Review: Jaguar X400 X-Type (2001-10)

Review: Jaguar X400.I X-Type (2001-04)

Overview

Released in October 2001, the Jaguar X400 Series I (X400.I) X-Type was a compact executive sedan. Manufactured in Halewood, England, the X-Type was initially available with 2.5- and 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines and as an all-wheel drive vehicle. In May 2002, however, front-wheel drive models were introduced with 2.1-litre V6 petrol engines.

AJ20, AJ25 and AJ30 V6 engines

The 2.1-litre AJ20, 2.5-litre AJ25 and 3.0-litre AJ30 V6 engines all had aluminium blocks and cylinder heads, fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and variable intake valve timing. Whereas the AJ20 engine had a compression ratio of 10.75:1, the AJ25 engine was 10.3:1 and the AJ30 was 10.5:1. Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and automatic units; the full X200.I X-Type range is given in the table below.

Dimensions and suspension

The X-Type was built on a modified version of the Ford CD132 platform which underpinned the Ford Mk.3 Mondeo, though only 20 per cent of components were shared. The X-Type was 4672 mm long, 1789 mm wide, 1392 mm tall and had a 2710 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the X-Type had twin-tube MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension with a torsion control link.

AWD system

The X-Type’s ‘Traction-4’ all-wheel drive system consisted of a planetary centre differential with a viscous coupling. In normal conditions, the system provided a default 40:60 front:rear torque split (at the centre differential). In the event that traction was lost, the viscous coupling would automatically transfer torque to the wheels with grip (i.e. the opposing axle).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X400.I X-Type included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 2.1-litre V6 models were also fitted with traction control.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the X-Type received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26. In the frontal offset impact test, the driver’s airbag allowed the driver’s head to strike the steering wheel late in the test and the front occupants’ knees risked injury from hard points beneath the fascia.

Features

Standard features for the X-Type 2.1 V6 included 16-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker 120 watt sound system with CD player, air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lamps, 70/30 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.

The X-Type 2.1 V6 SE was further equipped with climate control air conditioning, leather seats, cruise control, steering wheel audio controls and a trip computer (with message centre). Visually, the SE editions could be identified by their burr walnut trim and chrome exterior highlights.

Compared to the entry-level X-Type, the 2.5 V6 Sport was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, combination cloth/leather trim and a bootlid spoiler. The 2.5 V6 SE was distinguished by its six-disc CD player and leather seats; the 3.0 V6 SE was also fitted with a six-disc CD player and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

December 2003: X-Type update

In December 2003, the X400.I X-Type underwent a minor update, with a six speaker sound system fitted as standard. The Sport editions were also fitted with cruise control, while the 3.0 V6 Sport editions were fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels.

2003 X-Type LS

Released in August 2003, the limited-run 2.5 V6 LS edition was based on the SE but distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation sysstem, sand-coloured leather seats with sable contrast stitching, a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, folding door mirrors, chrome door mirrors and grille vanes, a combination wood/leather steering wheel, walnut veneers and lambs wool floor mats. The LS edition was available in topaz and zircon metallic paint finishes.

2003 X-Type 2.5 V6 Sport Limited Edition

In October 2003, a 2.5 V6 Sport Limited Edition model was released, featuring 18-inch ‘Indianapolis’ BBS alloy wheels, full leather sports seats, grey silky oak veneers, a black mesh grille and ‘Ultraviolet blue’ paint finish.

Review: Jaguar X400.II X-Type (2004-08)

Overview

Released in October 2004, the X400 Series II (X400.II) X-Type introduced a revised range, all-wheel drive system and improved equipment levels. The unnamed entry-level edition was discontinued, as were the 2.5 V6 models and those with manual transmission. As such, the revised range comprised SE and Luxury editions; the SE was available with either the 2.1- or 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, while the Luxury editions were solely available with the 3.0-litre V6 engine.

From March 2005, the X-Type’s bonnet was fitted with Jaguar’s ‘leaper’ and the range was updated in April 2006 with the LE editions effectively replacing the SE.

AWD system

The ‘Traction-4’ all-wheel drive system was modified as the viscous coupling was omitted from the planetary centre differential (from serial number D55322, i.e. the last six digits of the VIN). If the rear wheels lost traction, a torque load would need to be applied to the rear wheels – e.g. by applying the handbrake – to enable the planetary gears to apply torque to the front wheels.

Safety equipment

Compared to their X400.I predecessors, the X400.II AWD models were fitted with traction control. From August 2007, electronic stability control and traction control were fitted as standard across the range.

Features

Initially, standard features for the X400.II X-Type were substantially the same, though the 3.0 V6 SE was fitted with a single disc CD player with the six-disc unit reserved for the Luxury edition. The Luxury edition was also further equipped with satellite navigation, a TV tuner, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated mirrors and an electrochromatic rear view mirror. From 2005, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity was standard across the range.

Coinciding with the X400.II X-Type’s release, an optional ‘Sports Collection’ package was offered which included 18-inch ‘Proteus’ alloy wheels, a more pronounced rear boot spoiler and new exhaust tailpipe finishers.

April 2006: X-Type update

In April 2006, the SE editions were replaced by the LE editions which were further equipped with six-disc CD players, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights; 2.5-litre LE editions were also fitted with an electrochromatic rear view mirror. The Luxury editions gained 18-inch alloy wheels and front parking sensors.

In August 2006, a limited-run 2.1 V6 LE Sport was released; it was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tune and bootlid spoiler.

August 2007: X-Type update

Standard features were extended to include 17-inch alloy wheels, ten-way power adjustable front seats, power folding and heated mirrors, floor mats and driver seat memory settings (seats and mirrors).

Review: Jaguar X400.III X-Type (2008-10)

Overview

Released in April 2008, the X400 Series III (X400.III) introduced a four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – the 2.2D variant – that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.2-litre Duratorq ZSD-422 turbo-diesel engine had an electronically controlled variable-vane turbocharger, common-rail direct injection, sinter-forged connecting rods, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, a diesel particulate filter and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.

Visually, the X400.III X-Type could be identified by its ‘growler’ badge (replacing the ‘leaper’), new grille, bumpers, side skirts, door mirrors with integrated indicators, better integrated rear parking sensors and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the X400.III featured new instruments, seat designs, colour schemes and veneers.

Safety equipment

Compared to its X400.II predecessor, standard safety equipment for the X400.III X-Type was extended to include brake assist.

Features

Standard features for the X400.III X-Type were substantially unchanged, albeit with the introduction of Phase 2 Bluetooth connectivity. The Luxury edition, however, was no longer fitted with front parking sensors.

Brochures and links

• Brochure: Jaguar X400.III X-Type (November 2007)
• Brochure: Jaguar X400.III X-Type (September 2008)
• Wikipedia.org: Jaguar X400 X-Type