Drivesouth (Enlarge photo)

02/11/2008 15:43. When it introduced the sleek new XF, Jaguar also gave its long-serving junior model - the X-Type - a mild late-life update.

Amid a number of smaller enhancements, the most significant development is the introduction of a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel automatic variant. Priced at $64,990, it has joined a 2.1-litre petrol counterpart at the entry-level point in the Jaguar range.

Appearance and equipment-wise there is nothing to pick between the two: both have front fog lights, heated power mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors and a rear wing on the outside, and sit on 18-inch alloy rims.

Inside, dark tones dominate, with a distinctive diamond pattern sewn into leather trim, and black finish to the imitation wood veneer. Cruise control, a trip computer, automatic... // Drivesouth