2007 Jaguar X-Type Philadelpia

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2007 Jaguar X-Type Design

Despite its diminutive size, the X-Type is clearly a Jaguar. That's just as well, as ever since Ford took over Jaguar, purists have been scrutinizing every move the company makes in an effort to turn up some evidence of Fording-down the illustrious British marque.

Because the X-Type shares ancestry with Ford of Europe's front-wheel-drive Mondeo, Jaguar endowed the X-Type with all-wheel drive as a standard feature. This helps set it apart not only from the Ford, but from most other near-luxury models where such a feature is optional, and usually only offered on a handful of models.

The X-Type is nearly 10 inches shorter than Jaguar's mid-range S-Type. It is not, however, the smallest car Jaguar has yet manufactured. Compared to the 1960 Mark II, which inspired the curvy styling of the current S-Type, the X-Type is only a fraction of an inch shorter in wheelbase and actually measures almost 4 inches longer overall. It is also 4 inches wider and about 1-1/2 inches lower than the beloved classic

Handling of the 2007 Jaguar X-Type

We've driven the X-Type down winding rural roads near Dijon, France, over mountain roads in north Georgia, and around the high-speed banked oval of Atlanta Motor Speedway. The X-Type was the epitome of stability and confidence in the high-speed sections. Yet it rode smoothly on the streets of Atlanta.

The narrow, high-crowned pavement in France follows the wandering ways of long-ago farm animals over varied terrain. When polished by rain, it becomes a driver's challenge. The dampness was simply erased by the all-wheel-drive system, which offered comforting security. On the French roads, the X-Type seemed to rise to every challenge. Whether on a major highway or winding back road, it always felt smooth and stable. The steering was sharp and precise, and the car feels nimble in corners yet secure at speed.

To further explore its capabilities, we took the X-Type onto a tight handling course near Atlanta. A corner flooded with water showed off the advantage of the optional 18-inch high-performance Pirelli P Zero tires, which provided better grip in the wet than the standard skins. They greatly reduced understeer (the tendency of the car to push out toward the outside of a turn when the front tires lose grip).

2007 Jaguar X-Type Lineup

The X-Type sedan, which Jaguar sometimes refers to as the X-Type 3.0, comes with automatic climate control; leather upholstery; eight-way power driver's seat; 70/30 split folding rear seats; Bronze Sapele wood interior trim; tilt-and-telescope steering wheel; six-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM/CD stereo; power locks; one-touch power windows; a power tilt-and-slide glass sunroof; automatic headlights; and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Sportwagon is somewhat better equipped, adding a 320-watt premium Alpine sound system, a wood-and-leather steering wheel, 10-way power adjustable seats for driver and front-seat passenger, electrochromic mirrors inside and out, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a programmable garage-door opener, message center and trip computer, Reverse Park Control, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The cargo bay features a retractable security cover, a cargo net, four-spring-loaded tie-downs, and a 12-volt power outlet inside a hidden storage compartment.

A Luxury Package  for the sedan adds some unique appearance items, including contrasting piping for the leather seats, burl walnut veneers, bright mirror caps, rear treadplates, and 17-inch wheels (of a different design than the wagon's). It also brings the sedan closer to the Sportwagon's level of equipment, with a wood-and-leather-trimmed steering wheel, eight-way power passenger seat, electrochromic mirrors, memory for the driver's seat and side mirrors, Reverse Park Control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, programmable garage door opener, and a message center and trip computer.

Interior of the 2007 Jaguar X-Type

The seats are quite good, supportive and comfortable, and they can be adjusted every which way. And they offer reasonable side support as well; we had no trouble staying in them while flinging the car around.

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. The outside mirrors are particularly generous in size, a welcome safety feature at a time when mirrors on some cars are getting smaller.

All the switchgear operates intuitively. Controls fall within easy reach, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, allowing any driver to adjust perfectly to the car. People of all body types will find a comfortable home in the X-Type.

Lots of stowage inside the X-Type adds to the convenience. The doors have a handy tray near the door handle, as well as a large main pocket. There are dozens of nooks to stow phones, cassettes, CDs, pens, maps, or tissues; even ice scrapers and an umbrella. There's a retractable hook in the glovebox release to hold a handbag, small shopping bag or take-out. The center console is small, however, and there is only one cupholder.

Conclusion

The Jaguar X-Type offers luxurious accommodations in a relatively compact package. It comes with all-wheel drive. It offers the distinction of a Jaguar, as opposed to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Some information for this review was obtained from NewCarTestDrive.com