Jaguar set to pounce

It is a number of years since Jaguar had a car in the premium D-Segment, the last one was the X-Type when Ford was the parent company.

That car was more or less a Mondeo in Jaguar clothing and proved to be an abject failure at the time.

Things are completely different in the Jaguar camp these days and with Ian Callum in charge of the design department, they are producing the best cars that they have ever built.

Jaguar Land Rover Ireland recently launched the all-new Jaguar XE, a car that will take on the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class in the most competitive premium segment of all.

By their own admission, this is the most important car that Jaguar has ever launched. Hence, the price has got to be keen and Jaguar has pitched their latest creation just under the competition at €37,995, or €399 a month with Jaguar PCP.

The aluminium-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from Jaguar Land Rover’s new modular vehicle architecture.

The long 2,835mm wheelbase and low seating position enable perfect proportions and a streamlined profile.

It is also the first Jaguar to feature their new Ingenium engines. The i4 Ingenium diesel engine promises to be extremely efficient achieving less than 4 litres/100km (75mpg) and capable of producing 99g/km of CO2 with impressive performance, making the all-new XE the most efficient Jaguar ever.

There are five variations: SE, Prestige, Portfolio, R-Sport and S. The entry-level to the XE range, the SE model features high-quality cloth seats and a gloss black treatment for the door trim finishers and the signature ‘Riva Hoop’ sweeping above the instrument panel.

Standard equipment includes Satellite Navigation, cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and multi-function soft-grain leather steering wheel.

The exterior adds a subtle rear spoiler and a noble chrome treatment for the side power vents. Sports suspension delivers even better handling.

Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED signature DRLs, gloss black window surrounds and two-tone 18” alloy wheels (except on 163PS models) complete the sporty exterior looks.

The S is the most performance-orientated XE model features a race-inspired interior. Some of the noticeable cues are side sill extensions, rear spoiler, gloss black rear valance and red brake callipers.

The cabin offers outstanding levels of comfort and space comparable to the others in this class. Exquisite materials and finishes combined with Jaguar craftsmanship make an interior that’s unlike anything else in the segment.

Jaguar’s new infotainment system takes centre stage: its innovative 8-inch touchscreen brings fast, intuitive access to all features and functions.

A short drive around the Kildare countryside demonstrated what Jaguar are all about here. In particular, the steering feel is supreme and the feedback is outstanding. That makes it a real drivers’ car because, if you think about it, the steering is the only part of a car that touches you skin and the Jaguar XE has got it just right. It comes through from a new electric power steering system and coupled with the stiffness of the body and chassis, the XE is a joy to drive.