When Jaguar launched the X-type saloon in January 2001 some Jaguar purists feared that the new model, which shared its underpinnings with the Ford Mondeo, signalled the end of an era for the British car maker. Once seen only in the company director’s parking space, Jaguars were suddenly affordable to Mondeo Man.

If that wasn’t enough, in January 2004 an estate version became available. The once proud beast had become a shopping car, critics said.

But those who know Jaguar will remember founder Sir William Lyons’s original design philosophy of “grace, pace and space”. The X-type estate, arguably more attractive than its saloon counterpart and boasting oodles of luggage capacity, was a car that Lyons would have approved of.

Three years on, used examples are plentiful and thanks to a reasonable price when new they are good value when compared with prestige alternatives. Buyers have the option of a broad range of engines: the most powerful 2.5 and 3 litre V6 petrol engines come with Jaguar’s Traction4 all-wheel-drive system. With 194bhp and 231bhp respectively, both can take full advantage of the extra grip available.

Far from feeling like load luggers they are nimble and engaging to drive. While many buyers will plump for the ease of the optional auto box the standard five-speed manual is good and if you do not mind prodding the clutch pedal you can save yourself about £500 on the cost of a used example.

There is also the option of a V6 2 litre petrol engine producing 157bhp. Available as front-wheel drive only, it was hoped that this model would be a big seller; however, its displacement of 2099cc meant that in many export markets it was subject to higher tax levels because it exceeded 2 litres. With slow overseas sales, production was halted in 2005 but a secondhand 2 litre remains the cheapest way to get into an X-type estate, with prices starting at about £10,000 for a 2004 04 example with 40,000 miles on the clock.

If fuel economy is important then turn your attentions to the 2 litre diesel. Its 128bhp unit is capable of returning more than 48mpg while still hitting the 0-60mph benchmark in less than 10sec. A 153bhp 2.2 litre diesel joined the line up in 2005 and while performance is a tad more brisk its real advantage is probably only apparent when the car is fully laden or towing.

All X-type estates perform as well as their saloon car counterparts and some owners say the cabin is fractionally quieter. Driver and passenger comfort, always a Jaguar priority, is impressive and even in cars fitted with standard cloth trim, rather than the more common optional leather upholstery, the cabin retains an air of luxury. All models have air-conditioning as standard and many boast sophisticated climate-control systems. Entertainment comes courtesy of a 120-watt Alpine stereo with single-disc CD player.

Like most Jaguars the X-type estate is sensitive to colour and trim combinations: classic blues, silvers and greens tend to fare best, with contrasting dark and light interiors giving all models a more prestige feel. Service history should be impeccable with all models requiring attention every 12,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

All X-type estates start life with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, so if the car is less than three years old when you buy it get it checked by a Jaguar dealer regardless of mileage.

The Jaguar X-type estate may have been a brave move for Jaguar when it was first introduced and one that ruffled a few traditionalists’ feathers. But three years on it has proven itself to be not only a good car but also a proper Jaguar.

Rear screen

Separate opening screen means you can access the boot without lifting the tailgate, useful if you are parked in a tight spot

Tyres

Check front and rear tyres carefully on all-wheel-drive models as wear can be high if alignment is incorrect

Upholstery

Leather is a popular option but do not pay more than £450 extra for a car with it. Standard cloth is hard wearing but light colours mark easily

Spare wheel

Space-saver spare as standard although full-size spare was a relatively inexpensive factory option

Alloy wheels

Standard on all models. Check for signs of kerbing and of lacquer lifting

Boot space

The 455 litre boot is easily increased as rear seats fold without needing to remove the headrests. Luggage blind and additional power source in the boot to charge laptops and phones are also standard

Security

Factory alarm and immobiliser are standard

Servicing and warranty

Servicing due every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever is the sooner

Vital statistics

Model Jaguar X-type estate 2.0 D SE

Engine 1998cc, four-cylinder turbo

Power 128bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 48.5mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-60mph: 9.8sec

Top speed 123mph

Values

Mileage

20,000

2004 04 Trade £12,350 Retail £14,495

2005 05 Trade £13,900 Retail £15,995

2006 06 Trade £15,700 Retail £18,095

30,000

2004 04 Trade £11,750 Retail £13,895

2005 05 Trade £13,150 Retail £15,250

2006 06 Trade £14,950 Retail £17,250

50,000

2004 04 Trade £10,550 Retail £12,695

2005 05 Trade £11,800 Retail £13,950

2006 06 Trade £13,850 Retail £16,195

The one to buy

Jaguar X-type estate 2.0 D SE 2005 05 with 30,000 miles. Pay £15,250 at a dealer or £14,250 privately

Or for similar money

2004 04 Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI estate 2004 54 Volvo V50 2.0D SE Sport 2004 54 Audi A4 1.9 TDI Avant 2005 05 Honda Accord 2.2 i-CTDi Tourer 2005 54 BMW 320d ES Touring

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