JAGUAR'S X-Type diesel is a good all-round value for money quality saloon.
Since its arrival. this has always been the 'People's Jag' coming in at less than £20,000 for the base petrol version.
Now for a couple of grand extra you can lay your hands on the brand new diesel version which provides an accomplished yet very economical drive.
Seeing the words diesel and Jaguar together is starting to feel less strange now as the X-Type oil burner has been around for a little while and has now been joined by an S-Type version.
Let's face it, it was essential that the luxury car builder expanded into the diesel market to enable it to compete effectively with rivals.
The general consensus is that Jag and diesel engines combine well together and this is certainly the opinion I formed after a week with the two-litre sports diesel.
The 128bhp engine is super-smooth and always has enough power on tap when you need it. The 0-62mph sprint time is an impressive sub-10 seconds and the engine doesn't scream if you floor the accelerator heavily.
The five-speed gearbox is easy-to-use, steering is pin-sharp, handling well balanced and the chassis has a very flexible feel to it. My version - with sports suspension - behaved very well when powered into bends.
The economy figures are a stunning 50mpg plus combined. You might find it difficult to attain this figure, especially if you haven't got a very light foot, but decent economy should still be achievable.
C02 emissions are very low - at less than 150g/km - which is good news for business drivers.
The interior is far from Jaguar's best, but still has a well-designed, quality feel to it. My model had very comfortable sports seats - the driver's seat is four-way electrically adjustable.
All other controls and displays are easy to see and use and the surroundings are well-insulated. The cabin is also very spacious, in the front and rear, and there is a massive boot.
The X-Type exterior isn't quite super-sexy sport car, but it is a good-looking, low-down saloon. My model featured some nice sporty touches including a boot spoiler, front fog lamps and 17ins x 7ins alloy wheels.
Pretty impressive.
FAST FACTS
Jaguar X-Type 2.0D Sport
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 seconds
Combined mpg: 50.3
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 149g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000; 3yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust