2002 Jaguar X-Type Review

Jaguar X-Type
Jaguar's all-new for '02 X-Type marks the first time in 15 years the automaker has produced a vehicle for under $30,000. It's also Jag's first foray into all-wheel drive and also marks the return of a manual gearbox to the lineup. A significant vehicle for Jaguar? You bet it is. Jag's scope is sharply focused on the entry-level lux leader, M-B's C-Class.

Base power is derived from a 2.5L/ 194-hp AJ-V-6 mated to a five-speed manual or optional five-speed autobox. An optional 3.0L/231-hp V-6 is available with the standard slush box or no-cost-option manual. Besides the Audi A4 quattro and BMW 330Xi, the X-Type is the only other AWD in the segment. The Traction-4 system uses a planetary gear center differential mated with a viscous coupling to split power 40 percent front and 60 percent rear, providing rear-drive feel with AWD safety.

MacPherson struts in front and multilink, torsion-control suspension out back quell road irregularities. Speed-sensing steering gives precise feedback while making parking-lot maneuvers a breeze. Dynamic Stability Control adds extra peace of mind during foul weather, and four-wheel ABS-managed discs halt the 205/55HR16 Continental ContiSport tires (mounted on 16x6.5-in. alloys).

Interior controls are logically placed and within fingertip reach. Front power buckets provide ample support, but rear passengers will find the accommodations a bit cramped. In typical Jaguar style, the interior is a masterpiece of wood, leather, and chrome. First-time Jag owners probably won't notice the lack of leather, but repeat buyers will feel the increased use of plastic and vinyl-covered parts.

The big touch screen on the center stack provides climate, audio, and navigation control functions, with legible and useable menus. At nearly three times the size of previous Jaguar nav screens, it's easy to operate at speed.

Our up-level tester (with the 3.0L V-6 and automatic tranny) based at $35,950 and was fitted with the $2500 premium package (one-touch moonroof, 70/30 split-fold rear seat, eight-way power driver seat, two-way power passenger seat, auto headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, reverse park control, message center, and Homelink transmitter), $1200 weather package (including front-seat heaters, heated headlamp washers, and Dynamic Stability Control), $2200 nav system and $1200 Alpine premium sound system (with trunk-mounted six-disc changer), and $645 in delivery charges. Total cost: $43,695.

Nearing the $45K point, the X-Type is a bit on the pricey side. But with the rain-slicked-street-cornering ability of an Audi A4 quattro, acceleration like the turbo Volvo S60 and hunting-lodge/ livingroom interior styling, the X-Type has the formula for success.