Jaguar X-Type 2.0 SE Auto (Jaguar X-type in general)

Member Name: UKGuy

Product:	Jaguar X-type in general
Date:	29/08/04 (1810 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Pleasant styling, Large boot

Disadvantages: Harsh engine, Poor auto-box, Poor interior build

I had booked a Renault Laguna 1.8 from the local Hertz branch for a trip from Brighton to Bradford and back. Half an hour after the car was due to be dropped off I received an apologetic call - the car has broken down en route to you so we are sending a replacement. All they had available (at no extra cost) was a new Jaguar X-Type 2.0SE Auto.

Well I was certainly impressed when I saw it parked there. Nice alloy wheels, dark green metallic paint, cream leather - this car certainly fits the bill looks-wise and badge-wise if it's a compact exec' your after. However, as I was to find in the next 700 miles or so, the experience behind the wheel is its undoing...

So sticking with the visuals and the ergonomics, Jaguar have made a reasonably good job of presenting a package that will appeal to the driver who thinks he's after a bit of exclusivity and refinement. The front does a good impression of a scaled-down XJ and the overall proportions and curves press all the right buttons. On the inside, the look and feel seems to hit the mark, but for a 7,000 mile car that was (presumably) valeted after every trip, it had not worn well. The leather on the drivers seat was 'baggy' and starting to discolour. The dash was marked and the interior generally looked like it had covered 57,000 miles! For the fastidious owner who wants a pristine motor, either steer clear of pale interiors or steer clear of the X-Type!

Ergonomically it's a good set up, large clear displays, switchgear in all the right places, but then the feel of it was on a par with any run of the mill Ford. Not solid. Not soft-touch. Just regular plastic stalks and buttons... oh dear. The drivers seat was particularly firm, and while the 700 miles I covered didn't induce any backache, you very much feel as though you're perched ON the seat rather than IN it and being cosseted by it. Still, it was realatively easy to adjust the seat and steering to get a comfor
table setup. The rear seats looked fine, although I didn't take any passengers, and the boot looked very spacious.

The driving experience is what really got me wondering.... who is this car aimed at? The two litre (or thereabouts) engine, mated to an auto box simply doesn't cut the mustard either for the keen or the relaxed motorist. Press on and you'll find the engine thrashy and breathless, unable to keep up with most other rep'mobiles. Opt for a more relaxed ride and you'll find the auto-box hunting around every time you come to a slight incline. The car is at it's happiest cruising at 70mph on a flat motorway, with little wind or road noise to bother you. However, getting to 70 is a strenuous affair, unless you're happy to ease off and bring up the rear.

The onboard trip computer was a handy addition to this car, although it revealed a very disappinting 27mpg average for motorway driving. I would have hoped that with reasonably relaxed, 70mph cruising to be seeing nearer the 35mpg mark!

One word sums this car up - disappointing. The badge implies a level of build quality, refinement and composure that simply isn't there. It's neither relaxed, nor sporty with this engine configuration, so it doesn't know who it's target audience is. If you simply must have the badge, then save up and go for the 2.5 or 3.0 which I assume will give back the performance (although probably even worse mpg). Failing that, why not try a Lexus or swallow your pride and try out a Merc or BMW.

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