Jaguar steps back into the sports sedan market with its 2005 X-Type Sport. Though very similar to the existing all-wheel drive X-Type sedan, the Sport features a more aggressively tuned suspension, carbon-fiber dash inlay, optional Alcantara sport seats, polished twin exhaust pipes and most notably an awesome exterior body enhancement package. This car turns heads everywhere and has the menacing presence of a Darth Vader mobile when finished in all black.
Surprisingly, with only minor suspension tuning the Sport takes on a dramatically better feel. Though the car isn't remarkable in terms of power, the suspension is defiantly tight and precise which gives it a driving feel similar to the R cars. Along with the supportive sport seats and great steering feel that Jaguar is getting to be so good at, the car instills a decent dose of fun along with the English luxury we associate with the brand. Jaguar's rear biased all-wheel-drive system also gives the X-Type the same dynamic feel as its larger brethren, but adds a safety margin in slippery conditions. This is as close to a X-Type R that we will get for now.
Also look for the X-Type Sportwagon and VDP
Drivetrain
Transverse front engine, dynamic 31/69 split all-wheel drive
Engine
3.0-liter V6, four overhead cams, four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Five-speed automatic
Performance
Peak Power: 227 bhp @ 6800 rpm
Peak Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.1 secTop Speed: 121 mph (electronically limited)
Fuel Economy: 18 city/ 25 highway
From the Hip:
+ Great looks and affordable price
- Not enough power, excessive road vibration through the steering column