11 October 2001
Jaguar’s X-TYPE compact sports saloon range, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February, goes on sale in the UK on 23 May. Jaguar dealers worldwide have already received well over 100,000 serious sales enquiries. In the UK alone Jaguar dealers have more than 4,000 advance orders, worth around £100 million at showroom prices.
Jaguar as a business is in the throes of a major product-led transformation. Fuelled by the success of the larger S-TYPE saloon, last year Jaguar achieved worldwide sales of over 90,000 cars, effectively double 1998 levels. The smaller, more affordable X-TYPE drives forward Jaguar’s ambitious growth strategy. When the X-TYPE is in full production, it is expected to more than double Jaguar’s total sales once again, accounting for more than 50 percent of total Jaguar sales worldwide.
X-TYPE goes on sale at the ends of may in the UK and Continental Europe, followed closely by the United States, Middle East and Far East. Jaguar forecasts worldwide sales of over 40,000 X-TYPES in 2001, the largest markets being the United Sates, UK, Continental Europe and Japan.
Building on the success of the larger S-TYPE, the X-TYPE will play a significant role in moving Jaguar into the heart of the corporate sales sector. While Jaguar is already a well established choice at boardroom level, the X-TYPE will make Jaguar available for the first time to many more mainstream company car drivers, from ‘user-choosers’ to major fleet operators. As early as 1997, Jaguar established a dedicated Corporate Operations team to help dealers understand the unique needs of fleet managers and the corporate market. The Jaguar Corporate team also provides fleet managers with a direct communications link with the company on all product and business issues. An X-Type demonstrator programme will provide test drive facilities for key corporate customers. In addition a dedicated corporate website provides easily accessible, business-related data. This helps to build awareness throughout the corporate market of both X-TYPE’s excellent whole-life cost performance, based on highly competitive operating costs, and the forecast of strong residual values by corporate industry experts. Markets like France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are becoming increasingly relevant for corporate sales, joining countries such as Britain, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands where fleet business in long established. X-TYPE - challenging perceptions of Jaguar As Jaguar’s first entrant in the fast-growing compact saloon segment, X-TYPE is pitched directly against such established competitors as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Positioned below Jaguar’s S-TYPE saloon range in both size and price, X-TYPE challenges existing perceptions of Jaguar. Appealing to a new generation of customers, X-TYPE exemplifies Jaguar’s new performance spirit, offering a fresh, contemporary expression of Jaguar values in a compact, stylish sports saloon.
Effortless, refined performance comes from V6 engines in either 2.5 litre or 3.0 litre form, both derived from the AJ-V6 power train already successfully proven in the large S-TYPE saloon. X-TYPE also features Jaguar’s Traction-4 all-wheel-drive system as standard for nimble and sporting driving dynamics, making it a care for driving enthusiasts.
Inside X-TYPE, traditional craftsmanship is complemented by technological innovation strengthening Jaguar’s growing reputation at the forefront of in-car telematics and communications technology. X-Type’s optional multimedia system is an industry-first and comprises of 7-inch LCD touch-screen, providing finger-tip control of climate, audio and, where fitted, navigation system, television tuner and telephone. This exceptionally high level of system integration is facilitated by fibre optics to provide fast, high quality data transfer.
Voice activation, a world-first for Jaguar when launched on S-TYPE in 1998, can also be specified to provide multi-lingual voice control of audio, telephone and climate control systems, as well as - for the first time - the navigation system and TV tuner.
X-TYPE’s practical strengths include generous space for occupants, an array of handy stowage areas and a capacious 452-litre boot.
Luggage capacity can be increased by folding down the rear seat’s optional 70/30 split backrest.
Class-leading chassis dynamics, including all-wheel-drive as standard, provide a high degree of ‘active’ safety. X-TYPE also has one of the most advanced and comprehensive ‘passive’ safety packages on the market including, as standard, occupancy sensing systems, adaptive dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtains bags, benefiting both front and rear occupants.
Comprehensive feature specifications and value for money All X-TYPE models maintain Jaguar’s philosophy of combining performance, innovation, craftsmanship and luxury with outstanding value for money. At launch, five X-TYPE models are available: the entry level 2.5 V6, the 2.5 and 3.0 V6 Sport, and the luxuriously equipped, range-topping 2.5 and 3.0 V6 ‘Special Equipment’ (‘S.E.’). Each model has a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with a fully electronic five-speed automatic transmission optional across the range. X-TYPE ownership begins with a five-speed manual transmission and a comprehensive feature specification as standard, including
The V6 Sport, with the 2.5 litre engine for the 3.0 litre variant, is distinguished by a specially up-rated suspension system, 7” x 17” X-Sport alloy wheels, colour coded exterior and distinctive sport interior with cloth/leather seats and grey stained maple veneers.
The V6 ‘S.E.’, is fitted as standard with a variety of luxury features including leather seat trim, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, automatic climate control and trip computer with message centre.
