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Acceleration
"Class competitive. Test sedan did 7.6 sec 0-60. Engine not satisfyingly strong
below 4000 rpm, while transmission's tardy downshifts frustrate response in the
40-55-mph range."
Value
"The X-Type is an acceptable blend of performance and luxury, and it comes with
the all-weather capability of all-wheel drive. The addition of a wagon enhances
its appeal. X-Type offers Jaguar cachet, but top rivals offer better all-around
cars."
Ride
"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. Firmer still
with sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, but not uncomfortable."
Economy
"Test sedans averaged 19.0 in mixed city/highway driving, 21.4 in mostly highway
travel. No opportunity to measure wagon. Jaguar recommends premium-grade fuel."
Noise
"Wind rush impressively low. Obvious road noise with 18-inch tires. Under full
throttle, the V6 growls nicely."
Comfort - Front
"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."
Comfort - Rear
"As much usable space as any direct rival. Seat cushion too soft for best support,
and narrow doorways compromise entry/exit."
Controls
"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."
Cargo Room
"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."
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