Road & Travel Magazine

Auto Advice & Tips
Auto Buyer's Guides
Car Care Maintenance
Climate Views & Videos
Auto Awards Archive
Insurance & Accidents
Legends & Leaders
New Car Reviews
Planet Driven
Road Humor
Road Trips
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Teens & Tots Tips
Tire Buying Tips
Used Car Buying
Vehicle Model Guide

Travel Channel
Adventure Travel
Advice & Tips
Airline Rules
Bed & Breakfasts
Cruises & Tours
Destination Reviews
Earth Tones
Family Travel Tips
Health Trip
Hotels & Resorts
Luxury Travel
Pet Travel
RV & Camping
Safety & Security
Spa Reviews
Train Vacations
World Travel Directory
Bookmark and Share


2005 Entry Level Luxury Buyer's Guide

2005 Jaguar X-Type Review

by Martha Hindes

JAGUAR X-TYPE
2005 Jaguar X-Type

The folks at Jaguar want you to know that in addition to the passion that's notorious as the heart of the breed, it also has spirit. So much so that Jag named a new limited edition X-Type the "Spirit" model.

This is what Jaguar calls a new sports collection styling as one of four entry level, all-wheel-drive X-Type offerings for '05, with a more athletic, hunkier appearance. And even the distinctive undulating lines that sculpt every Jaguar from hoodline rearward can benefit from hunky. This smallest of Jaguars -- for those reaching luxury status in the $30,000 vehicle base range -- snarls at a standstill, wound up with catlike grip, just waiting to unleash onto the roadway ahead. The vehicle, powered by a 2.5 or 3.0 liter V-6, is tautly tuned for driving excitement, with a wide sweep of midrange torque for accelerating response.

Theft prevention includes a vehicle tracker, ultrasonic movement sensors and two-stage locking system and engine immobilizer. Besides side curtain airbags, among safety features are a collapsible brake pedal and anti-burst door latches. Amenities on the VDP luxury edition include upgraded leather, sound system and walnut trim, plus an available nav system.

The X-type not only meets strict European and California low vehicle emissions standards, but has another planet-loving aspect as well. It contains more recycled material, including engine block aluminum, than any other Jag on the market.

RELATED LINKS
Entry Level Luxury Cars
Entry Level Luxury Buyer's Guide