2019 Jaguar XE Review: 30t 300 Sport

The Jaguar XE is a quick answer to the well-established trio of compact luxury sedans from Germany's Big Three - the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Throw in the recent Alfa Giulia and the feature-packed Lexus IS, and you have a six-sided fight for supremacy in this relatively small but highly lucrative part of the new car market.

They all offer moderate to outright wild performance options, and the new XE 80 Sport, around $300K, hovers in the middle of that speed and equipment spectrum.

We spent a week behind the wheel to determine if its flashy aesthetic matches its dynamic abilities.

Jaguar XE 2019: 30T (221 kW) 300 Sport
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	6.7l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$55,100

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

Surprisingly, the Jaguar XE is rapidly approaching its fourth birthday, and the car's clean and understated appearance continues to draw attention.

Its masculine mesh grille and gently tapering headlights combine to create a fitting feline expression, while signature details such as the curved LED strip in the taillights add a subtle hat tip to the timeless E-Type Series I classic.

The clean and discreet appearance of the car still attracts attention.

Introduced locally in late 2018, the 300 Sport variant features "Dark Satin Gray" touches including grille surrounds, side window trim, door mirror housings and a rear spoiler, while the interiors of the standard 19" Style 5031 alloy wheels are painted in black. painted in Satin Technical Grey. Black front brake calipers with the 300 Sport logo peek through the split-spoke design, and "our" test car's "Santorini Black" trim adds an extra layer of sinister appeal.

The interior is also improved with the latest driver information and multimedia displays subtly integrated into a simple and precise layout. Piano lacquer black surfaces along the center console, around the ventilation controls and media screen, combined with embossed alloy details and high-quality leather, create a sense of superiority.

The mesh grille and pointed headlights create a fitting feline expression.

In our example, there was an optional 12.3-inch "Interactive Driver Display" digital screen ($670) located under the slightly curved binnacle cover and capable of scrolling through customizable gauge displays, navigation maps, driving data, vehicle status, and more.

A 10-inch Touch Pro color media screen at the top of the center console controls telephone, navigation and media functions, as well as vehicle settings and rear view camera views.

The 10-inch Touch Pro media screen controls phone, navigation and media functions.

The Sport 300 design refinement continues inside with yellow contrast stitching on the steering wheel (300 Sport badge), seats, door inserts and front center armrest. The brushed metal front trims bear the 300 Sport branding, as do the front headrests.

In general, the emphasis is on efficiency and comfort rather than excessive luxury. Forget walnut and Wilton carpet, that Jaguar is long gone.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

At just under 4.7m long, nearly 2.0m wide and just over 1.4m high, the XE is a classic midsize sedan offering plenty of room for driver and front passenger, and a comfortable but relatively cramped rear seat. accommodation for three.

Up front storage is found in two large cupholders on the center console, as well as a small tray in front of the rotary shifter and long but thin door drawers (which don't have room for drink bottles).

Storage spaces at the front lead to two large cupholders in the center console.

There's also a medium-sized glove box, a small basket with a lid between the seats (which doubles as a center armrest), and a drop-down sunglass holder on the overhead console.

Getting into the back seat is something of an ordeal because the tailgate opening is tight. With an average height of 183 cm for a man, it seemed to me that folding myself up to sit in the back seat was a test, and climbing back was equally tiring.

Once there, sitting behind the driver's seat set in my seat, I had plenty of leg and foot room, but my head was right next to the ceiling. Three adults in the back would be borderline for short trips and an uncomfortable prospect for anything longer. There are two cup holders in the fold-down center armrest, but there is no storage space in the doors.

Three adults in the back would be borderline for short trips and uncomfortable for longer ones.

Connectivity and power options are provided by a micro-SIM slot, two USB ports, an aux-in jack, and two 12-volt outlets (one front and rear). The extra 12-volt outlets in our car (one in the back and one in the trunk) add $250 to the price.

Trunk volume is average for the class at 415 liters (VDA) and our three-pack of hard cases (35, 68 and 105 liters) fit with plenty of room, while Cars Guide the stroller had a tighter compression across the width.

The 40/20/40 folding rear seat frees up even more space, and remote opening handles at the top of the boot opening make it easy.

Recessed storage is behind the wheel arch on the passenger side, cargo securing rings are included, and bag hooks on both sides are a thoughtful touch. 

The space-saving spare is under the boot floor, and if you want to tow an XE 300 Sport, this is a no-go area. The only towbar available for the Jaguar in Australia is the UK electric, which does not qualify for the rating in that market. However, the E-Pace and F-Pace SUVs are comfortable for towing.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Priced at $79,400 before road expenses, the XE 300 Sport is well ahead of its five main competitors - Alfa Romeo's Giulia Veloce ($71,895), Audi A4 45 Quattro Sport S Line ($74,300), BMW 330i M- Sport ($73,500). , Mercedes-Benz C AMG Line ($30073,390) and Lexus IS F Sport ($73,251XNUMX).

As such, it's fair to expect a generous fruit basket to be included at this price, and the list of standard equipment on this XE is long enough.

We'll take a look at the safety tech separately (below), but the list of features includes perforated grained leather upholstery (with yellow contrast stitching), a Soft Grain leather steering wheel (trademarked by the 300 Sport), dual-zone climate control, air, Sport front seats 10-way electrically adjustable (with XNUMX-way electrically adjustable lumbar support and memory on the driver's side), plus keyless entry and engine start.

