CAPE TOWN – Remember the X-Type? Or rather, have you managed to forget the X-Type? Built as a collaborative effort in the early 2000s between Jaguar and Ford (the former’s owners at the time), the X-Type was mainly a re-engineered Mondeo with a poorly finished interior and lacklustre engines. It failed to convincingly win over the affections of the motoring public.
Jaguar will hope its replacement, the just-launched XE, will fare much better in a market segment with such prodigious talents as the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class (not to mention the upcoming Audi A4, Infiniti Q50 and Lexus IS). And it’s thrown all its expertise at the entry-level Coventry Cat.
The line-up
We’ll get three engine options in South Africa; the brand-new Ingenium turbodiesel engine driven here; a 2,0-litre turbopetrol that’s now a touch long in the tooth and which will be replaced somewhere around the second quarter of next year with the Ingenium petrol derivative; as well as a 3,0-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine that does such sterling work in the F-Type.
There are eight models in total spanning the three powertrains and five trim levels (see the full pricing here). I drove the 20d Prestige, which is one rung up from the entry point to the range.
Outside and in
Generically Jaguar in terms of its exterior design, the XE failed to attract much attention during the two-day local launch. The design is neat, but we’ve seen that face before on the XF (and its upcoming replacement), while the rear-view lacks character. Assessed in profile, however, and the long, low body and metal/glasshouse ratio lend it an elegant air.
Inside, however, there are fewer elements to enthuse about. First the good bits: the driving position is near perfect thanks to a widely adjustable seat and steering wheel; and the new infotainment system is easy to use and looks great.
Unfortunately, every successful part is countered with clumsy detailing and pinched room all-round. Quality levels are acceptable, but nowhere near that of the C-Class. Likewise, detailing is poor: the display screen between the dials looks completely outdated; the window switches are poorly placed high on the doors; and a number of launch vehicles exhibited rattles despite having only a few thousand kilometres each on the clock.
Under the bonnet
Ingenium is Jaguar Land Rover’s name for its new range of ultra-clean engines. The XE 20d is the first Jaguar in our market to receive this technology, and it works to great effect. Perhaps not quite as hushed as a French diesel powertrain, the 2,0-litre is nevertheless near-vibration-free and provides loads of low-down pull in whichever gear the eight-speed automatic transmission is.
On the road
The XE rides well considering its massive alloy wheels and low-profile tyres (up to 20-inch items can be specced) – there’s some intrusive bump-thump at town-based speeds, but its beautifully settled on the open road. Similarly, the handling balance is excellent; body control is very good and mid-corner bumps rarely upset its composure. I would have liked a touch more heft to the steering system, but that doesn’t detract for its direct feel and sensible gearing. This platform will underpin the new XF, too, which bodes well for Jaguar’s mid-level executive sedan.
And that price
At R590 400, there’s no escaping the fact that this XE is overpriced. An equivalent BMW 320d will set you back R472 000 (and that’s for the facelifted version), while the Mercedes-Benz C220 BlueTec costs R500 500. The Jaguar doesn’t make up the shortfall with outstanding standard specification, either.
Conclusion
Value is relative, and to some buyers the XE’s steep pricing might just be worth it to gain access to that premium badge. But objectively, it gets a thumbs down because of its price. Had it cost roughly the same as the 320d and C220, it would have provided an enticing alternative to the German Three…
