Yesterday I attended the Irish launch of the brand-new Jaguar XE and it seems that Jaguar Ireland is aiming for a large-enough chunk of its segment. Journalists present yesterday were informed that the manufacturer intends on selling 300 of these before the end of 2015, and we reckon this might be possible because Jaguar has set the entry-level price at a reasonable-enough €37,995.
Had Jaguar launched this car a year ago I would have said that their estimated sales of 300 was borderline ridiculous. Bringing this car out in 2015 however leads me to believe that their figures mightn’t be too-off the mark. Car sales are going well around the country (hopefully it’ll stay this way!) and people seem more willing to spend their money through PCP packages, etc. So why wouldn’t potential buyers consider the Jaguar XE – especially when the price for this machine seems reasonable.
The XE is attractive and has some great curves. It’s stylish and confident looking. I drove the 2.0l diesel R-Sport version offering 180PS. I was impressed by the sports seats (which were trimmed in Taurus leather) and the aluminium finishing in the interior. To the rear of the R-Sport model you will find that it dons a subtle rear spoiler and on the side power vents, you will find a little more chrome. You will also find 18” alloy wheels with two-tones on this sportier model.
The bad news for those of you looking for the R-Sport version is that you will have to cough up a little more dough for the pleasure. This model (with 180PS and automatic transmission) starts from €46,310 – the model in the photos here had loads of extras thrown in too and the retail price for the one pictured is €59,660. So you’ve guessed it, the extras are not cheap – the metallic paint alone will cost you an extra €1,020, and if you want a “Blind Spot Monitor with CVS & Traffic Detection” it will cost €1,810.
Despite what you pay for these extras, there’s no arguing that the prices are more reasonable than you’d expect from a prestige manufacturer like Jaguar. The standard trim, SE, is still an attractive package that starts from €37,995, and as standard you will find; “gloss black treatment for the door trim finishers and the signature ‘Riva Hoop’ sweeping above the instrument panel. Standard equipment includes Satellite Navigation, cruise control, 17” alloy wheels, DAB digital radio and multi-function softgrain leather steering wheel.”
Jaguar Ireland reckons that their biggest seller will be the “Prestige” trim. To step on the “Prestige” ladder you will be looking at prices from €40,635 (based on 2.0 Manual with 163PS). All prices will vary on trims, engines and transmissions that you opt for. There is a range of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines available, all of which offer direct injection. The choice of transmissions includes a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.
The Ingenium 2.0l diesel engines are available with 163PS or 180PS. The lowest CO2 emissions available start from 99g/km and Jaguar says that fuel economy can be as good as 75mpg (as with every car – this all depends on how you drive!). The 2.0l petrol range is available with 200PS or 240PS. According to Jaguar, these engines weigh only 138kg, and they are made from all aluminium.
Also available is a V6 supercharged engine. This 3.0 V6 engine can also be found in the F-Type sports car. It offers a whopping 340PS and can get you from 0-100km in circa 5 seconds. This particular model is the XE S, and it will set customers back from €75,000.
As this was a launch occasion I didn’t get much time behind the wheel of this particular vehicle. In the twenty minutes I spent in the 2.0 D R-Sport, I found it to be responsive and I enjoyed how the power was delivered throughout the car. It looks great, and judging by Jaguar Ireland’s sales projections for the next six months, it will be one that we’ll all get to admire on the roads. The question now is whether or not they will be able to steer customers who otherwise would have opted for the BMW 3 Series or even the Audi A4. Although, with today’s market going so well I think that 300 might be a realistic figure.
