Jaguar wanted to compete in the competitive market D saloons segment with the Jaguar X-Type, a model that was introduced in 2000 and whose commercial life ended in late 2009. This British model went through more pain than glory for the market for a particular reason, it was basically a Ford Mondeo of the time with the logo of the famous Jaguar and some cosmetic changes. The strategy did not turn out quite right to British and evidently did not want to repeat the same play.
The concessionaire C. Salamanca this week invited us to their facilities to see firsthand how Jaguar wants to compete in this segment, led by the three major German (Mercedes, BMW and Audi) but segment from now is the have to do with a hard rival, the Jaguar XE. Jaguar bid for aluminum and a new range of engines called Ingenium to control, of course, this competitive market.
Design and aluminum chassis
The Jaguar XE is the first model that has been developed over new modular platform signature. The platform shall be used in future models and is characterized by the use of materials such as aluminum, magnesium and high strength steels, allowing greater torsional rigidity with very low weight, which finally results in a better performance on road. In some chassis 2003 in composition had 30% aluminum, this is 75% aluminum .
In addition, “rests” on very specific suspensions. While some manufacturers favoring a McPherson suspension, Jaguar has equipped its new sedan segment D-type front suspension deformable parallelogram , while the rear axle is relying on a Link Integral suspension. The Jaguar XE is also a pioneer within the firm, it is the first Jaguar to use a electric power steering . Include those responsible for the firm that will become the standard to follow, with CO2 savings of up to 3%.
In terms of design, surely this sedan is easily recognizable as a Jaguar, because it uses the design language of the British firm even carried one step further. It is not groundbreaking in terms of aesthetics, but if you look at the drag coefficient of only 0.26, understand the work carried out on the aluminum body. This item is not balidí, since we are dealing Jaguar better drag coefficient of history . This has been made possible by 1,200 simulations of computational fluid dynamics.
Interior and habitability
If you look at the interior of the Jaguar XE reproaches we can make are not too many. It falls short of what is expected in a brand like this and can be measured as equals with their direct rivals, in design, production quality and materials used. The dashboard is dominated by the new color touch screen 8 inches, while the center console out for the rotary switch to automatic versions.
In the front seats no reproaches, we enjoy a ample space multiple settings for both the steering wheel to the seats. They are comfortable and the Portfolio version are lined with good quality skin, whereas if we rode the XE S version we find seats that offer greater lateral grip needed when we want to tame the 340 horses offered by Jaguar XE more beast than we find today, and the same wheel that uses the F-Type.
The first problems arise in the rear seats . Although we have much longitudinal space, the fact is that the ceiling height is reduced and types of large spans, as a server which measures 1.87 meters, reach to touch the ceiling with his head. The central square, as usual, is the least usable. For the first time in a Jaguar, the rear bench is swing in proportion 40:20:40 , yes, optionally.
If we move the trunk we find a somewhat fanciful shapes although quite usable. The load capacity is 450 liters and a double bottom hides the battery. This fact shows the importance that has put Jaguar in weight distribution, close to 50:50. Optionally you can request a spare wheel and its system of opening and lockout. An improved detail is the absence of coating at the top of the boot, which is inconspicuous.
powerful and efficient Powertrain
The Jaguar XE comes to market with a really wide range of engines, both gasoline and diesel engines with power outputs ranging from 163 hp diesel block to 340 hp extracted from the block of 3.0 liters which equips the Jaguar XE S. diesel engines are called Ingenium are created from scratch, have a modular design that permitted variants also fueled by gasoline and form the backbone of the strategy Jaguar engine with low emissions of C02.
All petrol engines are associated with automatic gearbox 8-speed and torque converter manufactured by ZF, while diesel 163 hp and 180 hp alternatives may also be associated with a box manual of six relations manufactured by the company Getrag. In this first contact we have discovered the benefits of this change, the selector is very short and shows some runs very precise , further combined with good strength.
