Ford’s Premier Auto Group has launched an entry-level Jaguar X-Type, using Jaguars own silky-smooth AJ-V6 two litre engine — well, that’s what they call it, but actual capacity is 2099cc. This all-aluminium 60 degree V6 boasts four valves per cylinder driven by quad camshafts, and puts out 117 kW at 6 800 and 200 Nm at 4 100 rpm. Unlike the 172 kW/284 Nm three litre X-Types, the two litre models have front-wheel-drive rather than delivering the power to all four wheels.
Pricing is significantly lower because of this, with the two litre models coming in at around R100 000 less than the three litres — R265 000 for the five speed manual version and R10 000 more for the self-shifter.
I drove both manual and auto versions of the Jag at the KwaZulu-Natal launch and came away very impressed with the vehicles. The manual especially was a pleasure to drive, offering a firm ride, taut handling and a deliciously crisp gear change. At nearly 1,5 tonnes the Jag is no lightweight for a two litre engine to have to haul around, but performance is acceptable. Jaguar claims top speeds of 210 and 205 km/hr for the manual and the auto respectively, with the 0-100 km/hr dash taking up 9,4 and 10,8 seconds for the two models.
Specification levels are good in the baby Jags. There’s a fancy sound system with steering wheel audio and telephone controls, a trip computer with a message centre, aircon, electric windows all round, power/heated door mirrors, front puddle lights, electronically adjustable leather seats, a rake and reach adjustable steering wheel, front and side airbags for front seat occupants and side curtains for those in the back.
But all the smoke ‘n mirrors are worth nought if the car isn’t up to scratch. Luckily, the Jaguar is. It’s fun to drive, it sounds gorgeous, it feels very classy to drive and it looks good. It probably won’t become a bulk seller, which just adds to the allure for those who like to be a little different.
Read Nick Bates’s review: Purrrrfectly tameable