Jaguar’s ailing X-type entry-level model, production of which was suspended for some weeks earlier this year, gets a new, and long overdue, four-cylinder diesel engine option along with sundry revisions for the 2004 model year but the new version appears unlikely to match the legendary refinement of the six-cylinder diesel BMW 3-series, long accepted as the standard setter in the class.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The new diesel X-type will be on sale from September this year but features only a four-cylinder, 16-valve turbodiesel with common-rail injection first seen in Ford’s Mondeo, with which it shares its platform.

In Jaguar tune, the turbodiesel develops 128bhp DIN horsepower and 330Nm (243lb ft) of torque with the facility for ‘overtaking’ overboost to 350Nm (258 lb ft). It also offers claimed EC combined cycle fuel economy of around 50mpg and a low 149g/km CO2 emissions rating, critical for the UK business car market where drivers are taxed according to this figure.

Prices start at £19,995 in the UK and the front-wheel drive 2.0D is available at the same price as the two litre V6 petrol-engined version – an entry-level model added some time after the 2.5- and three-litre all wheel drive models debuted – allowing customers to opt for diesel at no extra cost.

The X-type diesel will allow Jaguar to compete for the first time for a share of the increasingly important premium diesel market, which accounts for around half of the segment across Europe, and as much as 33% in the UK. Jaguar expects the diesel to account for almost two thirds of X-type sales across Europe (50% in the UK) in its first year which begs the question: what took them so long?

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Range-wide changes for the 2004 model year include new grille, bumper and side window highlights to more strongly differentiate Classic, SE and Sport versions, improved trim materials that include Alcantara and carbon fibre and reductions in maintenance and repair costs, highlighted by a new bolt-on front end (BOFE) structure behind the front bumper.