Skip advert
Advertisement
Features

Why the Jaguar XE is Auto Express Compact Executive Car of the Year

Here are the top reasons why the Jaguar XE is Auto Express Best Compact Executive Car of the Year 2016

The Jaguar XE has won the Auto Express Best Compact Executive Car of the Year award in 2016 and 2015. Here are the reasons why it’s been our award winner for two years running.

The XE is the new entry point into the world of Jaguar ownership. At just over 4.6 metres, it’s compact but has the presence of a much bigger car as it shares many key design hallmarks with  Jaguar’s larger saloon car models. The XE styling also borrows heavily from Jaguar’s flagship F-TYPE sports car with the dramatic J Blade running lights, front grille treatment and rear light clusters.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Each Jaguar saloon has its place in the range with the XE representing the sporting option. But with prices starting at just under £27,000,  it’s a sports saloon that is easily obtainable and has luxury built in. Satellite navigation, keyless start, a leather-covered steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels are all standard features. Meanwhile, on the safety front, all models get Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

Modern luxury

The XE has a cabin you’ll want to spend many hours in. Like all Jaguars, the ‘Riva Hoop’ envelopes the driver and gives a cosseting experience – it’s a design cue taken from the famous Riva Italian speed boats which are known for their timeless style. Mid-level Prestige models come with sumptuous leather as standard, and all cars come with a modern and slick infotainment screen with intuitive touch and swipe functions.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

With optional InControl Touch Pro this can be upgraded to a state-of-the-art 10.2-inch screen that offers pinch and zoom, gorgeous graphics, a predictive navigation system and 10GB of dedicated onboard media storage. No matter which system you go for, all Jaguar XEs have smartphone compatible apps to make life more comfortable behind the wheel.

Class-leading to drive

The Jaguar XE is among the best handling cars in the compact executive class. This is thanks to the way the XE is built – it has an immensely strong Lightweight Aluminium Architecture which means it’s light but also makes the car feel more agile. Another key reason why the XE is the best to drive in its class is its double wishbone front and integral-link rear suspension.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Using the same suspension technology as the Jaguar F-TYPE sports car, the XE offers unrivalled dynamism on the road. The optional adaptive dynamics system responds to road conditions and driving style, constantly tuning the damper settings to give the best blend of comfort and dynamic handling. The pin-point sharp electric steering adds to the feeling of involvement when you get behind the wheel.

Efficient

The aluminium architecture doesn’t just improve the way the XE drives, but also how it performs. The architecture’s inherent lightweight properties mean that the XE is as light as a feather on the road, improving the way the car handles and its efficiency. Jaguar has invested in brand new, state-of-the-art all-aluminium diesel engines that deliver excellent performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engines return as much as 75mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km, making the XE an excellent company car choice.

Excellent service

The Jaguar XE doesn’t just make an excellent choice when buying either. Once you become a Jaguar owner you’ll be looked after by one of the best retailer networks in the UK. Jaguar retailers are regularly voted amongst the highest for their customer service in our Driver Power survey, giving you complete peace of mind.

Jaguar XE: Auto Express Compact Executive Car of the Year 2016

So with attributes like beautiful looks, a luxurious and hi-tech cabin, class-leading handling and comfort, efficient engines and a retailer network that’s one of the best in the UK, it’s easy to see why the Jaguar XE is our favourite compact executive car of the year for two years running.

Fuel consumption in mpg (L/100km): Urban 23.2-49.6 (12.2-5.7); Extra Urban 39.8-62.8 (7.1-4.5); Combined 31.7-57.7 (8.9-4.9). CO2 Emissions 209-129 g/km. Official EU Test Figures. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Exclusive: Jaguar Land Rover boss sets the record straight on thefts, insurance, parts supply, electrification and more
JLR interview
News

Exclusive: Jaguar Land Rover boss sets the record straight on thefts, insurance, parts supply, electrification and more

JLR’s UK managing director, Patrick McGillycuddy, talks to us about the issues facing the business and its big future plans…
3 Feb 2024
Jaguar Land Rover CEO hits back over Range Rover theft issues
Range Rover action
News

Jaguar Land Rover CEO hits back over Range Rover theft issues

Insurance companies are “not using the data” according to CEO Adrian Mardell
2 Feb 2024
Range Rover offers in-house insurance scheme to fight theft fears
Range Rover Sport - front
News

Range Rover offers in-house insurance scheme to fight theft fears

JLR-owned brand continues its battle against a wave of car crime hitting luxury cars
19 Dec 2023
TWR reveals big plans to reimagine the Jaguar XJS
Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem standing in front of a Jaguar XJS
News

TWR reveals big plans to reimagine the Jaguar XJS

TWR will look back in its history with the Jaguar XJS for a “reimagined” sports car
13 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars will now pay £10 more per year, although the biggest gas guzzlers fare even worse
28 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024