Jaguar X-TYPE

In 2001, the expectation surrounding the unveiling of the X-TYPE was unprecedented for Jaguar. This was a particularly frenetic time for the company, as it had embarked on a ‘product led transformation’ of epic proportions. The X-TYPE was the principal weapon in achieving the goal of volume sales.

At the time BMW was selling in the region of 400,000 3-Series models around the world, so the target of selling a quarter of that number of X-TYPEs did not seem wholly unreasonable. Some £300 million was invested in transforming the former Ford Escort plant at Halewood in Liverpool to produce the new model. One of the biggest launch exercises ever undertaken by Jaguar was executed, extrapolated over six months from the first official press shots being released in October 2000 and the first drive in April 2001. At launch, the X-TYPE was available with all-wheel drive only and two petrol engines: a 2.5-litre V6 and a 3.0-litre V6. The engines and manual gearbox were Ford derived, as was much of the suspension. A five-speed Jatco automatic gearbox was also available. The all-wheel drive route was adopted due to fears of alienating traditional rear-wheel drive Jaguar buyers with a front-wheel drive model, but late in 2001 a 157bhp 2.0-litre front-wheel drive variant was announced; with lower CO2 emissions and a £19,995 list price. But there was far more in the way of X-TYPE variety to come!

In 2003, a new FWD and five-speed manual gearbox only 2.0-litre turbo diesel X-TYPE was launched (its engine a slightly tweaked TDCi Mondeo powerplant that had been well received). Introduced in line with some subtle trim improvements, the X-TYPE finally had a range of engines that would enable it to compete head on with the opposition. In Europe as many as 80 per cent of C-Class sales are diesels, so the potential for the X-TYPE from this point on was clear. In fact, the diesel was so successful that the 2.0-litre petrol option was soon dropped from the range.

After the estate model was launched in 2004 and a high-performance 2.2-litre diesel engine (for both body styles and with a six-speed manual gearbox) in 2005, the X-TYPE range started looking seriously strong. There was plenty of spec choice too, from the traditional-type ‘Classic’ cars with chrome trim, and cream leather/wood interiors, to ‘Sports’ models with no chrome trim, darker exterior colours and leather/alcantara seats with carbon-fibre or aluminium dash inserts. However, after the new XK was introduced in 2006 and the XF followed in 2007, at which point it was well-known that a new XJ was on the way, the X-TYPE began to look increasingly incongruous.

Nevertheless, the model had one more leap of life left in it, this coming in 2008 with a facelift, despite ever-increasing rumours of the model’s impending end… In fact, the facelifted car was very well received. A new grille, deeper side sills and revised front/rear bumpers all lowered its stance, while door mirrors with integral indicators were tidier than those previously used. Inside, the changes were even more extensive, with new and horizontal/diamond stitched leather seats plus door facings to match – a combination that made the interior feel very classy indeed. Upgraded switchgear and dash materials completed what was a successful interior transformation. Under the bonnet, the 2.5-litre V6 petrol option disappeared, leaving the 3.0-litre V6 as the sole remaining petrol/all-wheel drive X-TYPE in facelift form, and even then this engine was only available in the estate body. All other estates, and all saloons, were front-wheel drive and diesel powered.

Here, while the 2.0-litre diesel was still only mated to a five-speed manual box, the 2.2-litre unit could, for the first time, be ordered with a six-speed auto alongside the six-speed manual option. The auto on the 2.2 was big news in the fleet market, and facelift X-TYPE sales were consequently boosted somewhat, but it wasn’t enough to save the model.
At the end of 2009, and with Jaguar no longer under Ford ownership, the final X-TYPE rolled off the Halewood production line. The model symbolises a failed attempt for Jaguar to hit a bigger, mass market. But through circumstances, some of which were beyond the marque’s control, it struggled to achieve its full potential. Initial projections of 200,000 global sales were revised after 2002, its first full year in production.

On the pre-owned market, the X-TYPE will continue for some time to be a car that’s appealing for its many qualities, and the newer you can go the better. The later, post 2004 versions in particular offer fantastic quality, a fine drive and a good choice of powertrains, with the final facelifted range undoubtedly being the best of the lot.

Engine 2.0 V6
Capacity 2099cc
Power 157bhp @6800rpm
Torque 145 lb ft @ 4100rpm
Max Speed 130mph
0-60 8.9 seconds
Fuel Economy 30.7mpg

 

Engine 2.5 V6
Capacity 2495cc
Power 194bhp @6800rpm
Torque 178 lb ft @ 3000rpm
Max Speed 140mph (limited)
0-60 7.9 seconds
Fuel Economy 29.5mpg

 

Engine 3.0 V6
Capacity 2967cc
Power 231bhp @6800rpm
Torque 206 lb ft @ 3000rpm
Max Speed 146mph (limited)
0-60 6.6 seconds
Fuel Economy 27.5mpg

 

Engine 2.0 4 Cylinder Tubo Diesel
Capacity 1998cc
Power 130bhp @3500rpm
Torque 243 lb ft @ 1800rpm
Max Speed 125mph
0-60 9.5 seconds
Fuel Economy 50.0mpg

 

Engine 2.2 4 Cylinder Tubo Diesel
Capacity 2198cc
Power 155bhp @3500rpm
Torque 266 lb ft @ 1800rpm
Max Speed 137mph
0-60 8.5 seconds
Fuel Economy 47.1mpg

Information available soon.

Sorry, we don't have any Jaguar X-TYPE cars in stock at the moment.

Racing Green Cars has been upgrading and modifying Jaguars for many years and has gained an exceptionally good reputation for its upgrades and workmanship.

From race preparation to Jaguar XK 120 and 150s and the mighty Mk VII through to body conversions and a raft of Arden upgrades including legal leapers on the newer Jaguars, Racing Green Cars is the company to call.

From AST shock absorbers through to Quaife differentials, from full polyurethane suspension bush kits to high specification catalytic converters, from bearing and piston ring kits for V8s to suspension bushes for XF Racing Green Cars is the company to talk to when it comes to upgrading your Jaguar. In the listings below we are showing the main upgrades available for your car but if you do not see something that you are specifically after please contact us as we will almost certainly be able to help you.

For all Jaguar Upgrade and Servicing enquiries please contact Martin Slade on 01252 894785 or martins@racinggreencars.com and you will be able to discuss your requirements in some detail.

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Racing Green Cars has a comprehensive range of parts for the Jaguar X-TYPE and by clicking on one of the categories below you will be taken to the relevant category on our website www.thejaguarshop.com where you can make a purchase. Here you will be able to see some of the parts we offer for the Jaguar X-TYPE but should the part you require not be obvious please contact Phil Forster on 01252 894797 or philipf@racinggreencars.com and we will be able to give you more information.

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