2005 Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon

Six footers sit comfortably in front and also fit in back, though their knees will be brushing the seatback if the front passengers are similarly long of leg. The wagon's rear cargo area is accessed by means of a split, top-hinged tailgate. Lift-over height is low and capacity is generous: 15.7-50.0 cubic feet, depending on how you configure the 70/30 split rear seats. If that's not enough for you room wise, there's more under the floor and also topside. A molded tray beneath the load floor offers compartmentalized spaces and a 12-volt outlet, an ideal spot to recharge a laptop or camera while concealing it from view. Speaking of hiding, a retractable tonneau rolls out to shield the back section contents from inquiring eyes. The cargo area is fully trimmed and carpeted with a brushed stainless scuff plate for show and four D-rings to make sure your cargo doesn't go. Coming soon: a series of optional, dealer-installed carrying systems for the roof rails to help you get a grip on skis, bikes, etc.


On the road, the Sportwagon's added practicality hasn't subtracted anything from driving dynamics. The fully independent suspension has MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear, with ZF, power-assisted, rack-and-pinion steering. The X-Types' spring and damper rates and electronic control systems (ABS, Traction Control System and (optional) Dynamic Stability Control) have all been fine-tuned for this application. The Sportwagon is a flat, taut handler. It feels well planted in the corners with nicely weighted steering. Inherent in a station wagon's open rear design is more body flex. Jaguar has engineered in additional stiffness to compensate—and such was the attention paid to soundproofing, as the wagon is actually a skosh quieter than the sedan.

The wagon's rear cargo area is accessed by means of a split, top-hinged tailgate; lift-over height is low and capacity is generous.

Jaguar's Traction-4 is a full-time, all-wheel drive and traction control system, requiring no input from the driver. Under normal conditions, power is split 40/60, front/back, for optimum performance. When road conditions deteriorate, the combination of Traction-4, ABS and stability control (where fitted) make for a reassuring road feel in rain or snow. Those in northern climes can improve a good thing by changing the X-Types' four shoes to snow tires.


The Sportwagon is well appointed in standard trim. Major options are limited to a premium package: navigation, Bluetooth compatibility, reverse park control, heated seats and metallic paint. The sole engine offering is a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 227 hp (@ 6,800 rpm) and 206 lb.-ft. of torque (@ 3,000 rpm). Although the motor is somewhat hoarse at full throttle and lacks the mellifluous growl of vintage Jaguar sixes, it is nonetheless a nice match for the Sportwagon platform in overall performance. The company estimates a 0-60 time of 7.3 seconds. Jaguar's five-speed automatic transmission has normal and sport-shift modes; but, in my test drive, I wasn't able to detect much difference in performance between them. EPA rates gas mileage for the Sportwagon at 18 mpg/city, 24 mpg/highway.


Jaguar estimates that only 5-10 percent of X-Type production will be Sportwagons. Considering the growing strength of the AWD/wagon segment, that number may prove to be conservative. The Sportwagon appears well positioned to catch the wave of new-age wagon buyers as it rolls past. At an MSRP of $36,995, it compares very favorably on a dollar value basis with competitive models (BMW 325 Xi, Audi A4 Avant Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C240 4Matic). Versatile and stylish, Sportwagon adds a high utility body style to the X-Type lineup, without sacrificing traditional Jaguar virtues like elegance and smooth performance. (www.jaguarusa.com)