KEY POINTS:
When the X-Type - aka the "Baby Jaguar' - was launched in 2001, it was another model that was going to attract younger buyers to the marque, boost production and take the US by storm.
It did none of those things. Sales never reached half of the expected 100,000 per year and were dismal from the start compared with rivals such as the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series.
In hindsight, there was certainly a lack of "Jaguarness" about the car.
It was the first front-drive model from the British brand because it was based on the platform of the Ford Mondeo, and everybody knew it.
In that respect, the XJ-alike styling seemed cynical. It was quietly dropped from the US market last year.
But Kiwi Jaguar importer Motorcorp Distributors Ltd is having another crack with the facelifted X-Type.
The flagship 3.0 Sport and base model 2.1 Sport versions continue, but the star is a new 2.2-litre diesel model.
The diesel engine is an old-school one, a Ford-specific unit rather than one from the newer Ford-Peugeot family of motors.
It's gruff when cold and refinement is only average but it has bags of torque and makes for a relaxing X-Type drive. The six-speed auto goes about its business with impressive efficiency.
The rest of the car is pretty much as it was, despite more than 500 new components - competent in corners but cramped and low-rent in the cabin.
There's new stuff, such as Bluetooth cellphone connectivity and a "gentleman's club" quilted pattern on the leather trim but the X-Type is showing its age, with plasticky finish and cheap-looking switchgear.
Still, if the idea of getting behind a growler appeals, $64,990 looks like compelling value for a Jaguar. But you might like to know the vastly superior (in all but badge) new-platform Ford Mondeo Zetec 2.0 diesel costs $43,990.
