I love my espresso in the morning just after my cup of water. Admittedly, I also enjoy a stick of cigarette while having the lingering taste of freshly brewed coffee on my tongue. After which, I'll rinse my mouth, brush my teeth and start my day with the newspaper. Fresh start. New day. I love them.
The only problem is, what I just described to you rarely happens to me on a daily basis because I'm always in a mad rush in the morning. So whenever I'm not rushing (like the weekends), I'll treasure my fresh starts and new days more.
And that's exactly like the Jaguar XE. Rarely does Jaguar get a fresh start but it's clear that this car is an exceptional beginning for the British marque, a new day to take on challenges from strong competitors and a good time to achieve its mission of eliminating the segment leaders to top its class.
It won't be easy to topple these big guns, especially when Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have controlled this segment with their A4, 3 Series and C-Class respectively, but Jaguar - with its sassy new cat - seems set to take on this daunting task.
Exterior
The XE follows a look that extends through the Jaguar range. Like the flagship XJ and the XF, the compact executive sedan sports slim yet sinister-looking headlamps that sit nicely at the front of the sleek bonnet.
The only problem is, what I just described to you rarely happens to me on a daily basis because I'm always in a mad rush in the morning. So whenever I'm not rushing (like the weekends), I'll treasure my fresh starts and new days more.
And that's exactly like the Jaguar XE. Rarely does Jaguar get a fresh start but it's clear that this car is an exceptional beginning for the British marque, a new day to take on challenges from strong competitors and a good time to achieve its mission of eliminating the segment leaders to top its class.
It won't be easy to topple these big guns, especially when Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have controlled this segment with their A4, 3 Series and C-Class respectively, but Jaguar - with its sassy new cat - seems set to take on this daunting task.
Exterior
The XE follows a look that extends through the Jaguar range. Like the flagship XJ and the XF, the compact executive sedan sports slim yet sinister-looking headlamps that sit nicely at the front of the sleek bonnet.
It's instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, but it also means that it can be a tad underwhelming to look at on first glance, considering there's little to differentiate it from its bigger brothers.
But at 4,686mm x 1,967mm x 1,416mm (L x W x H), the XE has the perfect dimensions and an unadulterated styling that will grow steadily on you. Its simple yet sharp crease on the bonnet drags past the A-pillar all the way to the C-pillar, making it an unpretentious design that's easy on the eye. These dimensions also mean that the XE is longer, wider and shorter than the BMW 3 Series.
The fact that the cat sits on 17-inch wheels further enhances its very humble character. While 18-inchers would have added aggression, this former size fits well without looking out of place.
But at 4,686mm x 1,967mm x 1,416mm (L x W x H), the XE has the perfect dimensions and an unadulterated styling that will grow steadily on you. Its simple yet sharp crease on the bonnet drags past the A-pillar all the way to the C-pillar, making it an unpretentious design that's easy on the eye. These dimensions also mean that the XE is longer, wider and shorter than the BMW 3 Series.
The fact that the cat sits on 17-inch wheels further enhances its very humble character. While 18-inchers would have added aggression, this former size fits well without looking out of place.
Interior
The cockpit is as simple and uncluttered as its sheet metal, which translates to the fact that it doesn't quite match up to the swanky appearance as the C-Class. That said, its modern design is classier than the 3 Series and the aging A4. In our eyes, fit and finish will match all competitors but the flawless Lexus IS250.
Where it loses out to its peers, the XE more than makes up for its attention to details. For example, the rotary gear selector, which can also be found in newer cars from Jaguar Land Rover, rises out of the centre console the moment you fire up the car. It's a neat and tidy trick that few will fail to be mesmerised by.
The cockpit is as simple and uncluttered as its sheet metal, which translates to the fact that it doesn't quite match up to the swanky appearance as the C-Class. That said, its modern design is classier than the 3 Series and the aging A4. In our eyes, fit and finish will match all competitors but the flawless Lexus IS250.
Where it loses out to its peers, the XE more than makes up for its attention to details. For example, the rotary gear selector, which can also be found in newer cars from Jaguar Land Rover, rises out of the centre console the moment you fire up the car. It's a neat and tidy trick that few will fail to be mesmerised by.
Driver and front passenger will enjoy adequate space and while it's best left for two at the back, the transmission tunnel isn't as wide and high up as the 3er or the IS250, which allows the Jag to fit three with a slight squeeze. Luggage space remains to be generous at 450 litres. It does, however, lose out to its aforementioned peers, which have bigger boot capacities of 480 litres each.
The Drive
Dominated by a 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant, the lump under the XE's bonnet dishes out 197bhp and 280Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels. You floor the right pedal on the straights and what you get is a linear yet persistent manner of delivery - something that's not often associated with turbocharged models where a sudden surge of power comes in late in its revs.
That's not to say the car is slow because the baby cat feels every bit like an adult Jaguar. Apart from handling superbly and enthusiastically through a series of bends, the car constantly remains calm and composed. There is never a time when you feel you're losing control. Credit also goes to the ample grip from the tyres and the precise and talkative steering.
While it is endowed with sorted dynamics, comfort hasn't been compromised. No matter the speed you're travelling at, on the highway or around town, the XE soaks all but the most ruthless bumps and ruts without fuss, which will make it a very comfortable car for long hauls up North.
Dominated by a 2.0-litre four-pot powerplant, the lump under the XE's bonnet dishes out 197bhp and 280Nm of twisting force to the rear wheels. You floor the right pedal on the straights and what you get is a linear yet persistent manner of delivery - something that's not often associated with turbocharged models where a sudden surge of power comes in late in its revs.
That's not to say the car is slow because the baby cat feels every bit like an adult Jaguar. Apart from handling superbly and enthusiastically through a series of bends, the car constantly remains calm and composed. There is never a time when you feel you're losing control. Credit also goes to the ample grip from the tyres and the precise and talkative steering.
While it is endowed with sorted dynamics, comfort hasn't been compromised. No matter the speed you're travelling at, on the highway or around town, the XE soaks all but the most ruthless bumps and ruts without fuss, which will make it a very comfortable car for long hauls up North.
Conclusion
In all honesty, apart from the 3 Series, few compact executive sedans are as fun and dynamically sound as this. Plus, at $204,999 (as of 23rd Oct 2015), the car is indeed a good proposition among the Germans and even the Japanese.
So while it remains to be a daunting task for Jag to topple its strong peers in a segment that's filled with loyal customers, we reckon the XE will be a fresh start for the British marque to take on this challenge of achieving its mission to top its class.
In all honesty, apart from the 3 Series, few compact executive sedans are as fun and dynamically sound as this. Plus, at $204,999 (as of 23rd Oct 2015), the car is indeed a good proposition among the Germans and even the Japanese.
So while it remains to be a daunting task for Jag to topple its strong peers in a segment that's filled with loyal customers, we reckon the XE will be a fresh start for the British marque to take on this challenge of achieving its mission to top its class.
