Behold the X Type, first new Jag since parenting with Ford. We think this entry-level luxury vehicle (starts at $29,000) will shake more than a few of the trees in the BMW, Mercedes, and Audi forest on the strength of its engineering. The X-Type's top-of-the-line 3.0-liter V6 produces 231 horsepower - that, with the manual transmission will get you to 60 miles per hour in only 6.6 seconds (6.9 for the BMW 330xi and Mercedes C320) This is due to its variable valve timing mechanism. It's sporty handling comes from it's Traction 4 all-wheel-drive system that transfers 40 percent of the power to the front wheels, 60 percent to the rear.

W The interior has a stylistic minimalist Jaguar approach - the bells and whistles are all there but in a more traditional style. Our passengers were impressed the most with the wrap-around leather seats whose wings on the back and seat keep your very own back and seat from slip-sliding away. So before you decide to enter the entry-level luxury gang, be sure to test drive this agile cat.

- Editor

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