Test drive of x-type 2.2d Estate

[rlk500]

I am looking to change my current 3 series 328 E46 Tourer for something a bit newer. The 3 series has been a great car, carried us to various parts of Europe without any grief. Good points are engine and drive, it's a nice car to drive, period. Bad points, seats are poor (beyond belief), interior storage poor, ride not great on poor roads (but it does have 18" wheels which look great - the price you pay..). Anyway, the new 3 series is not a starter, god awful looking thing. But the X-type we like, so we went and drove the 2.2d this weekend. First impressions are, great engine, very responsive (more so than the petrol 2.8 in the BMW). Steering was very light, but soon felt quite normal, ride was much better than the BMW especially on poor roads (test car had 17" wheels). Seats, massively better along with interior storage and loaded with features like sat nav and voice activated controls (which I always thought were a bit of a gimmick, but were excellent), all of whcuh are standard on the car. Overall we both liked it a lot and are strongly considering one. The only gripe I had was that I felt that I was sitting on the car rather than in it, even with the seat in it's lowest position.

Just one question, anyone else driven the 2.2d. Did you find a flat spot betrween 3-4k, the car seemed to accelerate away really quickly then sort of run out of puff between 3-4k.

I also posed the questioon about the possibility of the x-type being canned, the saleman categorically said "no chance". 2008 designes were already underway, with a new model being planned for 2010.

[Phil Hopkins]

The sensation of it 'running out of puff' is down to the turbo on a diesel car. You'll find (with the exception of modern twin turbo diesels) that the max power band tends to be somewhere between 1500 - 3500RPM. The car will perform at it's best (in terms of acceleration) between that rev range. In a diesel there is absolutely no point at all revving it any higher unless you're in sixth gear and pressing on.

Glad you like it as it really is a top notch car!


and if you'd like an alternative quote, drop me an e-mail

[Phil Hopkins]

Also, if you prefer the feel of sitting 'in' the car, why not try one with sports seats? They're supported a bit more around the back and waist so it feels a bit more 'hugging'.

Sport premium perhaps?

[rlk500]

Thanks Phil, I figured it was something like that as couldn't believe that it had a fault. I guess it just a case of tailoring your driving technique to suit. Will be a bit strange though, my other car likes a shift somewhere around 7500 - 8000 when you are pressing on, so hanging onto to the revs is a bit of a habit.......

Both of us a pretty well sold on the car, so much more stylish and elegant that a lot of the other fodder kicking around......

[Phil Hopkins]

Rupert, your driving style will definately adapt to it over time. You'll actually find that petrol cars can feel a wee bit 'slow' after a while if you hop between the two.

Good luck.

[triple7]

The estate X really does look good. BUT the diesel only comes in manual and isn't All Wheel Drive, which IMHO is one of my favourite features about this car. I get about 25 mpg out of my 3.0ltr Sport, so if thats not an issue I would look at the petrol with a great auto'box.

By way of interest the all way adjustable seats can be lowered to the mounts, but if you are of 'modest' build, the sports seats may feel a wee tight in the hip area.

Anyhow, try 'em out, make sure you get all the kit, and let Phil see if can do you a deal. Steer clear of those 'orrible bimmers!

I think you have until 2009 til the X runs its course. Phil?

G

[triple7]

PS I have the larger 18's on mine, they look fab but over horrible roads the ride is crashy. I have an old X, but I think the ride has been improved over the years.

G

[Phil Hopkins]

triple7 said:

I think you have until 2009 til the X runs its course. Phil?

No idea what'll happen now G.

[rlk500]

We would be going for the Sport Premium trim with 18's, so will have to settle for slightly compromised ride but I am sure it will be better than the BM. Did try the Sport Premium for fit and feel but they didn't have an estate trimmed one to drive.