Jaguar X-Type 2.5 > Reviews (11)

My previous car was a 2 litre DaewooLeganza which I thought was pretty comfortable although a bit thirsty. Definitely roomy and until the head gasket went, very reliable.

I have to admit, another big car was not really on my shopping list - I actually had my eye on an LPG Astra and would have been happy, but the girlfriend saw this one at Carbase.biz in Weston-Super-Mare and it filled her criteria. It's red.

Now having driven a real Jaguar I realise what I heap the Leganza was. The bullet proof 2.5 litre, V6 engine, 4 wheel drive, the smooth and quiet ride, the comfortable quality leather seats, all make this car feel in a different world to its far-eastern competitor (fortunately no more in any incarnation).

The Jag's boot is large in plan dimensions but as others have said it's not deep. The rear passenger space is best described as 'enough', so long as you are not 6 ft tall, but then I don't expect that there are many cars that a tall person would be comfortable in for a long drive.

The front half though is a different story. Seats that adjust to every body shape and are firm enough to hold you in place and electrically adjustable on both sides. Cubby holes, nooks and crannies everywhere, including 2 storage compartments under the armrest - a small flat one for the mobile phone or GPS and a larger one for sweets, a bottle or other items. The glove box is quite generous too.

The stereo really sounds the biz for a factory fit - but that's just as well as you can't fit your own. Shame really as I'd prefer my 10 CD Sony unit, but I'll live with the single CD item as fitted. Air conditioning and climate control that chills you out and so many clever little ideas that more could adopt if they just took the thought to heart. Like a little arrow on the side of the petrol pump symbol on the gauge to remind you which side the filler cap is on. If you're constantly in and out of various cars, you appreciate the reminder.

If you're a DIY mechanic you'd be well advised to get a really good workshop manual or to forget it. There's not much space under the bonnet although all the items for regular checks are within easy reach, actually changing anything could be difficult. Even the plugs are under a large shield, but again that's not unusual on a modern car.

I bought my 52 reg model in May 2008 with 60,000 miles and 2 previous owners on the clock. I take my hat off to those 2 previous owners as the interior and exterior of my new car is immaculate. Absolutely showroom condition. My ambition now is to keep it that way. I'd say it's far more than the tarted up Mondeo which is at the root of this car. Jaguar have added all the touches that one would expect from the marque and added those to a solid, reliable and stable chassis. Four wheel drive adds another safety factor and more airbags than a room full of politicians make the car very safe in the event of a smash.

Of course all of the above is just initial thoughts and observations on a week of owning the car, but I'll re-write this after a few months of ownership and see if my feelings have changed.