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Vertigo April 15, 2008 12:54 AM

In principal, I think Jag *needs* an entry-level car, because you can't really expect a company to be successful in this day and age just by selling mid-to-high-end executive saloons and sportscars. The competition is very strong, and large profits need to be made just to fund the R&D to keep the company in the running.

I do agree, however, that the X-type does more harm than good. It's not been a huge commercial success - I think I remember reading that sales have dropped by around 50% over the past couple of years. It perpetuates the stodgy look that Jaguar is struggling to drop - especially as it's the most commonly-seen Jag. And it's the only car in their lineup which is demonstrably less good than its competition.

So my opinion is that rather than be removed outright, the X-type needs a replacement, and far more urgently than any of the other models (I don't understand why the excellent XJ, whose heritage makes the antiquated styling acceptable, is next in line). I think that Jag needs something fun as their most common car, something that can improve their image. If I were Mr. Tata, I'd commission a lightweight, affordable and attractive sportscar in the X-type's current price slot, kind of like a contemporary E-type.

Then again, maybe that's the intention with the greenlight of the F-type concept.

Quattro369 April 15, 2008 11:31 AM

I agree with Vertigo.

The BMW 1-Series and Audi A3 are proof that premium brands can compete in mass market sectors and still maintain their image. The X-type's main problems were the awful styling, inital poor build quality and the late introduction of diesel engines.

Imagine suggesting BMW drop the 3-series or Audi drop the A4 from their ranges! Both these cars account for around 50% of their brands total sales.

What the X-type needs is a complete overhaul:

Modern styling, more powerful diesels and possibly a coupe and/or convertible in the range to improve its image.

ordinary bloke April 15, 2008 1:37 PM

I agree with Quattro369. I do think that Jaguar need an entry-level car that is affordable and I like the idea of having an estate car that is an alternative to the ubiquitous Audi or BMW. A neighbour of mine has a diesel estate that is a couple of years old (no clue from the personalised reg.) and it has proved reliable apparantly, his only gripe was the lack of an auto option on the diesel when he got his. I think the estate is better looking than the saloon, you "lose" the disproportionate boot line. Early news about Tata's plans for Jaguar and Land Rover sound good, lets hope thay live up to the promise in reality.