Jaguar XE 2.0D Turbo R-Sport Review

The Jaguar XE is stylish, elegant and extremely frugal. But, above all, the car that returns Jaguar to a very competitive segment exudes character.

Is it a real Jaguar? If this is the question you’re asking yourself, the answer is yes. Smaller and less expensive than its elder siblings, but with the right genes. Its nose is less aggressive, but it features a big grille (black with a chrome frame on the R-Sport trim). The compact dimensions, and the simple but firm design traits highlight its sporty nature. Beautiful and discreet, the Jaguar XE makes its presence felt on the road. And once you’re behind the wheel, there’s no escape from the feeling that cars made in Coventry are different.

The cabin is almost flawless. Purists will notice that there is very little wood present, but that small quantity blends harmoniously with the aluminium and carbon used in its interior. There’s not much space in the rear, but it’s enough for two passengers. A well-profiled driver’s seat, precise controls, and small steering wheel mean that the Jaguar XE invites you to drive it.

Once you press the start button, the car comes alive. The rotary gear selector emerges from the tunnel, and the turbo-diesel engine starts running quietly and feels very refined. The engine belts out 177bhp, and a massive torque of 430Nm means that the car accelerates effortlessly. The drive quality also has a lot to do with the all-new architecture. The car’s body, made almost completely of aluminium, allowed the British technicians to design a light and rigid structure. And with a fuel consumption of almost 24 kilometres to a litre, you can’t ask for more from a Jag that weighs over 1,500kgs.

The eight-speed automatic transmission goes well with the four-cylinder engine’s power delivery. The gear ratios are close, and the shifts are almost imperceptible – but they become fast and determined when you select the sport mode and start pushing more to discover the real nature of the Jaguar XE+. The structure is pretty stiff, the wishbone suspension gives the front axle good handling and crisp turn-in, and thanks to a sturdy rear axle, the car is able to instil confidence in every situation. The steering reacts very nicely to inputs – as a result the drive becomes easy and pleasant. There’s close contact with the road, the car eats up the kilometres quickly and gives you the sensation of having everything under control.

The instrumentation is clear, and there’s an 8-inch touch-screen to navigate through the brand new InControl system that operates the infotainment system and climate control

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