I always have nice sensible little cars Such as GTIs, Seat Arosa TDI and Fabia, but my partner has bit of a thing for big flash motors. We recently sold our W210 style Merc E320 and have replaced it with a 2.0V6 FWD Jaguar X Type Sport. I've always considered that the X Type was a nice looking car but lacking in substance, but after driving it 1000 miles or so I have to admit that it is a beaut!! The little V6 motor is silent on tickover but makes a lovely turbine growl one you give it some stick. The ride is firm but supple and very comfortable even though it's on 18" rims. Being a 2.0 it is pretty basic in equipment and because it's a sport pack model the interiour is very black but well screwed together. (Not as classy as Audi though) The most impressive aspect of the car is definatly the handling it is so grippy and confidence inspiring that you seek out twisty roads just to enjoy the ride. (I know the Mondeo handles well, but the X Type feels different to that!!). I've not driven a 4WD X Type but cant really see the point as the FWD version handles so well. Fuel consumption is pretty dreadful at 23-25 mpg (No better than the Merc). All round suprisingly nice car :-))

Flat cap?

Sorry but I think its an old mans car. Not for me

I do like the X Type but would avoid the 2.0V6 non sport models as they feel exactly like a LX Mondeo to drive. The Sport version is better but I wouldn't say it's that much different to the sporty versions of the Mondeo on 18" rims.

I get two or three hire cars a month through my work requirements so get to drive a wide variety of mid spec reps stuff and also get a few free upgrades to the Executive models when the girl on the desk can swing it.

Jag had to go 4X4 for the bigger engined X Type's it's customers wouldn't have stomached a wheel spinning, torque steering 236bhp 3.0V6 FWD model. RWD would have been the prefered option but as Jag was using the Mondeo chassis 4X4 was the only option without spending millions and lot's of time on chassis changes and development work.

As for the 2.0V6 or 2.1ishV6 I think it may have been dropped as a few magazines have stopped listing it. I can see why Jag offered it as a 4cylinder petrol would have been slated by the press. I find them gutless at the bottom end but they do sound nice. I'm just glad I dont pay for the fuel though as the economy is shocking for a 2.0l, I thought Jag might drop it, Rover did the same with the 75 2.0V6.

If it was my own money I'd go for one of the two TDCi Ford diesels, it's a shame Ford held out giving Jag the 2.2TDCi for so long as the X type is a cracking car with the 2.2Diesel.

Cheers

Lee

Whatever you think of them some of the diesels are very quick ! An estate nearly kicked my **** on a twisty back road a few months ago. He was able to keep up with me even when I was really going for it, although he did cross the white lines occasionally when cornering. After a couple of miles I let him pass - although as he was cutting blind corners I wasn't able to keep up with him - I don't have a death wish !

last time i was in an x type it didnt have electric rear windows!!!!! i was shocked!

Did see a 'tweaked' X in Glasgow a few months ago, quad pipes, 18s etc, sounded very nice. Apart from that I'm not really a fan.

But if you're happy What colour is it?

Steve