Jaguar X-type and Mazda Tribute

Welcome back everyone. The WheelsTV producers have been working out a couple of great new Top 200 shows that are coming your way soon.

Jaguar is one of the four manufacturers in Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG). Jaguar is a mark steeped in British tradition and has been around for a very long time. Unfortunately, its old traditions are keeping it from technologically advancing as a company. To try and return the pouncing cat to its former glory, Jaguar has added a relatively affordable Jag, the X-type.

The X-type was introduced in 2002 but it was not quite the hit Jaguar had hoped for. All X-type's are equipped with all-wheel-drive, a leather interior, 120 watt stereo system, and 4 airbags. Our VDP model added a reverse parking assistance system as well as a 320 watt stereo system to the equipment list. Powering each X-

5Jaguar X-type

type including the newly introduced wagon is a 3.0L V6 producing 227hp and 206 ft-lb of torque hooked up to a 5-speed automatic. This old engine, supplied by Ford, will get this Jag running along with traffic evidenced by it's 7.2sec 0-60mph time.

The car overall is not meant for attacking your local track. Unless you order the Sport model, you'll be riding very comfortably on tires with large sidewalls and a soft but controlled suspension. Complementing the classic jaguar comfort is the classic Jaguar styling taking cues from, most obviously, the XJ (the X-type's big
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brother). The quad-headlamp design is provocative of Mercedes and the soft, flowing lines indicate the kind of upscale, classy vehicle the X-type is.

Unfortunately, the interior is where one is let down. And considering that's where people will spend most of there time when around their car, it's not a good sign. The interior is swathed in full leather with pretty wood trim. But, the dash is very cluttered and it is difficult at times to read the buttons.

To compensate for its few shortcomings, over the past few years, Jaguar has dropped the base price to $32,999. While the X-type, for that price does come with a lot of equipment standard as listed above, you can get heated seats and a DVD-based navigation system.

5Jaguar X-type Wagon

Adding those options will push the price to close to $40,000. If you're a British car fanatic and can look past the X-types faults, this car could suit you perfectly.



Next on the list of coming shows is the 2006 Mazda Tribute. As Mazda's only SUV, it was needed to be good to push Mazda along. Fortunately for them, it is built on the successful Ford Escape chassis with a few tricks reserved only for Mazda. Overall, the Tribute is a small, car based SUV joining an ever-thickening field of so called "soft-roaders" or cute-utes.

Two models are offered in either two or four-wheel-drive. The Tribute i is powered by a 153hp 2.3L four connected through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission versus the Tribute s with a 3.0L V6 mated to the 4-speed auto. The i comes standard with a AM/FM/CD stereo system, cloth upholstery, and power everything. By ponying up the extra
Mazda Tribute5
$3,000 over the i, the s offers fog lights and cruise control and the availability of model specific option packages. Options include a sliding glass moonroof, leather seating, and if you'd rather entertain the kids than see the sky, you can get a rear-seat DVD entertainment system instead of the moonroof.

But that is where the similarities to the Escape end. Mazda has always been billed as having a lineup of cars with a little bit of sports car in every one. This shows when you compare the two. The Mazda is much more stable and doesn't roll as much in the corners. A ride that is a little bit harder over bumps pays off in better control.

For all this sport, one does not lose the flexibility we've come accustomed to in an SUV. There is 30 cu. ft. of space behind the second row of seats. When the 60/40 split second row is folded, there is a generous 66 cu. ft. Available. Also, if correctly equipped, one can tow up to 3500 pounds with the V6.

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With some of the highest governmental crash test ratings of all small SUV's and a price starting at $20,935, the Mazda begins to look like a very good choice in this crowded segment.

Also, we have some big news. Starting now, GOOGLE has announced it is putting downloadable videos on their search engine making it so you can download all of your favorite test drives and use them as an integral part of your next automotive purchase. GOOGLE now has all of its videos running. In the GOOGLE search bar, just type WheelsTV and you will find all of our most recent shows.

Finally, we NEED you comments. Your thoughts and comments are what shape what the blog will be about and even shape our company. When we launch this IPTV service, we will need all the support we can get, and we can only get your support if you're happy. So, let us know. We're happy to help.

Thanks,

Ben