2005 Jaguar X-Type Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Jaguar's smallest, least-expensive line gains a luxury VDP Edition package and a wagon bodystyle for 2005. All X-Types have all-wheel drive and a 227-hp 3.0-liter V6 engine. No longer available is the 2.5-liter V6. The 3.0 sedan is available with manual or automatic transmission, Sportwagon is automatic only. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front side airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, and driver knee airbag are standard. Also standard is leather-and-wood interior trim. The sedan comes with 16-inch wheels, Sportwagon with 17s. A Moonroof Package adds 17-inch wheels and split folding rear seat to the sedan. A Sport Package for the sedan adds a sport suspension with 18-inch wheels, antiskid system, aero body trim, and unique interior trim. The VDP Edition Package adds heated front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, and burled walnut trim to the sedan. Heated front seats, antiskid system, navigation, hands-free cellular phone link, and rear-obstacle-detection systems are optional on all models.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our single Best Buy in the Premium Compact Car class is the Acura TSX. Our Recommended picks include the BMW 3-Series and the Saab 9-3.

News

Back in 1999, Jaguar set out to boost its yearly worldwide sales beyond 200,000. The entry-level X-Type was key to that goal. But the X-Type was seen in many quarters as just a gussied up European Ford, and it has never sold as expected. As a result, Jaguar managed only 120,000 worldwide sales in 2004, about where it was when the X-Type launched in '01. Worse, the X-Type effectively made Jaguar's operations less efficient. The added overhead has combined with continuing weak sales and a falling dollar to create huge losses--a hefty $1.1 billion in 2003 alone.

With all this, some sources feel the X-Type will be dropped after 2007 and not redesigned as scheduled. Apparently, some Jaguar insiders are against another entry-level sedan, instead favoring an iconic, image-boosting 2-seat coupe or convertible. The only problem is money. Though parent Ford Motor Company has promised to pump in more cash to turn Jaguar around, it's unclear whether funds would exist for a new fourth model line. Tune in tomorrow--or at least keep checking with us--for the next chapter of Britain's most famous automotive soap opera. Meanwhile, we don't see the X-Type changing much, if at all.

2005 Jaguar X-Type Road Test

Pros	Cons

Standard all-wheel drive	Automatic-transmission performance

Handling/roadholding	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6

Acceleration class competitive. Test car with automatic-transmission did 7.6 sec 0-60 mph. Jaguar claims 6.6 sec 0-60 for manual. Engine doesn't feel satisfyingly strong below 4000 rpm, and the automatic transmission's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the 40-55-mph range.

Fuel Economy

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	5	5.3

Test sedans with automatic transmission averaged 14.5 mpg in exclusively city driving, 19.0 in mixed city/highway driving, 21.4 in mostly highway travel. No opportunity to measure wagon or manual transmission. Premium-grade fuel required.

Ride Quality

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5	6	6

Takes bumps as a solid unit, stable at speed, befitting sports/luxury positioning. Base suspension comfortably absorbs bad pavement with 16-inch tires. Test car with 17-inch tires suffered wheel patter and some impact harshness. Sport with 18-inch tires ride firmer still, but not uncomfortably.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
7	7	8	7	7.3

Sedans with base suspension and wagons are secure, agile for the most part. Fast turns induce some body lean, but AWD maintains outstanding grip, even when powering out of wet corners. Steering is communicative, accurate, nicely weighted. Sports have sharper steering and reduced body lean.

Quietness

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6	7	6

Wind rush impressively low. Sports with 18-inch tires have more tire noise. Under full throttle, the V6 growls nicely.

Controls

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
6	7	6	6	6.9

Unobstructed instrumentation. Low-mounted audio controls require driver to look away 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 difficulty of use in manual mode. Standard leather and wood strive for an upscale cabin ambience, but some of the plastics disappoint.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6	6.3

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)

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	4	3.6

As much usable space as any direct rival. Seat cushion too soft for best support, and narrow doorways compromise entry/exit.

Cargo Room

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	7	4

At 16 cu ft, sedan trunk is among largest in class. Low liftover and nonintrusive strut hinges enhance versatility, but Jaguar charges extra for a folding rear seatback on sedans. Sportwagon increases cargo space, but has average capacity for a wagon in class.

