Jaguar XE September debut confirmed
Jag promises celeb heavy presentation; we're more interested in the tech
Opening salvoes from pre-launch hype machine
Also key is the rear "integral link" suspension that Jaguar reckons improves on standard multi-link set-up. This introduces an isolated subframe meant to better cushion road shocks while still allowing for involved handling. It's a similar set-up as the new Ford Mondeo will get, which is ironic given that many pronounced the X-Type (the XE's forerunner) guilty by association with older Mondeos, especially now that Ford's connection to Jaguar is limited to engine supplier only. We shouldn't worry too much though – Ford has given the new Mondeo loads of premium Lincoln chassis elements, this being one of them.
Back to the XE. Inevitably it has electric power steering, but Jaguar reckons the latest generation system allows for greater steering feel and can piggyback the newest tech. Jaguar mentions active safety within this, so it'll probably come with assisted steering for within-the-lines, low-speed traffic jam autonomy.
Jaguar also mentions something called All Surface Progress Control which it reckons is "completely new" in its class. It's described as low-speed cruise control to deliver optimum traction in slippery conditions, and we'll bet it's probably a trick setting in the ESC to keep things in a straight line.
Four-cyl Ingenium engine family at XE's heart
Petrol turbos are a given, but we don't know what yet the figures are yet. The most the company has said is that one model will hit a top speed of 186mph. Hybrids are also likely, if not right away at the on-sale date of early next year. Jaguar Land Rover patents online show a lightweight hybrid system where the electric motor is integrated into the powertrain unit between the engine and the gearbox. It can also be used with a manual gearbox.
So far there hasn't been a disappointing piece of information about this car yet. With no other partner to stick their oar in, it seems as though the people who know what they're doing have been given free reign to create a car that'll properly take on most of the BMW 3 Series range (it'll leave the 318 market alone). Still though, many a slip twixt cup and lip, so let's hope the XE really is as a complete a package as it sounds.
All auto
No steering feel
90% diesel, with the piddling 2.2 4 pot the best seller.
Good looking, but to much like XF
Not as good as F30 to drive
Supercharged V6 "R" with dual clutch type 'box
2.2 diesel with "R" Sport trim coming to a rear bumper near you with it's driver's arm in the "high noon" driving position on the steering wheel.
- These may or may not be true
All auto
No steering feel
90% diesel, with the piddling 2.2 4 pot the best seller.
Good looking, but to much like XF
Not as good as F30 to drive
Supercharged V6 "R" with dual clutch type 'box
2.2 diesel with "R" Sport trim coming to a rear bumper near you with it's driver's arm in the "high noon" driving position on the steering wheel.
- These may or may not be true
'Not as good the F30 to drive' - is that with or without the optional suspension? I've driven both varieties of the F30, and the one with the expensive dampers option ticked is excellent; however you try and find one in the classifieds with that option and you'll see that it's not all that popular against 'm-sport' trim or 19" alloys, for example. I suspect that the Jag will have decent ride and handling from the box.
but, as mentioned 90% will be Derv therefore dull. One reason the XF was cool on release is there was no small diesel to ruin the image.
if they do an audi and reales a car that looks just like a scaled down XF that will be s
t.at the moment jag are, (almost), without a corporate face to their cars, (and from behind they are all very different), i have a feeling this may be about to change.
still, lets concentrate on the over 180mph one shall we.
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