2008 Jaguar X-Type

[Colonel Cadillac]

The X-Type is getting dropped from the U.S. lineup in march when the facelifted version comes out

[ifcar]

The X-Type is loosely based on the second-generation Mondeo, introduced by Ford of Europe in mid-2000.  It has NOTHING to do with the US-spec Contour/Mystique (AKA first generation Mondeo).

Mondeo roots aside, the X-Type actually drives very well.  Jaguar completely re-engineered the car to drive and handle like a Jaguar should.  Ford should have never told anyone that it shared a floorpan with the Mondeo.  If they had kept their mouths shut, the X-Type would have been lauded as an excellent sports sedan.  But because the press just couldn't let go of the whole Mondeo thing (and ill-informed American writers mistakingly linked it to the US-spec Contour), a very good car was doomed from the outset.

Cheers,
Madman of the People

It was never a particularly impressive car to drive. The Contour was more fun, both are too small inside, and the X-Type was overpriced, overweight, and had serious reliability issues.

Had it been a great car that everyone knew was derived from the Contour, few would have complained.

[TBR]

The X-Type is getting dropped from the U.S. lineup in march when the facelifted version comes out

About time.

[TheIntrepid]

The X-Type is getting dropped from the U.S. lineup in march when the facelifted version comes out

I've always liked it.

[CALL_911]

I've always liked it.

It's numb, soft, and doesn't handle particularly well. In other words, it's right up your alley.

[TheIntrepid]

It's numb, soft, and doesn't handle particularly well. In other words, it's right up your alley.

It's AWD and available with an MT. Plus, it looks nice. I have no problem with it.

[Madman]

It was never a particularly impressive car to drive. The Contour was more fun, both are too small inside, and the X-Type was overpriced, overweight, and had serious reliability issues.

Had it been a great car that everyone knew was derived from the Contour, few would have complained.

I will agree that Jaguar overpriced the X-Type.  They thought it could go head-to-head against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class but it couldn't quite match either of those cars on a feature-for-feature comparison.  That didn't make it a bad car, however.  If Jaguar had priced it as a budget alternative to those cars, then it would have been better accepted.

Personally, I say let everyone talk down the X-Type.  That just means I will be able to pick up a used one in a few years for peanuts.  I would still take this over any Lexus, any day!

Cheers,
Madman of the People

[the Teuton]

The words Jag and budget have never gone hand and hand, at least on the new car market.  I don't think the car was right for the US at the time and I think Ford/Jag did a horrible job marketing it.

[omicron]

Damn it. I still want to reproduce all night long with the X-Type, and I can't think of any good, logical reasons why.

Jaguar.

[Tave]

Why don't they kill this thing off.

Amen

[ifcar]

I will agree that Jaguar overpriced the X-Type.  They thought it could go head-to-head against the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-class but it couldn't quite match either of those cars on a feature-for-feature comparison.  That didn't make it a bad car, however.  If Jaguar had priced it as a budget alternative to those cars, then it would have been better accepted.

Personally, I say let everyone talk down the X-Type.  That just means I will be able to pick up a used one in a few years for peanuts.  I would still take this over any Lexus, any day!

Cheers,
Madman of the People

Making it a budget alternative could have damaged Jaguar brand, though it likely would have boosted sales. But what does it have that the competitors didn't? Not ride or handling. Not refinement. Not interior space. Not power. And not any combination that other entry-lux lacks.

What is it about the X-Type that appeals so much to you, besides not being a Lexus-type car? Styling and badge?

[Madman]

Making it a budget alternative could have damaged Jaguar brand, though it likely would have boosted sales. But what does it have that the competitors didn't? Not ride or handling. Not refinement. Not interior space. Not power. And not any combination that other entry-lux lacks.

What is it about the X-Type that appeals so much to you, besides not being a Lexus-type car? Styling and badge?

Styling is part of it's appeal, particularly the very elegant interior.  Nobody does car interiors better than the British, and the X-Type upholds that tradition.  The X-Type is also a tidy handling car, too.  Add to that All-Wheel-Drive and a torquey, easily serviceable V6 engine, although I personally would have preferred the Europe-only diesel.  I also see the X-type's relatively small size as a virtue.  It's size contributes to the cars tossability and it will fit into tight parking spaces very easily.  And, in station wagon form, the X-type was quite a capable load-lugger, too.

Bear in mind that, historically, Jaguar has never been about producing the most expensive, cost-no-object uber-sedans on the market.  Better off leaving that to the Germans.  Jaguar has always been about (somewhat) affordable luxury.  Had the X-Type's price tag undercutted the obvious German rivals it would have been better received in the marketplace.

I still say if nobody knew there was a MK II Mondeo floorpan under there (not necessarily a bad thing, either) then there wouldn't be anybody complaining about how the X-type supposedly isn't a "real" Jaguar.  After all, Jaguar's very first car was a rebodied Austin Seven and I've NEVER heard anyone complain about that!


Cheers,
Madman of the People

[Raza]

The X Type is not really tossable.  Try tossing it into a corner, and you'll just understeer into a tree.

[ChrisV]

Madman +1! I agree heartily with everything you've said, and I heartily disagree with Raza, especially about the AWD manual trans version. Start to dive into a corner, lift off, flick down a gear and smoothly power through the corner. it was not as twitchy as the SVT, true, but much more planted with the AWD.

And what a great platform to build a fun twin turbo AWD sport sedan that ISN'T another BMW or Mercedes.

[omicron]

I saw an X-Type today, in a lovely champagne colour. What a pretty car. I haven't a clue how it drives, but as Chris points out, as a unique alternative to a 3 or C it's delightfully appealing.

I think I'd have to keep the chrome on, though - not all black like the one posted above.

[omicron]

[Eye of the Tiger]

This thread needs more XF!

[Eye of the Tiger]

Oh yeah, and some more cowbell!

[Raza]

Madman +1! I agree heartily with everything you've said, and I heartily disagree with Raza, especially about the AWD manual trans version. Start to dive into a corner, lift off, flick down a gear and smoothly power through the corner. it was not as twitchy as the SVT, true, but much more planted with the AWD.

And what a great platform to build a fun twin turbo AWD sport sedan that ISN'T another BMW or Mercedes.

I do love the looks; I've only driven the top V6 with an automatic though. 

[TheIntrepid]

You're buying me one? Well thank you!

[Madman]

Here's the one I want.


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Cheers,
Madman of the People

[nickdrinkwater]

Someone at work has one of those in silver/grey.  Very nice.