Jaguar has today announced that all X-type diesel saloon and estate models are Euro IV emissions compliant – a year ahead of the date demanded by legislation.

The new Euro IV compliant X-type 2.0 diesel replaces the original model and is available to buy now with prices starting from £20,995, a price increase of £500.

Compliance with the forthcoming 2006 Euro IV emissions regulations brings business and corporate users a potential reduction in their annual company car tax bill of around 3%, which comes a year ahead of the ruling.

Peak power and torque of the X-type diesel remain at 130PS and 330Nm, but there are a number of other modifications. Changes to engine means the vehicle reacts faster to driver demand for more throttle. Euro IV emissions have been achieved on X-type without the need for a particulate filter. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures have changed slightly as a result of achieving the improved emissions figures; the combined fuel consumption for the Saloon is 49.1mpg and for the Estate 48.5mpg.

The CO2 figure for X-type diesel saloon increases from 149g/km to 152g/km, but the estate remains at 154g/km. Therefore the estate gains the full benefit of the 3% reduction in company car tax whereas the saloon improves by 2%.

These changes mean that a 40% taxpayer will pay £11 less company car tax a month on a saloon classic and £19 less on an estate classic. Both the estate and the diesel also have lower tax payments than their direct competitors.