The 2002 X-type was introduced in May, 2001 as Jaguar's first (and so far only) AWD production vehicle. The base model was originally priced at $29,900 USD, making it Jaguar's first entry level luxury saloon. Quickly nicknamed "Baby Jag", the entry model came with a 2.5L V6 engine mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. An optional 5 speed automatic listed for about $ 1500 but despite the low price, the US base X-type came equipped with leather, climate control and power everything.

For those seeking more power, a 3.0L V6 w/ 5 speed automatic offered significantly better performance although the basic 2.5 liter engined version is quick enough for most drivers, especially with the 5 speed manual gearbox. The larger engined model was retailing around $35 000 but included the automatic transmission; the manual gearbox was a no cost option on the 3.0

The North American standard trim package reflected very closely the European SE, with chrome bumper blades and leather seats, whilst stitched cloth upholstery was standard in the European "Classic" option. Interestingly, the base model North American X-types and Classic European models were supplied w/ Dorchester gray grille vanes inside the chrome grille surround, whist the chrome grille vanes are only supplied in the European SE version. Both European and North American models offered a "Sport" package as well, with subtle differences between the markets.

As with many new models, the X-type had a few 'bugs' associated with the initial model year, including:

• Leaking/dripping washer jets
• Defective boot latch
• Faulty J-gate selector
• Vibration issues (Sometimes poor tires/balancing, sometimes a prop-shaft problem)
• Faulty drivers door latch
• "Squeaky" rear seat
• Faulty Thermostats, resulting in "High Engine Temperature" warnings
• Weak center arm rest

Most of these quirks have now be corrected under warranty and shouldn't be a problem if you are looking at an early X-type.

The North American '02 X-type had the following special packages available with purchase -

• X1 Premium package - Sun roof, 70/30 split rear seats, power passenger seat, dimming monochromatic rear view mirror, auto headlights, auto wipers, reverse park control, voice activation pre-wire, message center and trip computer, and "homelink" door opener gadgetry.
• X2 Sport Package (requires X1 as a base) - 17"wheels, molded matching exterior trim instead of chrome, sport seats, dark stained maple, Dynamic Stability Control, limited color choices, and tighter suspension.
• X3 Weather Package (requires X1 as a base) - heated seats, heated window washers, and Dynamic Stability Control.

Individual options available included Xenon lights, Navigation System, Alpine stereo system, and Jag Net, all requiring X1 as a base. 8-way power driver's seat (as well as separate passenger seat option) was also available as an individual option without the X1 package.

For detailed information and pictures, see the following pages:

• Our test drive report
• Classic Jaguar World test Drive
• X-Type launch material (brochure, press pack, etc...)

For 2003, the X-type was provided without most of the problems found in the initial '02 models. Besides the better quality build, there was not much new included w/ for the 2003 models .

2004 saw minor updates introduced on the X-type, including standard two cup holders, a standard wood/leather wrapped steering wheel, and Larger 16" tires for the North American 2.5L version, and 17" tires on the 3.0L and Sport models. Very Large 18" tires are also available on the 3.0L sport model.

The '04 X-type also sprouted a wider boot plinth, and found the boot latch release button located under the edge of the boot, which eliminated the freezing issues found w/ the push button location on the face of the boot. The silver trim on the boot was also found to be a bit wider, and the once standard puddle lights were replaced w/ reflectors.

Heated washer jets and mirrors are also provided as standard, and a moon-roof package is provided separately from the original "X1 Premium" package for the North American 2.5 model, whilst being standard for the 3.0L.

The new Salsa, Ultraviolet, and Radiance colors were also introduced, while the Phoenix red color was eliminated.

The interior found "Sand" replaced w/ "Champagne", and for the first time a carbon-fiber trim package was made available as an option to the traditional wood veneers.

In 2005, Jaguar introduced a Vanden Plas edition of the 3.0 Litre X-type on the north American market featuring more luxurious appointments including burl walnut interior trim, rain sensing wipers, dual stage heated front seats, premium sound system and more.

While most US buyers wouldn't consider anything smaller than 2.5 litre in anything but a basic econobox, most buyers in the UK and Europe have to deal with displacement based road taxes and high fuel cost making smaller engines very attractive. This is even more critical for company cars and in march 2002 Jaguar introduced a 2.0 liter version of the X-type in a segment were its competition (Mercedes, Audi and BMW) had held a dominant market share. The smaller engined Jaguar, still powered by a V6 engine, was offered in Front Wheel Drive only to save cost and weight making the X-type appealing to an ever broader market. Yes, you read right... a front wheel drive Jaguar!

