2002 Jaguar X-Type

With car manufacturers around the world crawling into bed with one another (not always willingly) through buyouts, partial buyouts, mergers and all the other configurations common to big biz these days, why is that Ford’s ownership of Jaguar continues to draw the most raised eyebrows? My theory is that our snobbish sensibilities are offended at the notion of Ford (i.e. maker of transportation for the American masses) telling Jaguar (i.e. maker of luxury/performance cars for the international upper crust) what to do. Never mind that Jaguars didn’t always work so well before Ford got involved, the esteemed marque maintained its image of the finest British luxury, privilege and class.

The latest hue and cry comes with the introduction of the brand new Jaguar X-type, the smallest sedan in the Jaguar lineup. To the outsider, it looks like another so-called Ford abomination of this aristocratic line, a little entry-level sedan where one doesn’t belong.

Turn your nose up if you will, but this X-type represents an important step in keeping Jaguar competitive in an increasingly crowded and diverse luxury/performance sedan segment. Or does it?

The Good News
As I said about the Jaguar S-type mid-sized sedan, this X-type represents the best of both automakers: Ford’s solid engineering influence and Jaguar’s enduring sense of style.

Contrary to what some have sniffed, it is not a rebadged Ford Contour. That rumor comes from the fact the X-type is based on the European Ford Mondeo, as was the Contour. However, there is now a brand new Mondeo in Europe from which this new Cat springs, a chassis further tailored for the X by making it four-wheel-drive instead of front-wheel. Jaguar has always been rear-wheel drive, a tradition at least partially kept by this new configuration. This Jag’s four-wheel system sends 60 percent of the power to the rear axle until tires slip, at which point power automatically goes to the wheels with the most grip. Not only does the system increase overall tenacity and stability, steering has an advantage with more power to the rear. That dismisses the unpleasant playfulness you often get when considerable power channels directly to the front wheels.

Speaking of considerable power, the X-type comes with two V-6 engines, both developed from Ford’s Duratec engines: a 2.5-liter rated at 194 horsepower and my 3.0-liter with 231 horses borrowed from the base S-type sedan.

That’s anywhere from six to 21 more horses than comparables from BMW, Audi, Lexus and Lincoln. However, independent tests clock this 3.0-liter X-type at 7.2 seconds 0-60, which is competitive but not exceptional.

Those numbers are calculated with the manual transmission, another departure for Jaguar found in this X-type. It comes with either automatic or manual five-speed transmission, the latter of which I drove. The manual operates with an easy touch becoming of a Jaguar, not the somewhat heavier shifters associated with German sport sedans.

Jaguar didn’t invest only in making the X-type a sport sedan, however. Customers would expect an exceptional level of luxury and sophisticated styling, even in a baby sedan, so they modeled it after their flagship XJ8, inside and out. They lined this little X-type with Connolly leather and bird’s eye-maple wood and fashioned the exterior with XJ8 grace. Unlike some of its competitors who design mostly for sport, this little sedan sticks with elegance.

The Bad News
I had a really hard time warming up to this X-type’s performance, because I could never get in sync with the clutch. I frequently found myself over-revving, rushing unintentionally through a gear or shifting roughly out of step. It just didn’t feel right. I also hunted for reverse consistently, and the transmission popped out of third gear several times.

I find the ride a bit unforgiving, too, no surprise in a sport sedan but likely a rude awakening for those who want a Jaguar.

Although this X-type’s yummy leather-lined interior looks terribly inviting, the truth is it’s not wonderfully comfortable. The cabin feels cramped, the back seat especially.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 18 mpg city/28 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $37,950;
Price as tested, $39,145

Is it worth it?
While I’m glad those who have lusted after a Jaguar all their lives can now own a real one brand new for under $40 grand, I don’t think this X-type is what they had in mind.

It prices out a little above the BMW 330i and Audi A4 3.0 Quattro and well beyond a comparably equipped Lexus IS300. But the Lexus is sheer sport, while the Jaguar comes with a little Grey Poupon, if you will. It’s more things to more people.

Still, it is awfully expensive for entry level anything, even a Jaguar, and not hot enough to lure people away from the Germans or Japanese.

Some will be smitten with this Jaguar X-type’s pedigree nameplate, thoroughbred styling, Connolly leather and quick reflexes, seeing it as the best of all worlds. I see it more as a compact that couldn’t quite make up its mind between luxury and sport, but charges you like they have it all figured out.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.