2005 JAGUAR X-TYPE NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2005 Jaguar X-Type?
Jaguar has announced that it will bring a station wagon version of the 2005 X-Type to the U.S., equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and standard all-wheel-drive. Also, a luxurious new VDP Edition of the 2005 Jaguar X-Type sedan is available, which adds a measured dose of kit to the baby cat. Included on the VDP Edition are chrome mirror caps and rear trim plates, and 17-inch "Andros" wheels with all-season tires. Inside the VDP Edition you'll be pampered with heated front seats decorated with contrast piping, burled walnut trim, ten-way power seats with memory for seat and mirror positions, rain-sensing wipers, a message center and trip computer, and an upgraded sound system. The Sport package receives appearance improvements for 2005, with a lower front spoiler, a different grille and a revised body kit, as well as optional carbon fiber trim and Alcantara upholstery for the interior. Across the line, the front seats are modified to meet new Federal safety standards.

Advantages of the 2005 Jaguar X-Type:

• Standard all-wheel drive
• Low starting price for base models
• Surprisingly good comfort levels front and rear
• New station wagon model adds spice to lineup

Objections to the 2005 Jaguar X-Type:

• Downmarket materials quality
• Unimpressive reliability record
• Low resale values
• Price quickly escalates with the addition of a few options

Editor's Advice:
It seems to our staff that there are two primary rationales for buying the 2005 Jaguar X-Type: 1.) "I want a Jaguar!" and 2.) "It's pretty!" Dynamically, the Jaguar X-Type has difficulty competing on equal footing with a standard-issue Honda Accord EX much less the best entry-luxury sedans from Europe and Japan. Neither of its engines, the 2.5-liter 192-horsepower V6 nor the 3.0-liter 227-horsepower V6, stacks up to its competitors in terms of refinement. The ride is smooth and the X-Type is stable under a wide variety of road conditions, thanks in part to its standard all-wheel drive, but it lacks the raw athletic prowess of its German and Japanese competitors even when endowed with the optional Sport package. Like the exterior, the interior looks upscale and classy, with its wide expanse of lustrous wood and creamy optional leather, but the switchgear and other materials are primarily Ford-sourced and feel cheap. This Jag's new-car smell even recalls a Ford product. But what most concerns us is the high percentage of X-Type owners who have reported reliability trouble with this car. Resale values are likewise dismal. For those jonesing for a Jag, a lightly equipped X-Type 2.5 presents the best value. With the X-Type 3.0's bigger engine and expensive options ladled on, you may wonder why you're not considering more competent luxury sport sedans more closely.