2002 Jaguar X-Type: Road Test
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2002 Jaguar X-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $29,950 -$37,950
- Invoice: $26,955 -$34,035
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Our road test for the 2002 Jaguar X-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Jaguar X-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Jaguar X-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Jaguar X-Type help you decide if a 2002 Jaguar X-Type is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Jaguar says the 2.5 model does 0-60 mph in 7.9 sec with manual transmission and 8.5 with automatic. Test 3.0/automatic timed at 7.6 sec (Jaguar pegs the 3.0/manual at 6.6). These numbers are class-competitive, but in practice, both engines feel satisfyingly strong only above 4000 rpm. That's easily addressed with manual transmission or by manually shifting the automatic. Left in Drive, the automatic's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the important 40-55-mph range. Only 10 percent of U.S. X-Types get manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
Test manual-transmission 3.0 averaged 21.4 mpg in 75 percent highway driving; expect slightly less in a more-even city/highway mix. Test manual-transmission 2.5 Sport averaged 19.5 mpg. Both V6s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 6.2 |
Takes bumps as a solid unit, stable at speed, befitting sports/luxury positioning. Base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement. Tauter Sport suffers wheel patter and some impact harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6.9 |
Secure, agile in changes of direction. Fast turns coax body lean, but AWD maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners, and negates torque steer in hard acceleration. Sport models' steering is quicker than base system, but both communicative, accurate, nicely weighted.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5.7 |
Wind impressively subdued. Sport-model tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement. Under full throttle, the 2.5 sounds ragged, the 3.0 growls nicely.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6.3 |
Unobstructed instrumentation. Navigation system no picnic to program, and incorporating some climate and audio functions monopolizes driver attention. Automatic transmission moves through Jaguar's J-shaped gate, which to some testers has indistinct feel and imprecise engagement. Standard leather and wood impart an upscale cabin ambiance, but gauge and grain of plastics doesn't match Mercedes, Audi, Lexus.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Adequate 6-footer head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering helps set comfortable driving position. Front seats narrower and more softly padded than European norm but have good support. Smartly sized mirrors contribute to fine outward visibility, despite tallish cowl.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
As much usable space as any direct rival, including plenty of foot space, but still comfortable for only two adults. Seat cushion too soft for best support, and narrow lower doorways compromise entry/exit. Two cupholders in center armrest.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.2 |
At 16 cu ft, among the largest trunks in the class. Low liftover and nonintrusive strut hinges enhance versatility.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.3 |
Not a pure-pedigree sports sedan, but a pleasing blend of performance and Jaguar emotion. X-Type makes this upscale brand accessible to a new audience. Prices escalate quickly, though. A base 2.5 is over $35,000 popularly optioned. A fully equipped 3.0 Sport tops $48,000.
Total Score
| 2.5 Sport, man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 55 | 54.5 |
Total Score: 56
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