The rational choice - for private and fleet buyers alike
Achieving competitive ownership costs throughout the life of X-TYPE was a key consideration during the vehicle’s development. This philosophy starts with the car’s keen prices and high specifications, and continues to be reflected throughout the life of the vehicle in terms of maintenance costs, insurance ratings, residual values and fuel economy.
The X-TYPE’s comprehensive, state-of-the-art security systems, fully integrated into the vehicle electronics, exceed the stringent British Insurance Industry’s Criteria for Vehicle Security and include engine immobiliser, perimeter alarm, intrusion sensing, deadlocking, two-stage unlocking and automatic drive-away locking. The Category 1, Thatcham-approved security system, together with highly competitive repair costs, result in class leading insurance groupings of 15E for 2.5 litre models and 16E for 3.0 litre models.
Whole-life-cost suppliers forecast that X-TYPE’s residual values will also be class leading. Emmox Car cost, one of the leading suppliers of lifetime costs for corporate flee buyers, predicts that the X-TYPE 2.5 V6 ‘S.E.’ will achieve a resale value of 52 percent after three years / 60,000 miles, placing it ahead of its nearest rival by over 4 per cent. Good residuals should translate into highly competitive lease rates.
In common with the rest of the Jaguar range, routine service intervals are at 10,000 mile (16,000 km) or 12 monthly intervals, Jaguar’s commitment to after sales customer care ensures that the X-TYPE, like every new Jaguar, is backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties and service support packages in the industry, comprising:
X-TYPE’s comprehensive safety systems can also help to reduce ownership costs. An added benefit of the advanced occupancy sensing system is the avoidance of repair costs associated with unnecessary airbag deployments, particularly when the passenger seat is unoccupied and in low-impact collisions when the occupants are belted.
All these factors combine to make the X-TYPE not only a highly desirable and exciting car, but a rational choice for private and corporate customers alike.
-Ends-
Jaguar’s X-TYPE compact sports saloon range, which was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in February, goes on sale in the UK on 23 May. Jaguar dealers worldwide have already received well over 100,000 serious sales enquiries. In the UK alone Jaguar dealers have more than 4,000 advance orders, worth around £100 million at showroom prices.
Jaguar as a business is in the throes of a major product-led transformation. Fuelled by the success of the larger S-TYPE saloon, last year Jaguar achieved worldwide sales of over 90,000 cars, effectively double 1998 levels. The smaller, more affordable X-TYPE drives forward Jaguar’s ambitious growth strategy. When the X-TYPE is in full production, it is expected to more than double Jaguar’s total sales once again, accounting for more than 50 percent of total Jaguar sales worldwide.
X-TYPE goes on sale at the ends of may in the UK and Continental Europe, followed closely by the United States, Middle East and Far East. Jaguar forecasts worldwide sales of over 40,000 X-TYPES in 2001, the largest markets being the United Sates, UK, Continental Europe and Japan.
Building on the success of the larger S-TYPE, the X-TYPE will play a significant role in moving Jaguar into the heart of the corporate sales sector. While Jaguar is already a well established choice at boardroom level, the X-TYPE will make Jaguar available for the first time to many more mainstream company car drivers, from ‘user-choosers’ to major fleet operators. As early as 1997, Jaguar established a dedicated Corporate Operations team to help dealers understand the unique needs of fleet managers and the corporate market. The Jaguar Corporate team also provides fleet managers with a direct communications link with the company on all product and business issues. An X-Type demonstrator programme will provide test drive facilities for key corporate customers. In addition a dedicated corporate website provides easily accessible, business-related data. This helps to build awareness throughout the corporate market of both X-TYPE’s excellent whole-life cost performance, based on highly competitive operating costs, and the forecast of strong residual values by corporate industry experts. Markets like France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland are becoming increasingly relevant for corporate sales, joining countries such as Britain, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands where fleet business in long established. X-TYPE - challenging perceptions of Jaguar As Jaguar’s first entrant in the fast-growing compact saloon segment, X-TYPE is pitched directly against such established competitors as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Positioned below Jaguar’s S-TYPE saloon range in both size and price, X-TYPE challenges existing perceptions of Jaguar. Appealing to a new generation of customers, X-TYPE exemplifies Jaguar’s new performance spirit, offering a fresh, contemporary expression of Jaguar values in a compact, stylish sports saloon.
Effortless, refined performance comes from V6 engines in either 2.5 litre or 3.0 litre form, both derived from the AJ-V6 power train already successfully proven in the large S-TYPE saloon. X-TYPE also features Jaguar’s Traction-4 all-wheel-drive system as standard for nimble and sporting driving dynamics, making it a care for driving enthusiasts.
