Make/Model: Jaguar X-Type 2.2l Diesel
Colour: Winter Gold
New?: Yes
Engine: 2.2l Diesel, 4 cylinder, 4 valves/cylinder
Power/Torque: 114kW @ 3500rpm, 360Nm @ 1800rpm
Average Fuel Consumption: 6.0 l/100 km
Performance: 0-100km/h in 8.9 s, 220 km/h top speed.
Owned: August 2007 - current

Notes: This is not a replacement for my BMW 330d. In August 2006 when I sold my Alfa I also sold my Corsa (it was getting really old with > 130000km on the clock), and I purchased a new Chevrolet Spark LT as replacement for the aging Corsa. That car had a 1 litre engine, power steering, electric windows, ABS. With only 48.5 kW and 87.3 Nm torque, it crawled to 100 km/h in 13.9 seconds, and top speed was limited to 160 km/h. But it was brand new and a very nice little car, with a boot bigger than most other hatches. So when I sold the BMW I decided it was time to get a better second car. The problem is the car I replaced the BMW with is a sports car and does not really have big rear seats, so to take it on long journeys would be hard on my poor daughter. So I decided to get a nice second car, and the Jaguar fit the bill perfectly.

I have not driven it extensively, however I did drive enough to be able to form some solid opinions. It has an extremely comfortable suspension - when you drive it it feels like you are flying. It is really the most comfortable car I ever drove.

The 2.2l diesel engine is plenty powerful - not like the BMW - but more than enough for a second car. We are still trying to break it in as it currently has less than 1000km on the clock, so the fuel consumption is still bad (about 9 l/100km).

In terms of features this car is not lacking. All the usual luxuries are present, with the absence of some more advanced things like Xenon lights, automatic headlights/rain sensors, park distance control etc. But that does not really distract from the magnificence of a Jaguar. It is thus far a truly amazing car and since it is my wife's car, I will not replace it anytime soon :)