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.March 31, 2004
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• Jaguar Adds Safety, Luxury Options To Further Customize 2004 X-TYPE

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Jaguar Adds Safety, Luxury Options To Further Customize 2004 X-TYPE
 

Photo: Ford

IRVINE, CA. - Jaguar is widening the safety 'net' around drivers of its 2004 X-TYPE, with the addition of a new, inflatable knee bolster airbag.

This small airbag, located within the driver-side footwell, provides increased protection to the driver's lower leg area in the event of a high-speed frontal impact.

It means X-TYPE drivers are now shielded by a comprehensive four-airbag safety system that includes the new inflatable knee bolster; a dual-stage, steering wheel-mounted front airbag; a side-curtain airbag deploying from the roof; and a seat-mounted side (thorax) airbag - all complemented by a seat position sensor.

"The addition of this new, inflatable knee bolster adds to the 'ring of safety' the 2004 all-wheel drive X-TYPE provides for its driver," said George Ayres, Vice President of Marketing for Jaguar North America.

To supplement the inflatable knee bolster, the 2004 X-TYPE also gets a new floor-mounted throttle pedal, to replace the previous drop-linkage unit. This better locates the driver's heel and ensures the bolster provides optimum protection in an accident.

New steering wheel

An all-new, more sporty steering wheel is also part of the latest round of changes to the 2004 X-TYPE. The new, thicker, four-spoke design features innovative rotary thumb wheel controls for the cruise control and audio settings.

By rolling the thumb wheel on the right-hand side of the steering wheel, the driver can increase or decrease the cruise control speed setting. The two 'wheels' on the left can adjust either volume or radio 'seek' functions in the same way.

"These changes are more examples of the continuous improvements being made to the X-TYPE, to ensure Jaguar's compact premium sports sedan stays at the very top of its class," said Ayres.

Both the inflatable knee bolster and new steering wheel will be fitted as a running change on 2004 X-TYPEs produced after January 2004.

(March 29, 2004)