I'VE always been more of a modernist when it comes to the Jaguar shape. The S-Type may appeal to Morse fans, but its the X-Type that sparks the 'hey good looking' response from yours truly.
Surely this has to be the best looking diesel car on the road today. The X-Type is perfectly put together exhibiting a near faultless design and smoothness.
The sleek looks belie the fact that this car has an oil-burner at its heart - but what an engine Jaguar has installed. This two-litre beauty produces 128bhp and that converts into a 0-62mph time of 9.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 125mph.
The un-diesel like performance is achieved with an outstanding combined fuel economy of 50.3mpg - although you'll have to drive like your granny to achieve it.
The figure is closer to 40mpg for more normal knights of the road, but you still go almost 600 miles on a full tank before needing the services of a filling station.
There I've done it - fuel economy and Jaguar mentioned in the same article. I think I need a lie down. This, coupled with relatively low running costs and a price-tag of just over £22,000 make this car exceptional value for money.
Its insurance rating and exhaust emissions are relatively low making it even more attractive to the company car driver.
The warranty is also class competitive at three years or 60,000 miles, with six years anti-rust cover and three years for the paintwork.
But whether you'll need it is questionable as Jaguar has now established a reputation for quality and reliability that has been hard won following years of poor build quality.
The X-Type's ride is excellent - as is its handling. It may offend Jaguar purists that the chassis is based on the Ford Mondeo - but this is no reason to knock the car.
Safety was obviously a high priority for Jaguar as the X-Type includes intelligent airbags for front seat passenger and driver.
No, it doesn't inform you of Einstein's Theory of Relativity, rather it takes into account not only the severity of a crash, but also the seat position and the weight of the person sitting in it before the airbag inflates.
There are also comprehensive security measures that make it virtually impossible to steal.
The car is exceptionally spacious. The boot boasts a capacity of 452 litres - the biggest ever on a Jaguar - and there is plenty of space for odds and ends. It's almost like sitting in your own lounge complete with leather sofa.
There's even just about enough room for three adults on the back seat. The steering is reach and rake adjustable and I defy anyone not to find a comfortable driving position in this car.
The X-Type is more traditional looking than some of its German competitors but with more than enough modern touches to remove the thought 'old fashioned' from your mind.
Yes it does look like a Jaguar should, but the design avoids the descent into dotage.
It is the first Jaguar to be fitted with a one-piece fascia and centre console, enhancing the cabin's overall feel of solidity and integrity. The finish and feel of individual components - including the 'soft-touch' controls and switches - is excellent.
The car is fitted with a number of goodies including air conditioning, a Radio/CD player, electric front windows which include a one-touch up and down operation and incorporate an anti-trap feature to save those little digits.
The X-Type diesel is a worthy addition to the Jaguar family.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar X-Type 2.0D Sport Saloon
Price: £22,370
Mechanical: 128bhp, 1,998cc, 4cyl turbodiesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 125mph
0-62mph: 9.9 secs
Combined mpg: 50.3
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 149/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust; 3yrs paint