Value within Class

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
3	4	4	4	6

The X-Type is an acceptable blend of performance and luxury, and it comes with the all-weather capability of AWD. The addition of a wagon enhances its appeal. X-Type offers Jaguar cachet, but top rivals offer better all-around cars.

Total Score

Sedan w/nav. sys., auto.	Sedan w/VDP, auto.	Sedan w/Sport Pkg., auto.	Sportwagon, auto.	Class Average
54	56	54	58	57.4

Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		57
High Score		65

2005 Jaguar X-Type Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/31/2005

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

3.0 4-door sedan	$30,830	$28,056	$665

Sportwagon 4-door wagon	$36,330	$33,061	$665

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

3.0

Powertrain

3.0-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Alpine AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, map light, rear defogger, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

Sportwagon adds to 3.0:

Powertrain

5-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, split folding rear seat, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Roof rails, 225/45ZR17 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Moonroof Pkg.
3.0	$2,250	$1,913
Power sunroof, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, split folding rear seat, 225/45HR17 tires, unique alloy wheels.

Premium Pkg.
3.0, Sportwagon	$1,950	$1,658
Driver-seat and mirror memory, 8-way power passenger seat, front-seat power lumbar adjustment, upgraded sound system, automatic day/night outside and rearview mirrors, universal garage-door opener, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.

Sport Pkg.
3.0	$2,950	$2,508
Antiskid system, brake assist, sport seats, Alpine sound system, rear spoiler, body-colored exterior trim and body cladding, sport suspension, 225/40ZR18 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Moonroof Pkg.

VDP Edition
3.0	$2,950	$2,508
Premium Pkg. plus upgraded leather upholstery and wood interior trim, heated front seats, chrome outside mirrors, 225/45HR17 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Moonroof Pkg., 5-speed automatic transmission.

Cold Weather Pkg.
3.0, Sportwagon	$995	$846
Antiskid system, brake assist, heated front seats, heated windshield.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission
3.0	$1,250	$1,063


Safety
Antiskid system
3.0, Sportwagon	$525	$446
Includes brake assist. 3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

Rear-obstacle-detection system
3.0, Sportwagon	$325	$276
3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Sportwagon	$2,300	$1,955
3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

6-disc CD changer
3.0	$475	$404
Requires Moonroof Pkg.

Hands-free cellular telephone link
3.0, Sportwagon	$500	$425
3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

Heated front seats
3.0, Sportwagon	$500	$425
3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

Carbon-fiber/alcantara interior trim
3.0	$450	$383
Requires Sport Pkg.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
3.0, Sportwagon	$675	$574
Includes automatic headlight leveling. 3.0 requires Moonroof Pkg.

Black roof rails
Sportwagon	$0	$0
Replaces std. silver roof rails.

Special paint
3.0, Sportwagon	$595	$506


Special order paint
3.0, Sportwagon	$1,000	$850


Aguila alloy wheels
3.0	$0	$0
Includes 225/45HR17 tires. Requires Sport Pkg.

Valencia alloy wheels
3.0, Sportwagon	$795	$676
Includes 225/40ZR18 tires. NA w/Sport Pkg.

Melbourne alloy wheels
3.0	$3,000	$2,550
Requires Sport Pkg.

2005 Jaguar X-Type Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Jaguar X-Type 4-door sedan	Jaguar X-Type 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	106.7	106.7

Overall Length, in.	183.8	185.5

Overall Width, in.	70.4	70.4

Overall Height, in.	56.7	58.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3586	3761

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.0	50.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.0	16.0

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.2	37.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.4	42.4

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	34.4	34.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /181

Horsepower @ rpm.	227 @ 6800

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	206 @ 3000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	18/28

5-speed automatic	18/25

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Jaguar X-Type 4-door sedan	Jaguar X-Type 4-door wagon

Rollover Resistance	4	NA

Side Impact, Driver	4	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	6/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: England

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive

< 2005 Jaguar X-Type Photos

Also in the 2005 Jaguar X-Type Review:

Jaguar X-Type

Jaguar X-Type Road Test

Jaguar X-Type Prices & Equipment

Jaguar X-Type Specs & Safety

Jaguar X-Type Photos

Jaguar X-Type Full Review

All Jaguar X-Types

All Jaguars