There is now yet another reason to buy a Jaguar – the new X-TYPE Estate. As versatile as it is desirable, this striking new addition to the X-TYPE range gives drivers the option of a premium estate with no compromise on the style or driving dynamics expected of a Jaguar.
The new model – Jaguar's first ever production estate car – continues the British marque's expansion into important market segments where previously it has not been represented. It followed hard on the heels of the first ever Jaguar diesel-engined cars, which are now being delivered to customers.
The X-TYPE Estate has been designed to meet the needs of a new generation of estate car buyers. Style is now a key motivation when choosing an estate car, with more than a third of European purchasers citing it as their number one consideration. This is not surprising when you consider that the market share for estates easily outweighs that for coupes and convertibles combined. Dynamic qualities are
also very important, with owners refusing to compromise on the driving experience they want from their car.
Research has revealed that those buying an estate car today are on average significantly younger than their saloon car counterparts. They are also more likely to participate in active sports than they are to spectate. In short, they demand a car that complements their lifestyle – and the new X-TYPE Estate is just that vehicle.
Petrol and diesel engines, manual or automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive are all available within the new X-TYPE Estate range, with three specification levels and a portfolio of comfort, convenience and performance options giving customers further opportunities to personalise their car.
Based on the X-TYPE saloon, but with unique new body styling and structure from the B-pillars back – including rear doors and roof – the new X-TYPE Estate offers an unrivalled combination of luxury, refinement and versatility. Its maximum usable load volume with rear seats folded
flat is greater than that of the BMW 3-Series Touring and the Mercedes C-Class Estate, and an astonishing 20 per cent bigger than the Audi A4 Avant – an impressive achievement.
But more important still is that this level of practicality is offered in a car with all the style and dynamic agility of an X-TYPE saloon. Body stiffness that ranks with the best in class is the starting point for excellent chassis dynamics.
The driver environment, too, will be familiar to those who have experienced the X-TYPE saloon – although, in common with all X-TYPEs, a number of improvements and additional specification choices have been introduced for the 2004 model year. Drivers who prefer a more sporty look, for example, can now specify carbon fibre facia trim and Alcantara seat trim. This allows even greater differentiation between luxury and sports models in the X-TYPE range.
There are three versions of the X-TYPE Estate: Classic, SE and Sport. The Classic provides a 'younger' exterior look than the luxury-focused SE, which features a more traditional, chrome-enhanced appearance. Sport models are distinguished by a body-coloured grille and an absence of chrome, and have larger wheels and lower-profile tyres.
A host of intelligent interior features will give owners of the X-TYPE Estate flexibility to use their vehicle as best suits them. The rear seat can be configured to provide seating for one, two or three passengers, depending on how much luggage space is required. The load area is fully carpeted and trimmed. A generously sized, easily accessed storage area is located under the one-piece floor. Featuring a power output socket, it allows, for instance, a laptop computer to be recharged while discreetly concealed below the floor.
Depending on specification, additional stowage boxes for small items are installed behind removable doors in either or both rear sides, while luggage in the main load area is concealable by a retractable soft cover. Easy loading is aided by a split tailgate, with the option of opening either the entire tailgate or just the rear window.
Externally, fixed roof rails are fitted as standard and a range of additional carrying systems are available, from ski clamps to roof boxes.
The engine range for the new X-TYPE Estate comprises 2.0 litre diesel, 2.5 litre V6 petrol and 3.0 litre V6 petrol. The two larger V6 petrol engines power vehicles featuring Jaguar's Traction-4 all-wheel drive. In addition to the advantages that all-wheel drive provides in normal road driving, it makes the X-TYPE Estate an ideal choice for those who need extra grip when pulling boat trailers or unloading sports equipment on rough terrain.
When it goes on sale in spring 2004, the X-TYPE Estate will add a further dimension to a model range that has been instrumental in driving Jaguar's sales growth in recent years. Since its introduction in May 2001, more than 140,000 X-TYPEs have been sold in almost 70 markets worldwide. With this new Estate – and the recently announced new diesel engine – the X-TYPE not only now offers the widest ever choice in a single Jaguar model range, but also opens up exciting new market opportunities to the Jaguar marque.
