Jaguar have introduced their first compact luxury saloon in India, the XE, in a choice of petrol trims, from Rs 39.9 lakh to Rs 46.5 lakh(ex-showroom, Delhi).
The new XE brings to the fore Jaguar’s aluminium construction prowess, with over 75 per cent of the body constructed using the lightweight metal. Another world-first is the use of a high-strength alloy (RC5754) that is prepared predominantly from recycled aluminium; the sustainability aspect is sure taken care of. High-strength and dual-phase steels are used in the door panels, rear underbody and boot-lid, meeting strength, stiffness and geometrical requirements of these parts while also contributing to optimal weight distribution. Ultra-lightweight cast magnesium is also used for the front-end carrier as well as the cross-car beam.
The 2835-mm wheelbase liberates a good amount of room in the cabin. The interior can be had in a choice of sporty dark themes or more elegant lighter combinations. The available panoramic sun-roof further enhances the cabin airiness. Depending on trim level, the InControl Touch system, with an eight-inch display, puts vehicle, comfort and connectivity functions at the tips of your fingers. The laser-projection head-up display (HUD) delivers speed and navigation data within the driver’s immediate field of vision.
The 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol, seen in the XF and XJ, is available in two states of tune: 200 PS/320 Nm or 240 PS/340 Nm. The engine weighs just 138 kg and helps keep the total weight of the car as low as possible. A supercharged V6 with 340 PS and 450 Nm will be available in the XE S later on. The ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission is offered as standard, driving the rear wheels. No word yet on the introduction of the diesel models, as the new Ingenium 2.0-litre engine (with either 163 PS/380 Nm or 180 PS/430 Nm) marked its global début in the XE, but isn’t yet produced here in India. This engine also powers the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque overseas.
The XE packs components to deliver on every aspect of performance. The brakes are large with rotor diameters from 316 to 350 mm at the front, with 300 to 325 mm at the rear. Lightweight sliding callipers are used. All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) is a smart on- and off-road-ready stability and traction control system developed using decades of Jaguar Land Rover experience. While ABS with EBD are standard, torque vectoring by braking enhances handling dynamics further. The new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) has been worked on to deliver a more natural feel and provide excellent feedback.
Pricing for the Jaguar XE starts from Rs 39.9 lakh for the Pure, going up to Rs 46.5 lakh for the Portfolio trim package, both ex-showroom, Delhi. The Jaguar XE will go head-to-head with the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo S60.
Look forward to our detailed road test in a forthcoming issue of Car India.
Story: Jim Gorde
