Let's clear one misconception up straight away. CarPoint's received plenty of emails 'correcting' us on the driven wheels of the X-Type 2.1. So here it is, plain and simple: The X-type 2.1-litre is a front wheel drive car. It is Jaguar's first ever front wheel drive car. The X-Type 2.5 and 3.0-litre cars are all wheel drive. They are Jaguar's first ever all wheel drive cars.
That aside, the X-Type lives up to expectations in every aspect, except power. It's suitably well-equipped, with leather seats, air-conditioning and dual front and side airbags. Anti-lock brakes are standard, as are 16in alloy wheels and five-speed manual transmission. The more expensive SE model gains cruise control, climate control, five-speed automatic transmission and a trip computer for $59,750.
The 2.1-litre V6 engine produces 117kiloWatts of power, sufficient to propel the 1485kg X-Type SE from rest to 100km/h in an un-Jaguar-like 10.8 seconds. The manual X-Type weighs 35kg less and reaches 100km/h 1.4 seconds quicker.
The cheapest Jaguar has quite a smooth, if somewhat wallowy straightline ride. The steering is light, though not overly communicative, and prone to some kickback on rough cornering surfaces. The cheapest X-Type doesn't roll its body through corners as much as you'd expect of such a softly sprung sedan, maintaining quite an even keel under all but extreme conditions.
We spent time behind the wheel of both the automatic version and the manual. Our choice? Hard to say, both have their deficiencies. But first, the good. The automatic version uses adaptive shifting technology to modify its change patterns to your style of driving. Accordingly, it will change gears quite early when you're trundling along, but will hold to 6750rpm if you're up it for the rent. Acceleration is smooth and consistent, though it certainly won't make you the talk of the town.
The manual 2.1-litre X-Type does make the most of the engine's power, and is quicker under acceleration, though the action is notchy and stiff, and requires a firm guiding hand. The clutch is quite grabby, taking up too quickly at one point in the throw. Initially we thought it was due to the relatively low mileage on the car we drove at launch, however a more recent one week test of a vehicle with close to 4000km on the clock revealed the same grabby clutch. It is something you will adapt to over time, but will continue to catch you out whenever you're trying for a quick getaway.
The 2.1-litre X-Type - with either transmission - has more real world power than a similar spec BMW 318i, it's logical competitor on price. The engine delivers most of its torque from as little as 1500rpm, though there's a noticeable punch at 2500rpm. As we mentioned before it'll spin happily right through to its 6800rpm redline, though its best work is done by 5800rpm.
Interior room is good for a vehicle of this size, especially in the front, and the curved roofline doesn't impede on rear headroom much at all. The dashboard layout is typically Jaguar, from the J-gate auto and copious maple surfaces to the proud Jaguar emblem mounted on the steering wheel.
All 2.1-litre X-Type models come standard with leather interior, electrically adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, and alloy wheels.
Safety features include front, side and curtain airbags, antilock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and traction control.
The more expensive SE model adds automatic transmissions, automatic climate control, trip computer and cruise control. Options include DVD-based satnav, hi-intensity xenon headlamps, rain sensing wipers (fitted to our test car - great for Melbourne's unpredictable weather) and reverse parking aid.
Realistically, will any potential X-Type 2.1-litre buyer care that the wrong wheels are driving the car? Not likely. So, judging it purely as a $50k prestige small sedan, the X-Type has all the right ingredients, as well as that hard-to-price Jaguar brand value. The only real problem with the 2.1 is the clutch fitted to the manual transmission. Other than that, the X-Type 2.1 offers a well rounded, if slightly underpowered, package that's well suited to those entering the prestige car market, or looking for a capable, quality, second vehicle.