2003 Jaguar X-Type: Road Test
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2003 Jaguar X-Type ▼
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- MSRP: $29,305 -$36,305
- Invoice: $26,667 -$33,075
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Our road test for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Jaguar X-Type from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Jaguar X-Type help you decide if a 2003 Jaguar X-Type is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
About 60 percent of sales are the 2.5 version. They're slow for near-luxury cars, but the 3.0s are class competitive. Test manual-transmission 2.5 did 0-60 mph in 8.5 sec vs. Jaguar's claim of 7.9 sec. Jaguar claims 8.5 sec 0-60 for the 2.5 with automatic. Test automatic-transmission 3.0 did 0-60 in 7.6 sec. Jaguar pegs the manual 3.0 at 6.6 sec. In most circumstances, neither engine feels satisfyingly strong below 4000 rpm. And left in Drive, the automatic transmission's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the 40-55-mph range. Test manual-transmission 2.5s tended to bog moving from a stop. Only 5 percent of U.S. X-Types get manual transmission.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Test manual-transmission 2.5 averaged 19.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, 24.6 in mostly highway travel. Test automatic-transmission 3.0 averaged 21.4 mpg in primarily highway driving; expect slightly less overall. Both V6s require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6.4 |
Takes bumps as a solid unit, stable at speed, befitting sports/luxury positioning. Base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement. Tauter Sport Package suspension suffers wheel patter and some impact harshness.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 7 |
Secure, agile for the most part. Fast turns induce some body lean, but AWD maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners. Sport-package steering quicker than base system's, but both are communicative, accurate, nicely weighted.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 6.1 |
Wind rush impressively low. Sport Package tire roar intrudes on coarse pavement. Under full throttle, the 2.5 engine sounds ragged, the 3.0 growls nicely.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.4 |
Unobstructed instrumentation. Low-mounted audio controls require some testers to remove eyes from road. Navigation system no picnic to program, and incorporating some climate and audio functions monopolizes driver attention. Automatic transmission has Jaguar's J-shaped gate selector, which some testers fault for imprecise action and unorthodox shift pattern. Standard leather and wood strive for an upscale cabin ambience, but plastics don't match most rivals' for looks or feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Adequate 6-footer head room. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps set comfortable driving position. Front seats narrower and softer than the European norm but have good support. Smartly sized mirrors contribute to fine outward visibility, despite tallish cowl.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.8 |
As much usable space as any direct rival. Seat cushion too soft for best support, and narrow doorways compromise entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
At 16 cu ft, trunk is among largest in class. Low liftover and nonintrusive strut hinges enhance versatility, but Jaguar charges extra for a folding rear seatback.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
It's not a purebred sports sedan, but X-Type is an acceptable blend of performance and Jaguar emotion, and makes this famous brand accessible to a new audience. Still, equipped with desirable options, 2.5 models are in the mid-$30,000 range, 3.0s in the $40,000s. There are any number of better all-around cars at those price points.
Total Score
| 2.5 w/Sport Pkg., man. | 3.0 w/nav. sys., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 53 | 57 | 55.9 |
Total Score: 55
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