Quick Spin: 2017 Jaguar XE - Euro Charmer HD

While this might be our first Quick Spin in the Jaguar XE compact sport sedan, it has already been on sale in the U.K. for over a year now; and it’s off to quite a promising start. We expect the same to happen here on our shores, as it certainly looks the Euro sport sedan part. With the long hood, short rear deck, almost squatty stance that will fit right in with competitors like the BMW 3-series. Underhood, is your choice of something old or something new. This 340-horsepower 3.0-liter supercharged V6 is old, newer is a 240–horsepower 2.0-liter turbo I4, while newest is a 180-horsepower I4 turbo-diesel, also displacing 2.0-liters. The XE is rear-drive of course; with all-wheel-drive available, if you opt for the V6 or diesel. Much like the rest of the Jag fleet, the structure is highly aluminumized. Inside, is an equal treatment of familiar and fresh. With traditional elements like the rotary shifter for the 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as hooded twin dial gauges; meeting a new overall layout, and Jaguar’s new InControl touchscreen interface, which features much better intuitive action than any Jag before. Some interior materials are disappointing; especially the expansive, pebbled plastic dash cover. Looking more Toyota Corolla than Jag. Ergonomics are good except for a couple of expected British eccentricities. But, when keeping your eyes and mind focused on the road ahead, there’s a lot to love about this compact cat. The supercharged V6 delivers a wealth of mid-range torque that had us looking for reasons to tap into it. And very responsive steering gave us plenty of confidence when curves were quickly approaching. And it does all of this while feeling very serene inside, the way only a Jaguar can. Pricing for this compact cat starts at just over $35,000 for the I4 turbo.