Test Drive Jaguar XE

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After years of dominating the premium car segment, the British car maker finally made way into the volumes segment with the newest entrant ““ Jaguar XE. With its shiny aluminium intensive monocoque design exteriors the XE becomes a strong competitor sports sedan veterans like the BMW, Audi and the Mercedez Benz.

In traditional Jaguar style, the launch of the XE was surrounded by flamboyance. Typical of a Jaguar, the XE comes with an Choice of two 2.0L petrol engines with power output of 147 kW & class leading 177kW. But in its race to fit in what would really set the car a class apart would be its driving dynamics and engine performance.

So does this Jag baby really make the cut? FMW took a drive to find out more!

Exterior:

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The All-New XE immediately catches the eye, standing out from the competition because of its upscale proportions. Its form possesses energy and organic vibrancy with specific F-TYPE inspired design cues. The signature ‘J-Blade’ running lights are an instantly recognizable Jaguar design feature. In the rear lights, a horizontal line intersecting a roundel is an iconic styling feature inherited from the iconic Jaguar E-type. The strongly-sculpted bonnet is a testament to Jaguar’s expertise in working with aluminium, creating a taut, muscular appearance. The very steeply raked windscreen and the rising waistline accentuate the streamlined, coupe-like profile, adding to the sense of movement.

Interior:

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Expectations raised by Jaguar XE’s beautiful exterior styling are exceeded once inside. The spacious cabin cocoons front seat passengers with a deep centre console, creating a cockpit-like feel. The 20.32 cm touchscreen for the new InControl Touch infotainment system takes centre stage in the sweeping curves of the instrument panel. Directly ahead of the driver, is the reassuring familiarity of two large, sports-car analogue dials and message centre inspired by F-TYPE. The driver grips the chunky sports steering wheel and next to the driver, the raised centre console adds to the cockpit feel.

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The contour-hugging front seats are mounted low, creating a sports-car like driving position. In the rear, all occupants enjoy generous amounts of head and legroom, and the deeply scalloped seatbacks liberate even more space for passengers seated in the rear of the XE. The XE thus proves that sleek, streamlined styling and interior space need not be mutually exclusive.

Throughout the XE, the soft natural forms of the interior architecture lend themselves to a choice of contemporary or traditional materials and finishes. Technical fabrics, fine-grain leathers with tonal stitch give the cabin a bespoke quality. Gloss black or embossed aluminum finish further enhances the luxurious, handcrafted feel.

The Jaguar  pocket friendly’ sports sedan with its dapper look and promised high performance make the XE an answer to the prayers of a number of young professionals looking for a balance of class, output and value for money. The fact that it is a Jaguar production distinguishes the catch further!

So if you’re looking for something that will make heads turn everytime you drive the busy city road, we’ve given you a headsup on what your machine of choice should be.


Story by: Giselle Mendes

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