From XJR to X-type diesel
Discussion
My XJR (X350) is in for some warranty work so I'm currently running about in a nearly new X-Type 2.0D Sport and have to say I'm quite impressed.
The quality of the interior plastics is horrible after my XJR's full Ivory leather and I'm not keen on how it looks (the estate is better) but the handling and performance seem perfectly acceptable.
This is the first modern diesel I have tried and the combination of manual and loads of torque means it surges forward at low revs much like the XJR! It really is quite fun to drive. I'm not sure I could ever get used to the diesel clatter at idle but I love the fuel economy. Overall I'm quite impressed, but having recently sat in Audi and BMW equivalents the style and interior quality real lets it down. If I was in the market for this sort of car, I think I'd rather have the equivalent Mondeo and save some cash.
The quality of the interior plastics is horrible after my XJR's full Ivory leather and I'm not keen on how it looks (the estate is better) but the handling and performance seem perfectly acceptable.
This is the first modern diesel I have tried and the combination of manual and loads of torque means it surges forward at low revs much like the XJR! It really is quite fun to drive. I'm not sure I could ever get used to the diesel clatter at idle but I love the fuel economy. Overall I'm quite impressed, but having recently sat in Audi and BMW equivalents the style and interior quality real lets it down. If I was in the market for this sort of car, I think I'd rather have the equivalent Mondeo and save some cash.
Bat21 said:
Better still, try an S type manual, rumour has it that they are detuning the S type deisel now because it makes the 4.2 irelavent.
It's a nice compliment to the V6D, but it really is only a rumour.
With regards to the X-type the 2.0D is OK but the 2.2D is much better and an example of why diesels should always be undersquare. The gearbox is better too.
I'd forgotten, but I did drive an S-Type Diesel (auto) about 18 months ago when I bought the XJR and it was very impressive. Unlike the X-type that always sounds like a diesel I remember thinking it was hard to tell with the S-type.
Part of what I like about the X-type I'm driving is the fact it's a manual - I'd almost forgotten how much more fun a manual car can be (provided you're not stuck in traffic). The handling also seems nicer than my dad's older 3 litre petrol X-type(auto) - perhaps because the car is lighter and FWD? I'm still impressed with the mid-range grunt - when sitting at 70mph in 5th it has plently left.
I'm keen to try the 2.2D estate at some point as I have a young family and an estate would be useful - it's certainly making me think about why I'm spending so much money running the XJR......and it's not often that I can use all the performance. Parking the X-type is also a doddle after the XJR. Maybe when I get the XJR back and feel the benefits of 400bhp I'll change my mind (the dealer has now had the car 2 weeks and has spent many hours trying to find the casue of a noise from the XJR's front suspension/hub/brakes.....)
Part of what I like about the X-type I'm driving is the fact it's a manual - I'd almost forgotten how much more fun a manual car can be (provided you're not stuck in traffic). The handling also seems nicer than my dad's older 3 litre petrol X-type(auto) - perhaps because the car is lighter and FWD? I'm still impressed with the mid-range grunt - when sitting at 70mph in 5th it has plently left.
I'm keen to try the 2.2D estate at some point as I have a young family and an estate would be useful - it's certainly making me think about why I'm spending so much money running the XJR......and it's not often that I can use all the performance. Parking the X-type is also a doddle after the XJR. Maybe when I get the XJR back and feel the benefits of 400bhp I'll change my mind (the dealer has now had the car 2 weeks and has spent many hours trying to find the casue of a noise from the XJR's front suspension/hub/brakes.....)
triple7 said:
It's not a Mondeo! Agree, great little car, but for £25k would also steer clear and go for somethingelse. However in the used market, they represent a great car, just to be different to those Bimmers.
G
G
Indeed.
You can pick up some early X Types for some very low prices.
Which I know to my cost given the price I had to accept for my Y Reg X type
I've had my bosses X-Type diesel for the weekend... and actually I've been quite impressed.
The alcantara / leather trim is nice... it's comfortable, although I was surprised by 38/39mpg to be honest.
It handles well enough, is comfortable, easy to drive has loads of toys
- I think it's wrongly maligned 
The alcantara / leather trim is nice... it's comfortable, although I was surprised by 38/39mpg to be honest.
It handles well enough, is comfortable, easy to drive has loads of toys
- I think it's wrongly maligned Phil Hopkins said:
That's my favourite X-TYPE, lovely spec and looks the business, especially if it's got the sports collection styling kit on it.
Love the leather / alcantara mix
2.2D - not quite as frugal as I'd have expected...
I got 38mpg out of it... and the misses got 36mpg out of the ST200 on the same journey!
triple7 said:
It's not a Mondeo! Agree, great little car, but for £25k would also steer clear and go for somethingelse. However in the used market, they represent a great car, just to be different to those Bimmers.
G
G
I disagree. I've recently bought (well it's a company car actually) an X-type 2.2D Sport having come from a 3 series. I found the 3 series an incredibly dull car and think the X-type walks all over it. Had an Audi in the past which I loved, but they are a bit too 'reppy' for my tastes (although I do like the A4 Avant).
I'm still driving the X-type 2.0D (have done over 500 miles now) and the more I use it the more impressed I become. It feels quite different from the older 3 litre X-type I tried. Maybe the newness is a big factor but everything seems so tight and well damped with not a single squeak or rattle - the ride also seems better.
The best bit is the handling which feels very agile and sporty after my XJR - I find myself generally driving the X-type faster than the XJR and getting twice the mpg!
I have read in the motoring press that the X-type has a great chassis (as does the Mondeo!) and I have to agree but whether this is enough to make up for the dated looks and interior (compared in particular the Audi) I'm not so sure.
The best bit is the handling which feels very agile and sporty after my XJR - I find myself generally driving the X-type faster than the XJR and getting twice the mpg!
I have read in the motoring press that the X-type has a great chassis (as does the Mondeo!) and I have to agree but whether this is enough to make up for the dated looks and interior (compared in particular the Audi) I'm not so sure.
It's fine, as we've had one for 5 weeks, but we are itching to get the big cat back. see here www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=302637&f=85&h=0
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