Diesel X-Type unleashed

Jaguar's X-Type has not made the sort of impact in the Australian market that the British car manufacturer had anticipated when the car went on sale here several years ago.

The car's retro styling didn't wash for those who bought Jaguars for their legendary avant-garde style; cars such as the original XJ6 and the E-Type before that.

Jaguar Australia will no doubt be hoping for a revival of market interest in the X-Type with a 2008 model year update and the launch of a diesel variant in the range.

The 2.2-litre diesel is the big news. Fitted with a diesel particulate filter to comply with current emissions standards, the four-cylinder engine develops 107kW of power and 366Nm of torque from 1800rpm. That torque figure is over 80Nm ahead of the 3.0-litre petrol V6 in the top-spec variants. By Jaguar's estimates, the diesel X-Type will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 9.9 seconds and carry on to a top speed of 208km/h.

In the combined cycle test under ADR81/01, the diesel X-Type returns a figure of 6.9L/100km and produces 184g/km of CO2 emissions.

The diesel is the only engine in the X-Type range to drive through a six-speed automatic transmission -- both the petrol V6 units (the 2.1-litre base engine as well as the 3.0-litre) are coupled to five-speed automatic transmissions. A sequential-shift facility and an adaptive sport mode during manual shifting are two of the features of the six-speeder.

According to Jaguar, nearly 500 new components have been specified for the X-Type. The changes include a second generation Bluetooth system, a revised antenna pod for the roof, revised parking sensors and a range of cosmetic enhancements.

Visually, the 2008 X-Type can be distinguished by new or revised grille, bumpers, sill mouldings, badging, chrome rear garnish, door mirrors with integrated indicators, two new alloy wheel designs and a new exterior colour selection.

Internally, revisions extend to the speedo, tachometer, seats and door trims. New finishes include chrome for the air vent dials and steering wheel controls, a Rosewood veneer option and new colours and materials including a soft grain leather option.

"The package of revisions -- particularly the automatic transmission in the 2.2 diesel -- presents our dealers with an excellent opportunity to reach new customers and retain existing owners," said CJ O'Donnell, Global Marketing Director for Jaguar, in summing up the strategy underlying the changes.

Full pricing details for the revised X-Type range are:

2.1 LE $53,990
2.2D LE $55,490
2.1 Sport $58,190
2.2D Sport $59,690
3.0 LE $69,990
3.0 Sport $74,190
3.0 Luxury $76,990

The new X-TYPE goes on sale in Australia in April 2008.

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