Hey, and why not add the Weather options, too (available only with the Premium group): heated front seats with two temp settings; headlamp power wash with heated jets; and Dynamic Stability Control. Wait...we've already got that with the Sport group, but we won't get charged twice, so this sets us back only $600.
Finally, we agreed to try out Jag's navigation system, a $2,200 hit. Additional options not on our car include JaguarNet, an emergency messaging system with integrated digital cell phone ($1,650); Alpine Premium sound system with six-disc CD changer ($1,200); xenon headlamps with automatic headlight leveling ($675). There are also dozens of dealer-supplied accessories from bike holders to trunk-mounted CD changers to Voice Activation.
The X-Type warranty is 4 years or 50,000 miles limited coverage. Scheduled maintenance is free, and 24-hour roadside assistance is part of the package.
Jaguar's first car with permanent all-wheel drive was designed to provide a tasty mix of performance with refined ride quality and, hopefully, attract buyers whose loyalty, when their wallets expand, will extend to cars further up in the line. The question is, can the car deliver all the expected Jaguar qualities at a price never before explored by the British luxury car maker?
Stay with us over the next year and we'll try to answer that question.