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PRETORIA - One of 2015's most anticipated cars, the Jaguar XE, has shown an array of technologies which the automaker says are designed to make every journey even more enjoyable.
The all-new nameplate competes in the tightly-contested small executive sedan market alongside the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. In fact a top car mag said the new Jag is better than the BMW.
We'll let you know once we've driven the car on local soil later in August.
Getting back to what the XE will offer when it's launched in Mzansi, XE customers will have the option of choosing from five trim levels. The range starts with an 'entry-level' XE Pure specification, customers have the option of revelling in luxury with the XE Prestige and XE Portfolio, or pursuing sportiness with the XE R-Sport and XE S.
LOADED WITH TECH
Lisa Mallett of Jaguar SA weighs in: "The Jaguar XE appeals to a wide audience, including increasingly tech-savvy customers who want the best technologies in their cars. This includes the standard connectivity options in the car, such as USB, all the way to the advanced driver assistance packages that make every journey a pleasure."
Standard in the XE S and XE Portfolio, and optional in R-Sport and Prestige, is a Meridian 380-watt, 11-speaker system.
All XE variants include a USB port with iPod integration, auxiliary audio jack, and Bluetooth connectivity used calls or to stream music wirelessly. A 20cm touch-screen allows drivers to enter the satellite navigation system – standard fitment on flagship variants.
LASER HEAD-UP DISPLAY
The XE features an arsenal of driver assistance features, including an industry-first laser head-up display (HUD) projecting sharp, high-contrast colour images onto the windscreen.
This technology provides drivers with important information with minimum distraction, allowing them to focus on the road. Jaguar says its system offers a better image quality,with the laser HUD smaller and almost a third lighter than existing systems.
The laser HUD forms part of the optional 'highway technology pack' for the XE, which also includes adaptive cruise control (ACC), available on all XE variants.
This latest-generation radar-based cruise control system not only adjusts speed to maintain a pre-set following distance to the car ahead, but also warns (via a warning indicator and audibly) drivers when traffic suddenly slows.
On the safety-end, the emergency braking will automatically slow the vehicle to reduce the chance of a collision. ACC also incorporates queue control, which brings the vehicle to a complete stop when traffic comes to a halt. Only a prod of the accelerator is needed to re-engage the system, which will accelerate to its preset speed and following distance.
JAGUAR DRIVE CONTROL
Like the other players in the segment, the XE has a system to alter driving modes called JaguarDrive Control. A standard feature across the range, drivers can choose between Eco and Dynamic modes.
The different modes control engine, steering, gearbox, traction control and information display systems.
Jaguar says eco mode will encourage drivers to adopt fuel efficient driving, with on-screen feedback relating to braking and acceleration. In dynamic mode throttle response is adjusted, the eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts more quickly and the steering weight is increased.
Look out for our driving impression of the new Jaguar XE later in August.
PRESTIGE TRIM: The Jaguar XE cabin in Prestige specification comes standard with a 20cm touchscreen incorporating satellite navigation as standard. Image: Jaguar
