Jaguar X-Type Saloon (01-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 30 April 2009
The X-Type is Jaguar's alternative to premium saloons like the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. However it has never proved as popular as models from the German manufacturers, due in part to a limited engine line-up and the lack of a diesel until 2003. That's not to say the X-Type is a bad car - far from it. Admittedly the styling isn't very modern, both inside and out, but it's exceptionally refined and manages to blend excellent comfort with decent handling. It was facelifted in 2008 with larger bumpers and a more aggressive look along with a few interior tweaks, but it's still a step behind the best upmarket saloons.
3.5 out of 5

Other Jaguar reviews

4 out of 5

Safety

As well as a four-star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating, there's an abundance of safety equipment, including dynamic stability control and six intelligent airbags which tailor their response to the circumstances of an accident. Bluetooth is available from summer 2005 making using a phone while driving both legal and safer.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

The reliability of the X-Type has been generally very good. Occasional imperfections have been reported but dealers are quick to provide a solution and Jaguar routinely tops customer satisfaction surveys in the US.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

First recall was in 2003 for the indicator. It could continue to flash on the dash even when there was no power going to the external indicators. 2004 saw recalls to rectify poor adhesion of space saver spare wheel speed restriction label; an internally delaminated yaw-rate sensor and modification of handbrake lever. There was a recall in 2005 to fix the possibility of a short circuit.

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