Q.Jaguar XE likely to be launched in Feb 2016

Jaguar is finally launching a car that was missing from its portfolio, the XE, which will become Jaguar's entry level model globally. The XE has the capability to drive in volumes for Jaguar and push up its sales charts in India and abroad. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.in/Images/JAGUAR_XE_S_01_L_XES-device_Desktop-1366x769_tcm163-113509_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=2[/IMG] The XE is extensively styled based on the XF saloon which was introduced in 2008, which is not a bad thing. But, it ends up being a little too familiar and dated now. But, don't get me wrong, it is an elegant machine with those flowing lines and extended bonnet. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_17MY_016_GEE-GALLERY-desktop-1366x769_tcm76-215169_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=3[/IMG] Personally I find the XE far more stylish than any other Jaguar in the market now, and it any day beats its close German rivals like the A4, C class and the 3- Series in styling. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_16MY_102_GEE-GALLERY-desktop-1366x769_tcm76-215173_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=3[/IMG] The new Jaguar is an all-aluminium, four-door, rear-wheel drive sedan – slightly bigger than a 3-series but smaller than an A4 – that uses riveting and bonding techniques developed over the past decade that make it Jaguar’s lightest, stiffest sedan yet. So, will the Jaguar XE will become “the defining sports sedan for Jaguar”? XE has a low driving position, a long coupé-like roofline like the XF and placing the cabin as far rearward, it ends up having a long bonnet. However, it compromises on cabin space and legroom. Headroom is just adequate and taller passengers will find it tough sitting at the rear. The 3-series and C class beats the XE hands down in this respect. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_17MY_007_GEE-GALLERY-desktop-1366x769_tcm76-215177_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=2[/IMG] The XE’s cabin quality is top notch, At first glance, the cabin lacks the distinction of the C-class, but it has a deep centre console that affords a pleasant, driver-focused aura and one get a choice of textures and aluminium or piano black dashboard finishes as opposed to traditional wood panels. Ultimately, cabin space has given way to sporting pretensions. There is an all-new infotainment system called InControl, based around an eight-inch central touchscreen claimed to feature intuitive graphics and quick responses. The XE is loaded to the brim with features like Bluetooth, adaptable navigation, audio streaming and USB connectivity, and the car can become a wi-fi hotspot, via an efficient roof antenna, allowing up to eight devices to be connected at once. We have to wait to see what makes it to the India-spec version of the car. Jaguar will launch the XE sedan around the Auto Expo 2016. The Indian-bound XE sedan will come with higher ground clearance and tuned suspension suitable for our roads. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_17MY_037_GEE-GALLERY-desktop-1366x769_tcm76-215183_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=2[/IMG] Jaguar will have five powertrains globally for XE. The likely ones for India are the performance-orientated supercharged 3.0-litre V6, which is also used in the F-type, an all-new mainstream diesel, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit from the Ingenium range that will make its debut in this car and the 2.0 litre petrol that produces 237bhp. Here's what some of the early reviews say: According to Balakrishnan of the NDTV, who drove the XE equipped with the 2.0 litre Ingenium motor, that produces 178bhp and 430Nm of torque, one gets a nice growl from under the hood after which it idles fairly quietly. Once on the road, the engine feels fairly smooth and refined and that's something the Jaguar engineers have worked upon over and over as an area of improvement. “One of the characteristics of the Ingenium diesel is the rapid build up of torque from very low speeds, enabled by turbochargers. Power delivery isn't mad but more controlled and linear.” says Bala. Jaguar has been quite vocal about the XE having all the characteristics of being a driver's car especially with the new lightweight aluminium chassis using the heavier double wishbone front suspension and the integral link rear suspension. [IMG]http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_17MY_006_GEE-GALLERY-desktop-1366x769_tcm76-215175_desktop_1366x769.jpg?v=4[/IMG] Zigwheels drove the XE and came in impressed with the ride and handling. It has fantastic turn in ability - it is quick, effortless and precise, and requires very little coaxing at corner entry. For all its cornering ability and planted feel, the XE was surprisingly comfortable, at least on the Spanish roads where it was driven in. For now, the XE will be available with either six-speed manual gearboxes or adapted versions of the eight-speed ZF automatic. But the manual gearbox is unlikely to make it to India, which is sad. The Jaguar XE will be launched in India soon, expect prices to hover around the Rs 28 - Rs 45 lakh mark and it may just have what it takes to take that crown away from the 3-series as the best sports sedan.