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The Jaguar X-TYPE is a model of automobile that first began production in 2001 (as a model year 2002) and remains in production at Jaguar's Halewood facility near Liverpool, which produced the European version of the Ford Escort for 32 years.
The X-TYPE is the smallest of the current Jaguar saloon cars, and was designed to build on the success of the S-TYPE, although it takes many styling cues from the XJ saloon series. It is built on a tweaked version of the Ford CD132 platform, evolved from the Ford CDW27 platform, that also underpins the Ford Mondeo.
This vehicle was designed as a direct competitor to the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Sales have been poor, blamed on its resemblance to the larger XJ which was traditionally bought by older customers, not the younger ones that Jaguar craved. Consequently, the X-TYPE cannibalized sales from the XJ. Initially projected to surpass 100,000 annual sales, the X-TYPE peaked at 50,000 in 2003.
Powertrain
The X-TYPE is equipped in the United States with either a 2.5L or 3.0L Jaguar AJ-V6 engine and all-wheel drive standard. In Europe, the X-TYPE is also available with a 2.0L petrol or diesel engine.
Body styles
The initial version of the X-TYPE was a saloon. In early 2004, this was joined by an estate version, making it the first ever Jaguar estate car, in addition to the first to use a diesel engine. The estate version was launched to mixed reception.
In the United States, the estate version is officially known as the Sportwagon.
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