Here’s the good news: Jaguar finally gave in and revised the X-Type which features nearly 500 new components. Now for the bad news: Unless you’re working for Jaguar’s PR (public relations) department, you won’t notice it. But even if you do, remember this: we’re talking about a 6-year old model based on the chassis of the previous Ford Mondeo that was obsolete in 2001, let alone in 2007.

On the outside, there’re revised bumpers, new mirrors with incorporated indicators, a new mesh grille, re-profiled side mouldings and new badgetry. Inside, the 2008 X-Type’s most prominent features are the new trim and gauge cluster designs. Mechanical changes are limited to the new 6-speed automatic transmission available for the 2.2 litre diesel models. Both sedan and estate versions of the new X-Type will go on sale in the UK in March 2008 and in other European markets in April 2008. -Press release and high-res images after the jump

PRESS RELEASE- JAGUAR REVEALS THE NEW GENERATION X-TYPE

The Jaguar X-TYPE gets a fresh new look for 2008, along with a host of new features inside and outside the vehicle and a new automatic transmission in the acclaimed 2.2 diesel. With significant revisions including nearly 500 new components, the new generation X-TYPE retains all the original car’s strengths, and adds some new ones of its own.

“The new X-TYPE stands for accessibility, versatility, luxury and choice within the Jaguar range,” said CJ O’Donnell, Global Marketing Director, Jaguar Cars. “The package of revisions – particularly the automatic transmission in the 2.2 diesel – presents our established dealers and the key emerging markets with an excellent opportunity to reach new customers and retain existing owners.”

The new X-TYPE’s exterior styling is significantly refreshed, with changes that clearly reflect some of Jaguar’s new saloon car design language, while subtle interior revisions give more choice of trim and equipment, to further emphasise its luxury car credentials.

For the first time in this model range, the new X-TYPE offers the combination of diesel power with automatic transmission – pairing the 2.2 litre diesel with a six-speed automatic, and the one-touch control of Jaguar Sequential Shift – broadening the new model’s appeal to buyers who previously could not have this combination in an X-TYPE.

The new X-TYPE automatic diesel combines superb refinement with optimised performance and economy, and promises more choice and even greater luxury, to appeal especially to a younger, more family-orientated audience.

Enhancements to the X-TYPE for 2008 offer customers improved value-for-money across the range. Priced from £21,500 for the entry model – the 2.0 litre diesel saloon – pricing for the new
X-TYPE remains similar. The new 2.2 litre diesel automatic will be priced from £22,500 for the saloon and £23,900 for the estate.

Offering saloon and estate versions, the new X-TYPE goes on sale in the UK in March 2008 and in other European markets in April 2008.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHANGES IN THE NEW X-TYPE

• New six-speed automatic transmission
• New Jaguar Sequential Shift function on 2.2D
• Enhanced, Phase 2 Bluetooth telephone connectivity
• DAB radio options (dependent on market) with new roof-mounted antenna pod
• Revised parking aid systems
• New mesh grille featuring the Jaguar ‘growler’ badge
• New front and rear bumper design
• New sill mouldings
• New, re-profiled side mouldings
• New badging including front wing Jaguar ‘ingot’ badges, and rear chrome signature blade on saloon models
• New door mirrors with integrated turn indicator repeaters
• Two new alloy wheel designs
• New exterior paint choices
• New speedometer and rev-counter designs
• Tungsten metallic finish for air vents, steering wheel spokes, and centre console
• Chrome finish for air-vent thumb wheels and steering wheel controls
• New seat designs, with new horizontal and diamond twin-needle stitch patterns
• New Rosewood veneer option
• New interior colour palette, with additional trim options including Soft Grain leather
• New door trim designs, to complement new seat-trim and colour combinations