Sporty saloon proves to be an easy rider

Expectations are always high with such a premium brand, but this Jaguar hits all the right spots, writes Julie Marshall

The combination of good looks and great driving makes this R-Sport version of Jaguar’s compact XE saloon a real winner.

Available in a great range of specification levels with a variety of engines: three two-litre Ingenium diesels, with 161, 177 and 237bhp and three two-litre Ingenium petrol engines with 197, 246 and 296bhp. The punchy 177bhp two-litre diesel of our test car made for a good fit with the slick changing eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to standard XE specification, the basic R-Design gets distinctive 18in fivespoke alloys and an R-Sport body kit which is quite subtle but includes unique bumpers, chromed side power vents and extended side sills. Other differences are an R-Sport badge on the boot and lowered suspension.

It handles beautifully and is a real joy to drive with the steering crisp and responsive. Long distance motoring is effortless while the XE’s relatively compact nature make urban motoring a similar pleasure to be enjoyed.

The suspension, though stiff is never uncomfortable and the R-Sport glides over bumps, potholes and badly made-up roads with ease.

Inside, as expected, the interior is smart and comfortable with a nicely laid out cabin. The touchscreen on the infotainment system was not as responsive as I expected and I’m not really a fan of Jaguar’s graphics - they are a bit out of kilter with the rest of the upmarket look of the car.

The 10-way electric front seats (£300 option) mean getting a comfortable driving position is easy and those who like to be elevated can crank up the driver’s seat to a decent height.

Rear legroom is a tad disappointing but even with a long-legged driver there’s just about enough space to sit behind, although three sixfooters in the back may find it a bit of a squeeze.

Visibility is not brilliant - the thick A-pillars do make some manoeuvers a bit of a chore.

The driving experience is enhanced with the addition of Jaguar Drive Control which allows the driver to set up the vehicle’s engine, gearbox and steering to suit their driving style and the road conditions. There’s eco, dynamic, normal and then rain, ice and snow mode.

The XE is stacked full of advanced driver aids, some as standard, others as cost options.

Our XE R-Sport came with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition with a suite of parking assist gadgets including rearview camera and front parking aid for an extra £,1045. While we’re talking extras, the powered tailgate is £450 and you’ll need to fork out £195 for the heated steering wheel as well as a hefty £1,255 if you want the 19in 15 spoke alloys our car came shod with.

Note: Jaguar has just an-

nounced they have reworked the XE for 2019 and simplified the range making it better value than before.

The D180 R-Dynamic S, for example, priced at £36,145, is £670 cheaper than the 19MY XE R-Sport equivalent – at £36,815 – while adding around £1,100 of extra equipment.