Inside X-TYPE, traditional craftsmanship is complemented by technological innovation strengthening Jaguar’s growing reputation at the forefront of in-car telematics and communications technology. X-Type’s optional multimedia system is an industry-first and comprises of 7-inch LCD touch-screen, providing finger-tip control of climate, audio and, where fitted, navigation system, television tuner and telephone. This exceptionally high level of system integration is facilitated by fibre optics to provide fast, high quality data transfer.
Voice activation, a world-first for Jaguar when launched on S-TYPE in 1998, can also be specified to provide multi-lingual voice control of audio, telephone and climate control systems, as well as - for the first time - the navigation system and TV tuner.
X-TYPE’s practical strengths include generous space for occupants, an array of handy stowage areas and a capacious 452-litre boot.
Luggage capacity can be increased by folding down the rear seat’s optional 70/30 split backrest.
Class-leading chassis dynamics, including all-wheel-drive as standard, provide a high degree of ‘active’ safety. X-TYPE also has one of the most advanced and comprehensive ‘passive’ safety packages on the market including, as standard, occupancy sensing systems, adaptive dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags and side curtains bags, benefiting both front and rear occupants.
Comprehensive feature specifications and value for money All X-TYPE models maintain Jaguar’s philosophy of combining performance, innovation, craftsmanship and luxury with outstanding value for money. At launch, five X-TYPE models are available: the entry level 2.5 V6, the 2.5 and 3.0 V6 Sport, and the luxuriously equipped, range-topping 2.5 and 3.0 V6 ‘Special Equipment’ (‘S.E.’). Each model has a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with a fully electronic five-speed automatic transmission optional across the range. X-TYPE ownership begins with a five-speed manual transmission and a comprehensive feature specification as standard, including
- Jaguar Traction-4 all-wheel-drive system
- Anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution
- Speed-sensitive, variable ratio power assisted steering
- 6.5” x 16” x –10 alloy wheels
- Driver’s seat electric height rise§ Air conditioning with pollen filter
- Comprehensive, Thatcham-approved security system
- Traditional Jaguar chrome exterior trim
- Bird’s eye maple veneers
The V6 Sport, with the 2.5 litre engine for the 3.0 litre variant, is distinguished by a specially up-rated suspension system, 7” x 17” X-Sport alloy wheels, colour coded exterior and distinctive sport interior with cloth/leather seats and grey stained maple veneers.
The V6 ‘S.E.’, is fitted as standard with a variety of luxury features including leather seat trim, eight-way electrically adjustable front seats, cruise control, automatic climate control and trip computer with message centre.
The rational choice - for private and fleet buyers alike
Achieving competitive ownership costs throughout the life of X-TYPE was a key consideration during the vehicle’s development. This philosophy starts with the car’s keen prices and high specifications, and continues to be reflected throughout the life of the vehicle in terms of maintenance costs, insurance ratings, residual values and fuel economy.
The X-TYPE’s comprehensive, state-of-the-art security systems, fully integrated into the vehicle electronics, exceed the stringent British Insurance Industry’s Criteria for Vehicle Security and include engine immobiliser, perimeter alarm, intrusion sensing, deadlocking, two-stage unlocking and automatic drive-away locking. The Category 1, Thatcham-approved security system, together with highly competitive repair costs, result in class leading insurance groupings of 15E for 2.5 litre models and 16E for 3.0 litre models.
Whole-life-cost suppliers forecast that X-TYPE’s residual values will also be class leading. Emmox Car cost, one of the leading suppliers of lifetime costs for corporate flee buyers, predicts that the X-TYPE 2.5 V6 ‘S.E.’ will achieve a resale value of 52 percent after three years / 60,000 miles, placing it ahead of its nearest rival by over 4 per cent. Good residuals should translate into highly competitive lease rates.
In common with the rest of the Jaguar range, routine service intervals are at 10,000 mile (16,000 km) or 12 monthly intervals, Jaguar’s commitment to after sales customer care ensures that the X-TYPE, like every new Jaguar, is backed by one of the most comprehensive warranties and service support packages in the industry, comprising:
- 3 year / 60,000 mile mechanical and electrical warranty (extendable up to 5 years / 100,000 miles at extra cost)
- Total Incident Management, backed by the RAC, is included in the 3 year / 60,000 mile warranty. This provides: 24 hour rescue, towing and roadside support; vehicle recovery and ‘at home’ facility; loan car if required; overnight hotel accommodation; comprehensive post-accident / theft service; full Mondial European Emergency Assistance; repatriation of vehicle and driver; onward journey costs where necessary
- 3 year, unlimited mileage paint surface warranty
- 6 year, unlimited mileage corrosion (perforation) warranty
X-TYPE’s comprehensive safety systems can also help to reduce ownership costs. An added benefit of the advanced occupancy sensing system is the avoidance of repair costs associated with unnecessary airbag deployments, particularly when the passenger seat is unoccupied and in low-impact collisions when the occupants are belted.
All these factors combine to make the X-TYPE not only a highly desirable and exciting car, but a rational choice for private and corporate customers alike.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2003
