Jaguar's S-TYPE replacement, the new XF, hits the road from early next year, and so the X-TYPE has undergone minor reconstructive surgery to keep the car up to pace with its big brother's fresh new family face - keeping it savoury for the 2008 model year. The new-generation X-Type hosts new features both inside and out, including the introduction of an automatic transmission mated to its 2.2-litre diesel unit.
With a total of over 500 components having received significant revisions in the new car, the X-TYPE 'retains all the original car's strengths, and adds some new ones of its own'. Namely, the model range now boasts the mating of a six-speed automatic transmission (featuring the one-touch control of Jaguar Sequential Shift) with the firm's existing high-performance 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The introduction of the 2.2-litre diesel automatic version is a first for Jaguar, much like the addition of an estate model to the brand in 2004. The new mating produces 'an exceptional blend of performance and refinement' with combined fuel consumption figures of 41 mpg (compared to the manual's 47 mpg) and performance remaining good. The 0-60 mph time increases marginly from 8.7 seconds in the manual to 9.5 in the automatic. Top speed decreases from 134 to 129 mph, while CO2 figures increase from 159 to 184 g/km.
The X-TYPE now features a refreshed face, with 'changes reflecting Jaguar's saloon car design language', as showcased on the new XF saloon. The most notable exterior design changes are the new mesh grille design and re-designing of the car's front and rear bumpers, while a stylised lower front air intake, revised sill designs as well as altered badging highlight the facelifted model. The modifications to the design give the X-Type further 'visual appeal and strength'.
Subtle interior revisions offering increased trim and specification choice enhance the X-TYPE's luxury credentials. Options include chrome or metallic switch and dial finishes as well as a widened colour choice pallette and further complementing interior trim selections. Rosewood veneer also joins the options list.
The technological features spec sheet also grows to include new audio options such as a Digital Radio system, improved Bluetooth connectivity, facilitating the use of up to five paired handsets with increased functions, and 'Generation V' parking aids, allowing smaller, body-coloured sensors.
The new X-Type will be on sale in the UK from March next year, entering other European markets from April. Read on for further details, noting the press release continues over two pages.
IN DETAIL
The diesel-automatic alternative
For the first time in the X-TYPE range, buyers can opt for diesel power and an automatic transmission. The 2.2 litre diesel is paired with a new six-speed automatic gearbox, which has the added attraction of 'one-touch control' Jaguar Sequential Shift, for manual gearchanges.
"The combination of diesel power with automatic transmission and Jaguar Sequential Shift adds yet another dimension to the X-TYPE", commented X-TYPE Chief Programme Engineer, Kevin Stride. "Furthermore, all the actions we have implemented on the new car improve its refinement and drivability".
The six gear ratios are chosen to deliver refined cruising while maintaining sporty performance – the balance that Jaguar research shows an X-TYPE owner wants. Where the 2.2 litre diesel with manual transmission can achieve maximum torque from second gear, the new combination can achieve maximum torque in all six gears, utilising optimum gear change points to ensure best use of the available torque. This delivers significant benefits to performance 'feel' and the performance of the diesel automatic is impressively close to that of the diesel with the manual transmission. In the new X-TYPE saloon, the 2.2D manual version has headline figures of 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds (0-100kph in 9.1 seconds), a maximum speed of 134mph (216kph), a combined economy of 47.1mpg (6.0l/100km), and a CO2 rating of 159g/km. The respective figures for the 2.2D automatic are 9.5 seconds (9.9 seconds), 129mph (208kph), 41 mpg (6.9l/100km) and 184g/km. The comparative figures – shown in full in the specification tables - are similar for estate versions.
Thanks to the new transmission’s advanced electronic control, it offers rapid responses to shift commands, and a choice of operating modes. Moving from fully automatic to ‘manual’ mode automatically selects a ‘Sports’ setting: this delivers more involving, sporty shift dynamics – with the added benefit of simple, one-touch up- or down-shifts using the Jaguar Sequential Shift programme.
As well as the changes needed to install the new transmission, extensive measures were taken to optimise cooling, weight and noise, and vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics. These include at a physical level, a greater volume of and improvements to sound insulation materials, while in the electronic arena the Engine Speed Control (ESC) smoothes downshifts and the torque converter is given a degree of slip that both improves its NVH qualities and gives improved drivability and economy.
Technology moving forwards
The new X-TYPE also introduces significantly upgraded electronic features, from new digital audio options to improved Bluetooth® connectivity and ‘Generation 5’ parking aids.
As digital broadcasting becomes increasingly widespread around the world, the new X-TYPE offers Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) systems, while retaining the ability to receive both analogue and digital broadcasts.
The new Bluetooth® Phase 2 system offers the ability to pair as many as five different handsets to the car, where the earlier system offered only a single pairing. It also offers extended phonebook functions, including last-number redial for each of the five paired handsets if needed, and enhanced connection strategies, including the last paired handset connecting first on starting up again.
And rear park aids now match the front ones in being ‘Generation 5’, using new technology that allows the sensors to be smaller, neater and body coloured.
See Page Two for further details
