JAG PURR-FECTION
BY LUCKY coincidence my time with the Jaguar XE coincided with a business trip to Machynlleth in West Wales – a fair old trek from my home in Plymouth. However, as I had no specified arrival time and almost two days to play with, it enabled me to hit some of the best driving roads in the principality.
The owner of the hotel even jumped in the Jag with me to show me some routes in the hills I never knew about, which were great to drive – even if you had to stop and open a gate from time to time – and wonderfully scenic.
The XE has always been an excellent car to drive but Jaguar has now attempted to address some of the areas where it lagged behind the 3 Series, Audi’s A4 and the Mercedes C-Class.
Firstly, the XE now looks much bolder. Instead of looking like an XF that has shrunk in the wash, it has nabbed some design cues from the F-Type so it appears wider and lower than before, more purposeful and assertive. This is emboldened by new all-LED headlights with a striking ‘J’ blade daytime running light signature.
The XE’s beautifully-crafted new interior features extensive use of soft-touch materials, premium veneers alongside a wealth of new technology. Every aspect of the cabin has been enhanced for increased convenience, improved stowage and better passenger comfort.
The influence of Jaguar’s flagship view mirror; unhindered by tall rear passengers, poor light or rain on the rear screen.
It takes a little getting used to, but once you’ve cracked it, becomes almost indispensable.
On the down side, legroom in the rear is a little cramped and the XE’s boot is nowhere near the largest in the sector. Up front, it’s a different story. There’s lots of space and the extremely comfortable seats – mounted low for a sportier feel – have room for adjustment.
There’s plenty of punch to be had from the 247bhp turbocharged petrol engine, which officially returns up to 36.2mpg. Even though I was driving it quite hard at times, I managed a creditable 33.2mpg.
And, you will want to drive it hard at times. Its strong point – as it always has been – is the balance of ride and handling. Or, to put it another way, hitting the fine line between comfort and fun.
Arguably, the XE does this better than the 3 Series and even impressive newcomers such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia. That’s quite something to boast about.
Though it’s fabulously endearing to drive in auto, especially on the motorway – where the engine falls almost completely silent – on more challenging roads it’s hard to resist using the long, aluminium paddleshifts which give crisp, sharp gear changes.
If you love driving and don’t need the space of an SUV, then the XE could be the car for you. You don’t even need to consider those German rivals anymore.