| Motor | Transmission | 0-100 km / h | Vel. max | Consumption | CO2 | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel 163 hp | 6-speed Manual | 8.4 seconds | 227 km / h | 3.8 l / 100 km | 99 g / km | 1.474 kg |
| 2.0 Diesel 163 hp | Auto 8 vel | 8.2 seconds | 227 km / h | 3.9 l / 100 km | 104 g / km | 1.500 kg |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | 6-speed Manual | 7.8 seconds | 228 km / h | 4.2 l / 100 km | 109 g / km | 1.550 kg |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | Auto 8 vel | 7.8 seconds | 228 km / h | 4.2 l / 100 km | 109 g / km | 1.565 kg |
| 200 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | 7.7 seconds | 237 km / h | 7.5 l / 100 km | 179 g / km | 1.530 kg |
| 240 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | 6.8 seconds | 250 km / h | 7.5 l / 100 km | 179 g / km | 1.535 kg |
| 3.0 petrol 340 hp | Auto 8 vel | 5.1 seconds | 250 km / h | 8.1 l / 100 km | 194 g / km | 1.665 kg |
Equipment and prices
The Jaguar XE has standard equipment rather high , and more when compared to its direct competitors. Account with Stop / Start, hill start assistance, JaguarDrive Control, electroasistida speed sensitive steering, braking torque split by (Torque Vectoring by braking), electronic parking brake, dual zone climate control, color touch screen 8 inches, USB, AUX, iPod docking station, Bluetooth, emergency braking assistance and Jaguar Smart Key System with keyless start.
Furthermore, the model of the British firm has four trim levels (Pure, Prestige, Portfolio and R-Sport) which are available according to the selected engine. While the two most basic finishes, Pure and Prestige, may be associated with all engines (except the 3.0-liter engine and 340 hp), the Portfolio and R-Sport versions are not available for the basic engine, the diesel 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque. Clearly, the S finish is reserved for mechanical strongest option available to date.
Pure XE
- Alloy wheels 17 “
- Interior with Premium Fabric-trimmed seats
- Dashboard Gloss Black
- steering wheel Priel
- Grille in Grained Black Chrome finish contour
- chrome side gills
- trims temper door inscribed Jaguar
| Motor | Transmission | Finishing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel 163 hp | 6-speed Manual | Pure | 37,000 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | 6-speed Manual | Pure | 37,000 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | Auto 8 vel | Pure | 39,500 euros |
| 200 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Pure | 39,000 euros |
| 240 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Pure | 44,000 euros |
Prestige XE
- interior with leather seats with contrast stitching Taurus
- Dashboard Brushed Aluminium
- soft grain leather steering wheel
| Motor | Transmission | Finishing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel 163 hp | 6-speed Manual | Prestige | 39,288 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | 6-speed Manual | Prestige | 39,288 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | Auto 8 vel | Prestige | 41,788 euros |
| 200 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Prestige | 41,472 euros |
| 240 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Prestige | 46,472 euros |
XE Portfolio
- Alloy wheels 18 “
- Interior Windsor leather seats with perforations and stitching matching Herringbone
- Dashboard Embossed Aluminium
- Grille in Gloss Black Chrome finish contour
| Motor | Transmission | Finishing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | 6-speed Manual | Portfolio | 42,592 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | Auto 8 vel | Portfolio | 45,092 euros |
| 200 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Portfolio | 45,043 euros |
| 240 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | Portfolio | 50,043 euros |
XE R-Sport
- Luxtec interior with sport seats with inserts Technical Month
- Dashboard Etched Aluminium
- Grille in Grained Black Satin Chrome finish contour
- R-Sport Bodykit
- metal trims temper door with logo Jaguar R-Sport
- Sports suspension
| Motor | Transmission | Finishing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | 6-speed Manual | R-Sport | 40,966 euros |
| 2.0 Diesel 180 hp | Auto 8 vel | R-Sport | 43,466 euros |
| 200 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | R-Sport | 43,285 euros |
| 240 hp 2.0 Gasolina | Auto 8 vel | R-Sport | 48,285 euros |
XE S
- interior with leather sport seats Taurus Grain suedecloth inserts and contrast stitching
- Dashboard Aluminium Meshed
- S leather sports steering Softgrain
- Grille in Gloss Black Satin Chrome finish contour
- Bodykit S
- side gills in Satin Chrome finish
- red brake pliers
- bi-function HID Xenon headlamps
- metal trims temper door with logo Jaguar S
- covers stainless steel pedals Bright finish
- Sports suspension
| Motor | Transmission | Finishing | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 petrol 340 hp | Auto 8 vel | S | 60,919 euros |
Our sincere thanks to the dealer C of Salamanca for the invitation to the event.
Article Jaguar XE, first impressions of British saloon was originally published in Current Motor.