Features include leather upholstery with yellow stitching and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

You can also expect green tinted glass, auto-dimming, electric folding, heated exterior mirrors (with memory and proximity lights), rain-sensing wipers, cruise control (and speed limiter), 19-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, ambient light. interior lighting, metal-finished pedals, and an 11-speaker/380W Meridian audio system controlled via a 10-inch Touch Pro screen, as is Navigation Pro sat-nav.

At around $80 it would have been nice to see LED headlights rather than xenon ones, Apple CarPlay is optional (as part of the "smartphone package"), and we think it's fair to expect a digital radio optional on our car. at a price of 580 dollars.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 8/10

The all-alloy 300-litre XE 2.0 Sport four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is part of Jaguar Land Rover's modular Ingenium engine family (based on a 500cc sequential cylinder design).

Thanks to variable valve timing and lift (from the intake side), it delivers 221kW at 5500rpm and 400Nm from 1500-4500rpm, with power sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

A four-cylinder petrol turbo engine sends power to the rear wheels.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

Claimed fuel consumption in the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 6.7 l/100 km, while the vehicle emits 153 g/km CO2.

At about 300 km city, suburban and freeway we recorded an average of 10.8 l/100 km (at a gas station), and you will need 63 liters of premium unleaded gasoline with 95 octane to fill the tank.

We have to admit only the occasional use of Eco Mode, which reduces throttle sensitivity and switches to a more fuel-efficient engine layout, as well as reducing the energy consumption of the climate control and audio systems. And as my fault, our result was also affected by the inconsistent operation of the "Intelligent Start/Stop System".

What is it like to drive? 8/10

Apply the sports badge to the Jag and expect a heart-pounding experience in no time. And while the XE 300 Sport is fast rather than blazing fast, it's definitely fun to drive.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is no different from other XE models available with the same powertrain (Prestige, R-Sport and Portfolio) and a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration of 5.9 seconds.

Jaguar claims the XE 30t 300 Sport will hit 0 km/h in 100 seconds.

That's not much for a 1.6-ton sedan, and with all 400 Nm of maximum torque available in the 1500-4500 rpm range, mid-range traction is quite high.

The eight-speed automatic transmission (with torque converter) is very smooth, with quick manual shifts accessible via stylish brushed alloy paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Speaking of the steering wheel, the grippy leather-trimmed sport version fitted to the 300 Sport is great.

The JaguarDrive Control system offers switching between Sport, Eco and Rain/Ice/Snow modes, and it's important to note that our test car was equipped with Custom Dynamics ($1210), gearshift calibration adjustment, throttle response and handlebar weight with "Adaptive Dynamics" ($1950) adding stepless dampers to the mix. 

JaguarDrive Control offers switching between Sport, Eco and Rain/Ice/Snow modes.

Even as standard, speed-proportional electric power steering provides good road feel, sporty front seats combine stability with long-distance comfort, and Dunlop Sport Maxx RT rubber grips (225/40 front - 255/35 rear) are firm under fast cornering pressure. Switching to the Dynamic setting adds a nice extra benefit.

Standard torque vectoring (through braking) helps maintain balance and cornering direction if your teeth are really gritty, and braking (with four-piston calipers on 350mm rotors up front) is progressive and reassuringly strong.

Ergonomics are thought out to the smallest detail, all-round visibility is good, and the Meridian audio system turns.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / 100,000 km


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

The XE 300 Sport received a maximum of five stars when it was rated by ANCAP in 2015 and features a wide array of active collision avoidance technologies including ABS, EBA, AEB, dynamic stability control, blind spot monitoring and "reverse traffic detection". , Lane Departure Warning, Tire Pressure Monitor, Hill Start Assist, All Surface Progress Control (low speed cruise control with low traction), Rear View Camera, Visible Parking Assist 360 degrees and Park Assist (parallel, perpendicular and parking exit functions).

It is worth noting, however, that the "Active Safety Package" installed on our test vehicle (including "Blind Spot Assist" and Reverse Traffic Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Monitor driver condition), costs $2920.

The XE 300 Sport received a maximum of five stars in the 2015 ANCAP rating.

If all of the above is not enough to avoid impact, passive safety includes a "Cowling System with Pedestrian Contact Sensor" (helps absorb the impact of pedestrians and keep them away from the engine and suspension components). Plus front airbags (with passenger presence sensor), front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.

The rear seat has three attachment points for a child capsule/child seat with ISOFIX anchorages at the two extreme points.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10

The XE 300 Sport is covered by Jaguar's XNUMX-year unlimited mileage warranty, with roadside assistance throughout Australia. Not bad, but not brilliant considering that many big brands have gone to five years/unlimited mileage and some now to seven years/unlimited mileage.

The "Paint Guarantee" is valid for three years from the date of purchase (regardless of distance driven), and the "Corrosion Protection Guarantee" is valid for six years (regardless of distance and change of ownership of the vehicle).

Service is recommended every 12 months/26,000 km and the price is capped at $1500 for five years/130,000 km, which is a very good deal in this part of the market.

Verdict

Jaguar XE 300 Sport combines stylish looks, energetic performance and quality dynamics. Priced at around $80K pre-traffic, it's all the money in a competitive package full of quality options but offering a charismatic alternative to the usual German suspects.

Can the XE 300 Sport tempt you into a midsize Jag? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.