I am sure that Barbara Cartland and James Joyce have on occasion used the same word when writing. In the same vein, the Jaguar X-type has components that can be found in a Ford Mondeo. But read the books or drive the cars and the differences are obvious.

Introduced in February 2001 the X-type initially came with the choice of a 2.5 or 3 litre V6 unit producing 194bhp and 231bhp respectively. Uniquely for a car of its price (starting at just over £21,000), it also had a four-wheel-drive system that endowed it with superb roadholding. In December of the same year Jaguar added the 2.1 litre V6 (badged 2.0 for modesty), the first front-wheel-drive model ever to carry the Jaguar badge and with a list price of just £19,290.

On the road the X-type exhibits two distinct personalities. Choose a car with Sport trim and a manual gearbox and it is a true competitor for the BMW 3-series. Sitting on 17in alloys and with dark wood trim and half leather sport seats, the car has a businesslike appearance and encourages the driver to exploit fully its dynamic ability. Choose the similarly priced SE model and add the five-speed auto box and the character reverts to classic Jaguar. Sitting on smaller alloys and softer suspension the car’s performance is more relaxed, and the electrically adjustable front seats cosset you in a cabin that is adorned by highly polished bird’s-eye maple.

Despite a less than enviable reputation for construction in the 1980s, these latest generation Jaguars are as good as their German competition. The dashboards are rattle free, the trim is tasteful and the accommodation comfortable.

Two-and-a-half years after its introduction, the car can boast a good history of reliability and residual values. But with a lower than average price when introduced, the Jaguar still looks good value against its competitors. A fully loaded 2001 3 litre SE auto for about £18,000 looks like a decent buy. Or opt for a car registered after January 24, 2002, and you get a three-year unlimited mileage warranty.

The entry-level model carries no name and is referred to by engine size alone. Standard equipment includes air-conditioning, alloy wheels and a leather steering wheel. In addition all X-types have an intelligent airbag system that uses sensors to identify the occupant’s size and position before operating the front, side and curtain airbags, standard on all the cars.

The list of additional equipment available on the X-type is extensive and while some things in life are optional, others aren’t. On a Jaguar that means leather upholstery and metallic paint — cars lacking these are worth at least £1,500 less. Finding a used car that has the satellite navigation system is also worth the extra £500 it’s likely to cost. The large touch-screen system also operates the stereo and climate control and is one of the most instinctive systems on the market.

Jaguar also has a good website (www.jaguar.com) with an extensive range of used X-types that come with a comprehensive service record and minimum of 12 months warranty.

VITAL STATISTICS

Model: Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6 SE
Engine: V6, 2967cc
Power: 231bhp
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 27mpg (combined)
Acceleration: 0 to 62mph: 7.5sec
Top speed: 143mph


Windows: Electric rear windows only standard on SE models

Boot: Space-saver tyre as standard

Wood trim: Maple on all models except Sport, which gets darker grey stained inserts

Door mirrors: Heated mirrors are standard

Four-wheel drive: 2.5 and 3 litre only; check for whining and groans at low speed

Wheels: Alloys on all models, Sport version has larger 17in as standard

Seats: Leather on SE models, cloth on base models. Leather helps maintain good resale value - there's a mix of the two on Sport derivatives. SE models have electric adjustment as standard

Safety: Front, side and curtain airbags on all models

Satellite navigation: Optional system has large touch-screen and is easy to use

Colours: Avoid base colours (non-metallic finishes)

Bumpers: Front and rear parking aid a desirable option

THE ONE TO BUY

Jaguar X-Type 3.0 SE auto with satellite navigation pack, 2001 Y-reg with 20,000 miles. Pay £17,995 at a dealer or £16,000 privately


OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY...

2001 Y-reg BMW 330i SE
2001 51-reg Mercedes-Benz C280
2001 51-reg Lexus IS300 Navigator
2002 52-reg Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon 2.0t
2002 52-reg Alfa Romeo 156 3.2GTA

VALUES