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Let it be said that we at Ride&Drive are predisposed toward Jaguars. The look, the ride, and the unspoken luxury still sends us over the edge. The X-type, though, has been an exception to that rule and we have finally figured out the reason. There isn't enough of the Jaguar DNA in it. The definition of this jargon is key to understanding branding, i.e., the characteristics that make a product instantly recognizable. This has mostly to do with the exterior. Each manufacturer has key styling signatures. For Jaguar, it's the sweeping spear running from headlight to tail lamp. Also, the V-shaped, rounded grille. So whether you have the hood ornament on it or not, it should appear distinctively Jaguar.

And this is more important to accomplish in the entry level Jaguar, the X-type. This is a new Jaguar owner's first real hands-on experience with a new Jaguar. Without the styling that says "Jaguar" to a new customer base, I am unsure whether it will be different enough to be distinct (from the rear, I often mix it up with at least two other manufacturer's compact sedans.) This comes into play as these young buyer's finances grow with their age. Thus, Jaguar expects they will step up to the S-type and upward.

So much for the interior. Let me give you a brief run down on the features of the X-type. It has a 24-valve, four-cam 3.0-liter AJ-V6 engine is derived from the S-Type's AJ-V6 powertrain. The 227bhp (SAE) 3.0-liter Ford engine is the best thing about this motor car. It has strong mid-range torque (more than 80 percent available from below 1,500 rpm). I goes 0-60 mph in just 7.1 seconds. But this is nothing new.

On the outside, the X-type gets gussied up for the ball—again. A chrome mesh grille and a new, fifteen-spoke, sixteen-inch ‘Antares' style alloy wheels have been added. It's now available with Bluetooth (wireless connectivity for safe, easy, hands-free mobile phone operation) and SIRIUS satellite radio.

Standard interior features include leather seats, bronze sapele wood trim on the doors and gear-shift surround, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For added driver comfort, the front armrest slides forward and cupholders for rear seat occupants. That would be fine if the car wasn't so small inside. It is virtually impossible for a normal-size human being to fit in the rear seats, let alone be comfortable. And when the front seats are in a comfortable position, let's hope the rear seat occupants are amputees because they will be after the ride.

For audio, a six-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM stereo with CD player comes standard. So do power door locks, power windows with one touch up/down and an eight-way power driver's seat are part of the long list of standard features. The X-Type offers a variety of standard features including an advanced airbag system. It features dual-stage deployment of the front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and side-impact head protection curtain airbags for the front and rear outboard occupants. Protecting the lower legs of the driver, the X-type features an inflatable knee bolster airbag located within the driver-side footwell.

The Jaguar is an excellent ride, in that it is agile and very responsive whether you're flogging it through the country side or just running to the store. The ride is smooth, comfortable and blessedly quiet. And it's the first all-wheel drive (AWD) Jaguar. So you can rest assured that inclement weather won't be so much of a problem with the extra traction. But why AWD? Well, the X-type is built on the Ford Mondeo platform and Mondeo in Europe is a front-wheel-drive car. That doesn't play very big over here so Jaguar added the traction to the rear axle and that's why the X-type has AWD.

Jaguar, however, is doing something right. The X-type is priced competitively starting at $32,995. It combines performance and handling, and all the luxury appointments expected of a Jaguar. And, it continues to be the only compact sedan in its class to offer standard traction-enhancing all-wheel drive. Need an inexpensive Jaguar, the X-type is it? But if you can, we suggest waiting until it grows into its big brother, the S-type. R&D