Jaguar is busy expanding its variety, thereby increasing its competitive position and coming into line with other executive competitors. After the introduction of a diesel variant to the X-Type range - due in Ireland in the coming weeks - the Ford-owned marque has now released initial photos of its X-Type estate. Michael McAleer reports.
Due to be offically unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show next month, the car reflects a more active campaign to follow market trends. Along with the estate model, in the past three months Jaguar has announced both a 2-litre diesel X-Type and, the fruit of its joint venture with Peugeot and Citroën (PSA), a 24-valve turbocharged V6 engine offering the latest common-rail direct-injection fuel system.
Developing 207 bhp, a 2.7-litre unit will be fitted in the S-Type and is out to challenge the likes of BMW's 530d and the Mercedes E270 diesel.
The percentage of diesel-powered cars in Europe has more than doubled since 1993, from 20 per cent to over 40 per cent in 2002. In some markets Jaguar was finding it was proudly topping the petrol-powered market, but losing out in volume sales to the diesel variants.
Now with estates accounting for more than a quarter of sales in the X-Type market segment across Europe, Jaguar is out to win some share there as well.
The new version will go on sale in mid-2004 featuring permanent all-wheel drive, with a choice of V6 petrol engines and the new 2-litre diesel.
According to Jaguar, its research points to a lower average age for estate car drivers than its saloon counterparts. It also claims that, in the majority of cases, buying decisions are not based on child-related needs.
Among the features on the new estate variant are integral roof rails and a rear screen that opens independently of the tailgate.