2017 Jaguar XEThe 2017 Jaguar XE compact luxury sports sedan, joins the new Jaguar D-Pace SUV as competitively priced entrants in the luxury market. Jaguar is hoping for bigger sales as the Indian owned British company doubles its model offerings. The Jaguar 2016 XE is one of the first Jaguar product built on the new advanced aluminum architecture which was showcased in the C-X17 concept car in 2013.

A lithe, graceful car with strikingly elegant lines, the Jaguar XE has signature cues from the XJ and XF models from the revered auto maker. The chrome wire mesh grille proudly sports the Jaguar logo cat face and leads to the sinuous flowing sheet metal curves. The use of aluminum intensive structure provides the benefits of lightness and strength for exceptional handling, performance, refinement and efficiency. The new Jaguar XE is every bit a modern Jaguar car; more compact in size than the big traditional Jags of past but still distinct.

All-wheel drive is standard and the base model (XE 20d) for Canada comes with Jaguar’s new Ingenium 180 hp, 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 315 lb/ft of torque. A 3.0-litre 340 hp supercharged V6 (XE 35t), with 332 lb/ft of torque, priced from $48,500 is also on offer. Both models arrive with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shift controls and are available in three trim levels: Premium, Prestige, and R-Sport with its unique front fascia, side skirts, and badging.

The old fashioned slightly frumpy look of past Jaguar cabins is all gone now. The XE features a clean, modern design that’s more elegant and modern. High quality aluminum and leather offer a tasteful contemporary looking look. Seats are comfortable and front legroom is excellent, although the rear is a tighter affair. The equipment levels are high with full power and creature comforts. There are two touchscreen options— a standard eight-inch (InControl Touch) and an optional 10.2-inch (InControl Touch Pro) display screen.

Whatever your engine choice, ride and handling make the XE a standout in its class. On the road, the XE offers a great driving experiences with smooth, fast acceleration, and wonderfully linear and precise cornering. No matter how hard you push the XE, it remains a wonderfully resilient, pliable, yet unshakably stable car. The turbo engine offers just a tiny trace of lag, but in no way, affect the performance of the car. The refined engine is well teamed up with the nine-speed transmission. Grip is tenacious thanks to the XE on-demand AWD system that can send 90 per cent of torque to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions.

The XE’s twin traction-control features: All Purpose Progress Control, and Proactive Traction Management works in tandem for low-speed launch control and to mitigate loss of grip on icy slippery surfaces takes over before traction is lost on ice with just the right amount of torque.

The XE also arrives with a host of safety features such as: autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, land keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and adaptive speed limiter, park assist, blind spot monitor and reverse traffic detection, adaptive cruise control and a surround camera system.

Not much to complain about really, the XE is not as spacious for rear seat passengers as you would think thanks to low coupe-like roofline. Why should you seriously consider the Jaguar XE? Well its awfully good looking, fast and drives superb. Plus, the grinning cats head on the front will let everyone know you have arrived! Superb in every way.

Price: 2017 Jaguar XE 20d Premium $45,000, Prestige $49,500, R-Sport $54,000; XE 35t Premium $48,500, Prestige $53,000, R-Sport $57,500.