2006 Jaguar X-Type Review

The 2006 Jaguar X-Type is elegant, comfortable, and fun to drive. It represents a low cost of entry for a Jaguar and a strong value in this highly competitive class. The X-Type lineup includes three sedan trims and an all-new Sportwagon. Safety features include curtain-style head protection airbags for front and rear passenger, dual-stage frontal airbags and front side-impact airbags. For 2006, the Jaguar X-Type gets a standard automatic transmission. Chrome mesh grille inserts are installed on all models for 2006; these changes also appear on the lower mesh grille on the Sport edition. An automatic transmission is now standard on all models. Wheel center caps and the steering wheel display new black Growler badging. Sirius Satellite Radio and Bluetooth wireless technology are newly available. The X-Type competes with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 and other near-luxury cars.

X-Type Power and Drive

The 2006 X-Type is powered by a 227-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 that teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission. All models use this powertrain. Manual-shift models were discontinued. Traction-4 all-wheel drive normally sends 40 percent of engine power to the front wheels, but it can deliver a split as great as 80/20, front to rear, when necessary. The X-Type offers an eager-performing, competent-handling sedan that's able to carry on the Jaguar name with pride.  The X-Type demonstrates its handling skills at every curve. Responding quickly and surely to steering inputs, the sedan is confident and surefooted at all speeds. Even on moderately imperfect surfaces, the ride is smooth.  Acceleration is supremely confident and helped by crisp automatic-transmission operation. The X-Type is absolutely quiet on the inside and exhibits evidence of solid, careful construction.

Design of the '06 X-Type

The 2006 X-Type is well proportioned and balanced. Designers substituted a high tail for the traditional low tail of the past. The X-Type's classic styling themes include a traditional forward-leaning grille augmented by some sporty modern touches. Elliptical quad halogen headlights are installed, and fog lights are integrated into the lower front fascia. The X-Type is some 7 inches shorter than the S-Type. So the challenge facing the X-Type designers was to make a relatively short car look low and long. They did it using lots of horizontal lines, body sculpting and a high-tailed wedge shape, though the wedge is more obvious in photographs than in person. The illusion is generally successful and the X-Type looks bigger on the road than its dimensions suggest. As with the other cars in its class, the X-Type is smaller in size, making it easier to park and maneuver. Xenon high-intensity-discharge units are standard on the Sport sedan, which also features 17-inch wheels, a trunk spoiler, lower front and rear spoilers, lower side sills and a sport-tuned suspension. Jaguar's Dynamic Stability Control electronic stability system is optional.

Jaguar X-Type Cabin

The X-Type for 2006 comes standard with leather-trimmed seating, glossy wood trim (except for the Sport), and power driver's seat. They are also equipped with automatic climate control, remote locking, an auto-dimming interior mirror, heated door mirrors and windshield washers. The cockpit-style interior can hold five, and features Connolly leather and traditional wood veneer or carbon-fiber trim, depending on the model. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control and steering-wheel controls for the stereo. Jaguar's VDP sedan includes 320-watt Alpine premium sound, Reverse Park Control, a wood and leather steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. A navigation system is available. The standard seats are quite good, supportive and comfortable, and they can be adjusted every which way. Aggressive side bolstering is added with the Sport model, which is appropriate for more aggressive driving. The cabin has a spacious feel, and outward visibility is enhanced by the slimness of the roof pillars. With the elevation of the driver's seat easily adjustable, drivers of varying heights have an excellent forward view over the hood.

X-Type Sportwagon

The new Jaguar Sportwagon first joined the X-Type line in 2005. Already popular in Europe this model offers great cargo carrying capacity while maintaining Jaguar's unique style. It includes a tailgate with independently opening rear window, luggage tie-downs, removable luggage cover and cargo net. It also includes a neat hidden cargo compartment under the rear floor with a 12-volt power outlet. The Sportwagon is identical to the sedan up to the B-pillar. From there back it has different side doors and obviously a longer side profile. Its overall length is less than two inches longer than the sedan so there is little extra overhang in the rear. The tailgate slopes forward, appropriately giving it a sleeker look than most station wagons. The roof rails add just over an inch to the height of the vehicle.

Conclusions

Standard features include dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain-type airbags for front and rear occupants, and antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Anti-lock brakes, pre-tensioning front safety belts with load-limiters and three-point belts for all seats are also standard. For more research, visit Edmunds.com's 2006 Jaguar X-Type Review. The performance of the Jaguar compares favorably to its competition, while offering a distinct difference in feel and temperament. The Jaguar X-Type is a good alternative to these superb luxury sedans and its quality has improved considerably since it was first introduced, thanks to continuous improvements made by Ford at the factory in the U.K