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2016 Jaguar XE Review

 

Good points

  • Incredible handling, great steering
  • Punchy and refined engines
  • Sexy looks – there’s no denying it

Needs work

  • Small rear seat
  • Options can get pricey
  • Some interior bits could be nicer

Great luxury car brands have great entry-level models. These pathway vehicles are crucial: they sell in large volumes, funding the brand’s more exotic projects. And they lure in savvy, young buyers: an opportunity to create long-lasting brand loyalty.

Until now, Jaguar have lacked a great entry-level car. The success of the F-Type and XF might have hauled the British brand out of old-hat perceptions, but substantial growth has evaded the Big Cat. So for five years, Jaguar been working away on two projects they hope will catapult sales towards German territory: an SUV called the F-Pace, and this—the XE small sedan.

It’s compact, rear-wheel-drive, mostly made of aluminium, and available with a range of punchy four-cylinders—or the F-Type’s supercharged V6. On paper, then, the XE sounds like it could make some trouble for the big three in this class: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4.

The Jaguar is devilishly handsome. Where Mercedes has steered the C-Class into decidedly more grown-up, elegant design territory, the BMW is plain, and the (brand-new) Audi looks near-identical to the one that preceded it, the XE is a breath of fresh air. XF and F-Type flows in its muscular lines, and the low-slung cockpit spells proper driver’s car.

But Jaguar is a relatively small British brand. It lacks the enormous resources of the German marques. Surely they can’t just walk in and build the best car in the small premium sedan class.

Or have they done just that?<

Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)
Budget Direct
Comprehensive cover
/ year
(indicative only)

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
2.0L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Single turbocharger
Power
177kW at 5500rpm
Torque
340Nm at 3200rpm
Configuration
Conventional
Power to weight ratio
120kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
63L
Consumption
7.5L/100km
Average Range
840km
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Rear wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
8
Dimensions
Length
4672mm
Width
1850mm
Height
1416mm
Unoccupied weight
1476kg
Cargo space seats up
450L
Cargo seats down
N/A

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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
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Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

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