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Spyshots: redesigned X-Type
By Yoann Besnard on 11 July 2007 | 
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The X-Type is not dead and this redesign could prove it. In a difficult environment, Jaguar is struggling to revamp its models, a situation similar to that which MG-Rover found itself in a few years ago.
The changes will be subtle. On the outside, the revamped baby Jaguar will have new front and rear bumpers, a new grille, new side mouldings, fresh paint colours and new wheels. On the inside, expect an effort to modernise the anachronistic interior and some accessory updates.
Under the hood, the X-Type will get a new diesel: a 2.2 litre engine that will at long last be compatible with an automatic gearbox.
This minor change to the design is not, however, garanteed to save the X-Type's unsuccessful career. Despite good qualities, the small Jaguar did not break the generation gap between the carmaker and young British people.
When the British youth dream of binge drinking and performance, the traditional values of the British empire sold by Jaguar are not welcome. Its interior, a mix of with leather and wood, can't compete with the sporty engines and aluminium trims of German cars. Jaguar expected to double sales with the X-Type but sold just 32,500 worldwide last year, three times less than the original target.
