You don't have to be Generation-Xer to appreciate the styling and comforts of the new Jaguar X-Type. Getting rave reviews, they have arrived in style and are rolling on the streets of your town. How many have you seen? Available with either a 2.5 or 3.0 L V6 engine (optional sports package), and starting at only $30,000, these are now leaping off the showroom floors at a surprising pace. From preliminary sales reports, it looks like the X-Type will be a solid success. So, let's take a closer look at a 2002 X-Type to see why the newest arrival to the family really is a "bundle of joy."

Quality is apparent in the leather seats, birds-eye maple wood trim. Comfort is easy with 8-way power seat adjustments, pull-out steering wheel and power door locks. The mirrors move easily, and the controls are conveniently placed. The gauges are handsomely displayed within a circle of green. The back seat is roomy and has a pull-down center armrest/drink caddy for the passengers. This particular model is an automatic with a "J" shifter, and includes the premium package of extras such as power passenger seat, premium sound with 6 CD changer (in the boot), subwoofers, sunroof, automatic headlights, wipers, and warning sensor while backing up. Jaguar thoughtfully provides a computer CD to train owners in the use of all the "bells and whistles." Other modern safety features like the anti-theft engine immobilizer, front, side, and curtain airbags and full size spare wheel/tire are standard equipment. All that, plus a 4-year/50,000 mile warranty, maintenance & 24-hr roadside assistance.

The unusual key has an FCC transmitter, and flips out with switchblade action when you press the growler.Wheels on the 2.5L are 5-spokes and 10-spokes on the 3.0L. The 3.0L 24 valve V6 puts out 231 max. horsepower, so the back side may be only angle afforded you by one on the road.

Driving this X-Type is a pleasant and rewarding experience. It answers the right foot with plenty of pep and matches it with very responsive handling. The car can turn on a dime and stop on one, too. The body design is sleek and the bonnet quite recognizable as Jaguar. Overall, this car looks and feels stylish and yet performs sporty enough to make a memorable impression (and sound). Being such fun to drive, and a great value for the price, there's no way it will be limited to the targeted Generation X crowd.

Pictured below left, the E and the X. The two are light years apart in design, and it's insane to attempt to differentiate between a 1971 V12 manual E-Type and a 2002 V6 automatic X-Type. But one thing is the same- they are both a lot of fun to drive! Is the X destined to be as classic as the E? Never. Will the X put Jaguar back on the prowl? Definitely.

Official Jaguar X-type website.

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About the author - Ginger Corda is a member of the Jaguar Club of Florida, currently serving as Editor of JAGWire, and as the club's Rally Master and Slalom Master. Owner of a Regency Red 1971 XKE 2+2 (manual V-12), she enthusiastically shows her E-Type in driven class at concours and competes in driving events.

Posted: 1/2002