The engine, based on the 2.5 and 3.0 AJ-V6 engine, featured the same 4 cam, 24 valve design, developing 157hp - 148lb/ft of torque, mated to a standard Getrag 5 speed manual or optional 5 speed automatic. Three trim levels were offered with the base model priced at £19,995; 2 litre Sport at £22,245; and the luxurious 2 litre SE at £22,995 (all prices on-the-road).

Despite the low cost, the base model included air conditioning, electric driver seat, sound system, birds eye maple veneer, power windows, traction control, security system and 70/30 split rear seat. SE model featured passenger power seat, fully automatic climate control, leather seats, trip computer and more.

diesel engine bay (Pic. Jaguar Cars)

In 2004, the X-type would set once again some new "firsts" for Jaguar, with an Estate (Sportwagon in the US) and the first ever Jaguar Diesel engine. Once again, US Jaguar owners and enthusiasts may gasp at the thought of an noisy, smoky and vibrating oil burner powered Jaguar but the truth is that diesels have come a long way in refinement with turbos and common rail injection. Jaguar engineers are already working in collaboration with French PSA group on a larger V6 diesel which will be offered in the S-type and XJ.

The 2 litre, 4 cylinder, 16 valve, common rail injected turbodiesel engine develops 128hp and a whopping 243lb/ft of torque giving the X-type adequate performance (0-60 times of 9 seconds and 125mph top speed). Economy is where the X-type D shines with 50mpg achieved in UK combined cycle and a range of 600 miles between fillups.

During the development of the diesel mode, particular attention was paid to sound proofing and vibration absorption making the X-type D a very refined car.

Once again, differences between US and European markets were highlighted with the introduction of the X-Type Estate which arrived on the market in the spring of 2004. While the wagons are not popular in the US where most buyers prefer large gas guzzling ego boosting SUVs, Estates are

2004 X-type Estate - Pic. from forum member Anthony Ford Click for other views : Previous - Next

popular in the UK and in Europe, a segment once again dominated by Audi, BMW and Mercedes. Yet during its long history, Jaguar had never offered an estate model despite coming close more than once. A few prototype had been developed over the years, most recently a fairly attractive looking X300 based XJ6. Outside companies have modified a number of Jaguars, turning them into estate models, even the XJS.

This time around, the prototype made it to production with three powertrains : 2.0 Diesel, 2.5 and 3.0 gas V6. Despite the 3600lbs weight, the top of the line 3 liter manual offered spirited performance with a 144mph top speed and 6.8 sec 0-60mph times.

Despite its relatively sleek styling, the X-type Estate boasted more cargo space than its German competition, all easily accessible from a rear tailgate where only the glass section could be open for loading small bags.

Even though it was originally announced that the Estate will not make it to American shores, Jaguar decided to offer it starting with the 2005 model year. Called the Sportwagon it is only available with the 3.0 L V6 engine and retails for $ 36995.

For 2008, Jaguar unveiled a revised version of its small saloon including numerous mechanical upgrades and new features. In European markets where diesel is increasingly critical, the 2008 X-type will be available powered by a larger 2.2 litre engine mated to an all new six speed sequential transmission in addition to the 2 litre diesel and manual gearbox found in the 2007 models.

With the manual gearbox, the 2.2D tops out at 134mph, does 0 to 60mph in 8.7s and achieves 47.1mpg (UK); the automatic model tops out at 129mph with 0-60 of 9.5 and economy of 41mpg. The automatic sequential shift system improves the driving experience with a more sporty feeling.

While differences are more subtle on the outside, a new 3D mesh grille with growler, new bumpers, new front splitter result in what Jaguar calls a bolder look.

On the inside, the 2008 X-Type receives numerous updates as well with a new dash, new finishes and new seats along with improved technology (phone, bluetooth, rear parking aid, etc...)

In the US, don't bother asking your Jaguar dealer about the diesel model, it still will not be available despite the superior fuel economy; both the sedan and sportwagon are powered by the 227hp 3.0 litre V6.

This section currently maintained by Pascal Gademer. 2002/2004 some text by John Scalonge Questions, c submissions and suggestions, click here :