Even though these aren鈥檛 the first Jaguar XE prototypes spotted in the wild, they do seem to be more revealing, as we can spot more details. The XE has a pretty big fight on its hands, which is why a Jaguar is readying the facelifted model that should come with tech, better software and, quite possibly, a more stylish appearance. It鈥檚 not as if the XE didn鈥檛 look aggressive in its first iteration. However, the updated version seems to have a slightly different headlight design, one that appears sharper towards the inner edge. The 2019 XE will also get revised bumpers with larger air intakes, completing the front end changes, while at the rear there are new taillight graphics. Inside, expect to see better materials, new trim, improved software and probably some clever assist and safety systems to help the driver out when needed. The facelifted XE should be one of Jaguar鈥檚 first models to feature a mild-hybrid powertrain. The system is expected to feature a 48-volt architecture with a belt alternator starter and a small lithium-ion battery, paired to the brand鈥檚 Ingenium engines. The revised XE could prove to be a more fuel efficient sports sedan, and a better-performing and engaging drive. Jaguar will reveal the 2019 XE sometime next year, with a possible venue being the Geneva Motor Show reveal in March. Once out, it will bring the fight to the likes of the all-new BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4, Volvo S60 and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
A plug-in hybrid model will join the range roughly a year from now. The most popular model is expected to be the 178bhp diesel driven here. In the last Evoque, its rather gruff nature meant it lagged behind the equivalent BMW and Audi units. It鈥檚 still gruff, but it鈥檚 now so well isolated behind soundproofing materials that it takes a keen ear to know, or care. Performance is more than adequate, it鈥檚 just a shame that the automatic gearbox doesn鈥檛 make the most of the generous torque. The software struggles to decide which of the nine speeds it wants to use, and kicks down slowly. In terms of smoothness, it sits between the clunky Audi DSG and BMW鈥檚 silky eight-speed. The Evoque remains far better at off-roading than it鈥檒l ever need to be. Tech helps here, be it Hill Descent Control or Terrain Response 2 driving modes specific to varying loose surfaces. The new Clearsight Ground View, which lets the driver 鈥榮ee鈥?through the bonnet to the ground below, is not just great for off-road driving but handy when parking in tight spaces, too. But what of the mild hybrid system?
Its effects are subtle: it doesn鈥檛 provide any sort of electric boost, but allows engine-off coasting below 11mph and near-instant restarts. It鈥檚 said to improve efficiency by a few mpg, though at 41.3mpg the D180 is roughly 6mpg thirstier than the X1 xDrive18d M Sport. But while the BMW has the Evoque licked for fuel consumption, it鈥檚 no match for the Range Rover inside. This is a cabin which both looks and feels far more special than those in any of its rivals: material quality and design are both wonderful. The pair of graphically sharp and fairly responsive touchscreens look great, though entrusting so many functions to them can be distracting at times. Equally pretty digital dials are standard from R-Dynamic S models upwards, but that鈥檚 not every interior screen covered yet. An optional hi-res live feed from a rear-facing camera relays an unobstructed, wide-angle view of the road behind through the rear view mirror. It takes some getting used to, though: our eyes took time to adjust to the difference in depth perception between the conventional mirrors and the screen.
Despite the new Evoque being just 1mm longer than before, the wheelbase has grown by 20mm, so legroom is much better. However, taller passengers will still prefer the X1, as head and foot room are still tight. The boot, complete with 591-litre volume and wide opening, is huge, though. Prices for the new Evoque start from 拢31,600 when fitted with a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive (all other models get autos and four-wheel drive). At this end of the range, prices are reasonable: a 拢7,500 deposit gets a three-year PCP at 拢269 per month. However, prices start to climb very high at the top of the scale. In First Edition trim, this D180 model costs almost fifty grand. That places it into the territory of the larger, six-cylinder BMW X3. However, if you like the Evoque, you鈥檙e unlikely to care about that comparison, because only one of those cars two makes you feel truly special.
Comments
Post a Comment