10 things we learned about the Jaguar XE this week
Date:
12 April 2016
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Author: Alisdair Suttie
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Category: | Premium Upper Medium | Key rival: | BMW 3 Series | Model tested: | XE 2.0D R-Sport auto | Price as tested: | £40,685 | |
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The Jaguar XE makes perfect sense on a spreadsheet, but how does the R-Sport version fare on the road ponders Al Suttie.
1 - 180hp and 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds are decent figures for the Jag, but not a match for a BMW 320d.
2 - The Jag 2.0D 180 R-Sport is one emissions band lower than the BMW 320d M Sport, but I'd pay the small premium for the BMW's performance.
3 - It's not that Jag's XE is a slouch, but it just doesn't feel that lively, even with the sportier R-Sport mode engaged.
4 - Switch to the R-Sport setting and you can say goodbye to any ride comfort at lower speeds, but it does offer better high speed control.
5 - A shame the XE's steering doesn't join in the fun. Regardless of drive mode or speed, it feels inert.
6 - The XE is very able at devouring motorway miles, but the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine makes itself heard too often at town speeds.
7 - The eight-speed auto 'box is as slick and smoochy smooth as it is in every other Jag where it's employed.
8 - An origami artist would be proud of the folds and angles of the XE's boot. Not so good when you're trying to fit in luggage.
9 - I'm not a great fan of the XE's styling and it bugs me even more when it restricts rear passenger head and foot apace space.
10 - The on-board display between the two main dials looks dated, especially next to the swanky, adjustable screen of an Audi A4.
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