JAGUAR X Type Test Drive
Just like everybody, Jaguar is trying to attract younger people. I see a lot of that going on around Hollywood movie sets as well...

So the "$30 000 Jag" was launched last year. The big question most journalist have asked is :Is it a real jaguar? First the S type a few years ago started at around $40 000, now this?!

Well, first of all, as you can see, it looks gorgeous in the streets of Hollywood!
First, the press has criticized the interior for being "cheap". What?!

This is one of the nicest interior I have seen! It just looks exactly like a Jaguar interior should look. The wood is real and the leather is among the best at any price. No misaligned panels or cheap bits.

The seats are very firm, maybe too much for those coming from a Japanese car, but they end up being extremely comfortable. They just hold you right. And all the switches have a high quality feel.
The back seat is equally impressive. Not huge, but enough for 2 normal size adult to travel in comfort and style.

If you want to check out how small and depressing some of the competitions back seats can be, why don't you check out the BMW 3 Series... The Jaguar is at least very inviting . And there's nothing wrong with looking great.

BBut I must admit, the rear armrest could stand to be a little better. It's pretty flat and not as expensive looking as the rest of the car.ut I must

This is about the only bit I could find inside the car to remind me that the jaguar brand is now owned by Ford. The power seat buttons, same as in many Ford models. So what! They work great and I hardly see them.

When you want to spend $30 000 in a Jaguar, it's not going to be like a $75 000 Jaguar. So what if the power seat switches are from a Ford?!
Now, let's drive it.

The 1st thing I noticed was how light the steering was. Not Buick light and sloppy, but in a precise and luxurious way. Yet you can tell the car is pretty heavy for its size. It just makes it very easy and relaxing to drive. And the handling is very nice, much better than anybody needs in real life.

You also notice the engine a bit more than in Japanese luxury cars. But it's pretty much the way most European cars are. You are not as isolated as in a Lexus. But you also feel much more alive.

The transmission shifts very smoothly and quickly. Except if you floor it on the freeway, when it takes a couple of seconds to downshift...

And the famous Jaguar shifter that everybody loves to head works and feels great!
The suspension is a near perfect blend of "firm but smooth". It glides but lets you feel the road at the same time.

This is one great car. It looks great and makes you feel like a million bucks when you drive it. It is everything a luxury car should be, fast, quiet, solid and a pleasure to drive.

The only thing that might be a pain for some people, is the side and rear visibility. When you turn your head to the left, you are faced with your headrest and the door pillar. You can't see out. And the rear window is very small.

The automotive press compares everything to the BMW. Go get one if that's what you like.

If you want real luxury, as well as a prestigious brand, go for the X type. But do not get the 2.5 Liter V6 if you are doing anything but relaxed driving. It just doesn't have enough power.

Unfortunately, resale values on Jaguar are not the best. They now it, and they offer amazing leases on this car. E mail me for details.
One last word. You won't get one for $30 000. This is the price of a base 2.5 without automatic (and try to find one!). The car tested here had 2 packages and the 3.0 V6 for a total of about $40 000. But it is pretty much in line with other European models.

So why don't we check out the competition:

- BMW 3 Series. The darling of the press.Great engine, even the 2.5L. Great transmission. Hard suspension and seats. Depressing interior and design. Not a luxury car. And not that reliable...

- MERCEDES C Class. Cheaper interior. Great engine, smooth suspension. The "everywhere" luxury car. Not the most reliable either...

-AUDI A4. Not much style or personality in the design. Well finished but boring interior. Skip the 1.8 Turbo, but V6 gets very pricey.

-ACURA TL . A great car. Great engine and interior. Last year before a new one. A lot cheaper than the Europeans, but not much personality.

-INFINITI G35. Roomier and more powerful. But can get pretty noisy. Cheaper interior.

-LEXUS ES 300/330 . Much quieter and roomier. Cheaper too. But doesn't make you feel anything special.
Here is what's coming up next : the X type sports wagon. Not before a year or two...
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