The Jaguar X-TYPE is a model of automobile that first began production in 2001 (as a model year 2002) and remains in production at Jaguar's Halewood facility.
The X-TYPE is the smallest of the current Jaguar saloon cars, and was designed to build on the success of the S-TYPE, although it takes many styling cues from the XJ saloon series. It is built on a modified version of the Ford CD132 platform , evolved from the Ford CDW27 platform, that also underpins the European Ford Mondeo.
This vehicle was designed as a direct competitor to the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Sales have been poor, blamed on its resemblance to the larger XJ which was traditionally bought by older customers, not the younger ones that Jaguar craved. Initially projected to surpass 100,000 annual sales, the X-TYPE peaked at 50,000 in 2003. The model is scheduled to remain in production through 2009 [1], an extremely long production cycle for a modern automobile, especially one with poor sales. Jaguar needs to replace the X-Type with the F-Type sports car concept.
Powertrain
The X-TYPE is equipped in the United States with either a 2.5L or 3.0L Jaguar AJ-V6 engine and all-wheel drive standard. In Europe, the X-TYPE is also available with a 2.0L front wheel drive petrol or diesel engine.
Body styles
The initial version of the X-TYPE was a saloon. In early 2004, this was joined by an estate version, making it the first ever Jaguar estate car, in addition to the first to use a diesel engine. The estate version was launched to mixed reception.
In the United States, the estate version is officially known as the Sportwagon.
