THERE was a time when Jaguar and the word diesel just did not mix. The same can also be said of any relationship between Jaguar and the word estate. But that's not the case today. They're an item. Long term.

It's good all round that the luxury car maker bit the bullet and eventually decided to embrace diesel technology because the results are very impressive.

The compact X-Type model was seen as an ideal choice for a diesel option, helping expand the car's appeal to young company executives who wanted a sporty image and the traditional Jaguar luxury, but with much more acceptable fuel economy.

And so successful has that been, that the S-Type has now been fitted with its own, all new, unit.

But it is the combination of Jaguar, diesel and estate that makes such a striking addition to the X-Type range.

Although saloon and estate share much, the estate design in no way compromises the X-Type when it comes to comfort and passenger care. The interior is still as sumptuous as you would expect on even some of the flagship models, with all the leather, chrome and woodwork detailing you would anticipate.

The engine range mirrors that of the saloon, three petrol and a two-litre four cylinder, 16-valve turbo diesel using common-rail injection. This is a refined and fuel-efficient engine, specially designed for life in a compact sporty car. It is matched to a slick five-speed manual gearbox.

Producing 128bhp it still delivers a top speed of 125mph, and a 0-60mph time of 9.8-seconds, certainly impressive by diesel standards. But more impressive is the combined fuel figure of 48.7mpg, the super-low 154g/km CO2 emissions and the lowest-in-class 13E insurance group, all more than acceptable to company accountants! Yet the plus points don't end with performance and economy, for the price tag of this model is just £21,665, £500 cheaper than a two-litre V6 petrol engined X-Type.

There are now five diesel estate versions available, offering three trim and equipment levels; the range opener is the Classic at £21,665, followed by the S for £1,000 more, the Sport for £23,265, and SE at £25,365 with the flagship Sport Premium closing the ranks at £26,365. Saloon versions are around £1,250 cheaper.

Although based on the saloon, the estate has its own unique body styling, and as a result beats the BMW 3-Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate, and Audi A4 Avant for space when the back seats are folded.

The load area is carpeted throughout and features extra storage underneath the floor. There is also a power socket handily positioned for, say, recharging the executive laptop while hidden in the underfloor compartment.

Depending on the specification, extra stowage boxes for smaller items sit behind removable doors in either or both rear sides, while the main load area has a retractable soft cover. The tailgate is split, meaning that either the whole thing can be opened or just the rear window.

There are also fixed roof rails, so don't be too surprised to see a Jaguar speeding down the motorway with a roof box attached, although filled ski clamps are more likely.

Equipment includes sports seats, electric windows and, depending on the particular model, sporty steering wheel with fingertip controls for audio and satellite navigation, and cruise control. Additional equipment available includes parking sensors, ten-way driver's seat adjustment with three-setting seat and mirror memory function, and four-way front seat head restraint adjustment.

The X-Type not only looks the part, but switch on the engine and the diesel unit proves to be refined and fluent, with scarcely a chatter at tickover and virtually indistinguishable from a petrol engine at even modest speeds. Although the X-Type has a heavier build quality than some in the sector, the 128bhp proves more than enough for some punchy response, particularly in the useful mid-range sector for safe overtaking.

The handling is impeccably assured with the steering and suspension optimised for the diesel power train to perform just as a jaguar should, and that is that the ride quality is beyond reproach. You'd expect no less from the brand.

No doubt about it, this affordable, enjoyable, economical, executive express is going to win over a lot of new customers.

- At a glance

For: Traditional Jaguar ambience, good level of standard equipment, badge status, good fuel economy

Against: Rear seat occupants are a bit short of leg room.

Engine: 4/4 cylinders/valves per cylinder; capacity 1,998cc.

Dimensions: Length 4,672mm, width 1,789mm, height 1,392mm, wheelbase 2,710.

Economy: Urban 37.9mph, extra urban 62.1mpg, combined 50.3mpg

Tank capacity: 61.5-litres

Boot volume: 16-cubic feet (452-litres)

Updated: 09:20 Friday, July 30, 2004