I must admit, I’m rather prejudice toward Jags. Always have been. And now that fondness has grown ever stronger since Ford took over (although that was an adjustment) and made it possible for Jaguar to continue creating such beautiful designs. My personal favorite is the S-Type, but the X-Type has won me over as well.

The X-Type is the first compact-sized Jaguar since the classic Mark II of the early 1960s and is seven inches shorter than the S-Type

There is a lot to like about the X-Type: The styling, comfort, quiet ride, amenities and last, but not least, the all-wheel-drive configuration. This is a vehicle for all driving conditions.

Introduced in August 2001, Jaguar has sold 55,000 X-Types in the U.S. alone, and according to J.D. Power & Associates 2003 Initial Quality Study shows a significant 22 percent improvement in initial quality. The X-Type remains the only compact luxury sedan in its class to offer all-wheel-drive as standard equipment. Jaguar has reduced the 3.0-liter X-Type’s MSRP from $36,970 in 2003, to $33,995 for 2004. The 3.0-liter will also be equipped with standard power moonroof and split folding rear seat, a wood/leather steering wheel and auto headlamps.

Standard equipment on the X-Type includes front and side airbags, power door locks, windows and 8-way power driver’s seat, ABS, driveaway locking, auto climate control, one touch open/close windows, leather trimmed seats, single disc CD player, tilt/telescope steering wheel, bird’s-eye maple wood trim, remote entry, anti-theft engine immobilizer, rear child seat tethers, traction 4 all-wheel drive, speed sensitive steering, and 5-speed automatic transmission.

Optional equipment on our 2003 3.0-liter V6 test vehicle included X ’03 premium package (8-way power front passenger seat, 2-way power lumbar support on both front seats, rain-sensing wipers, message center and trip computer, programmable garage door opener, $1,120), heated front seats 2 stage ($500), Reverse Park Control ($300) and X moonroof split/fold rear seat ($1,550). Destination, $665.

We really enjoyed driving the X-Type and hated giving it back. It performed effortlessly on highways and around town, with precise handling and uncompromised quiet. Navigating Wisconsin roads, our X-Type quickly drew praise from all aboard. There were four adults and a packed trunk.

We did notice a squeak coming from the rear. It seemed to be in the suspension but wouldn’t duplicate itself when bouncing the car up and down. The only explanation we could come up with was that the trunk was probably over-filled. Nevertheless, it was unexpected, yet, noticeable.

The X-Type is so easy to drive and seating is very comfortable. We experienced the Traction 4 system when hitting some heavy rain. The system senses the difference in speed between the front and rear wheels. If the rear wheels slip, 60 percent of the engine power shifts to the front wheels.

For 2004, X-Type makes a few changes to the optional "Sport" package, 3.0 V6, including 18-inch wheels (up from 17-inch), upgraded 320-watt 10-speaker Premium Alpine audio. Also new for 2004 is a different alloy wheel design for each X-Type model, new exterior colors and new Sapele wood veneer, as well as new shades of leather seating surfaces. The horsepower in both the 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter engines also increase: up to 192 bhp on the 2.5-liter and 227 bhp on the3.0-liter. New all-wheel-drive badging shows up on the trunk.

For 2004, X-Type is available in two models: 2.5-liter $29,995) and 3.0-liter ($33,995), with an optional "Sport" package available on the 3.0-liter. With the Sport package you can add 18x7.5 Aruba alloy wheels with Pirelli Pzero ‘Nero’ 225/40 ZR 18-inch tires, sport-tuned suspension, sport seats with perforated leather center sections, full leather steering wheel, 320-watt 10-speaker Alpine Premium audio system with AM/FM/single CD, mono-chrome exterior, color keyed grille surround and rear plinth, trunk lid spoiler, Dynamic Stability Control with Emergency Brake Assist, Xenon headlights with automatic leveling, 5-speed manual transmission and 17-inch Aquila wheels with all season tires available.

The X Optional Premium Package is available for 2004 again, as is the X4 Optional Luxury Package available on the 3.0-liter also. This package includes 17-inch Andros alloy wheels with All Season tires, chrome mirror door caps, 8-way power passenger seat, 2-way lumbar support both front seats, heated front seats with two temperature settings, rain-sensing wipers, programmable garage door opener and lambs wool floor rugs.

All of this, of course, comes at a premium price, and in our opinion, isn’t really necessary. We like the X-type in the luxury mode better.

The X-Type’s exterior styling changes somewhat for 2004, taking some styling cues from its older brother the XJ: Quad headlamps, grille design and the shape of the hood are reminiscent of previous XJ sedans. According to Jaguar’s Wayne Burgess, principal designer on X-Type, the reason for this switch was to make the X-Type recognizable to those folks who weren’t used to seeing Jag in the compact luxury category.

This is one compact luxury sedan you can outfit to fit your driving style: from sheer comfort, to racing inspired goodies. We like the versatility of the X-Type, and without sacrificing any of the luxury some of us have become accustomed to. And always have expected from the Jaguar nameplate.

While we prefer the 3.0-liter engine, the 2.5-liter is more than adequate for most driving styles. For a savings of a few thousand, we’d be happy with the smaller engine, especially with the increase in horsepower for 2004.

If you’re interested in a Jaguar, X-Type or otherwise, Jaguar invites you to be one of the first to experience the all-new Build Your Jaguar web site. You can use your email address and password to store and retrieve custom Jaguars in your personal virtual garage. Choose your favorite color, trim and options at www.jaguar.com.

Copyright 2004. Susan Frissell. Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.