers a realistic and affordable alternative to the German standards in the Compact Executive car class but may look too much like a 70s throwback for some.

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